Top UNDP official discusses govt resettlement plans

(July 19, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Mr. Jordan Ryan, Assistant Secretary General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) during a three day visit to Sri Lanka has been re-assured that the government would settle the majority of the displaced people during the 180 day period, a UNDP statement said Sunday.

During his visit he also met with Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa and was informed that people will be moved as soon as demining is completed and basic infrastructure is put in place.

Mr. Ryan assured Mr. Rajapaksa of UNDP’s commitment to assist the recovery process through a combination of interventions ranging from support to livelihoods and housing to strengthening the capacity of local government administration to coordinate and manage the recovery effort as well as initiatives to promote community harmony, a UNDP statement said..

The UNDP said Mr. Ryan congratulated the Government on its efforts to lead the recovery and resettlement process.

The statement said with Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe he discussed the importance of effective protection mechanisms and a zero tolerance policy on harassment to ensure safety and security of all vulnerable populations in the camps.

-Sri Lanka Guardian