Top Indian official 'to assess IDP welfare'

(July 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Indian Premier Manmohan Singh is to send a senior External Affairs Mministry official to Sri Lanka to assess the progress of rehabilitation measures in the north and east, reports said.

The official will consult with the high commissioner in Colombo and the local authorities, besides visiting the northern and eastern provinces to measure the progress in those areas, Indian media reported.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had earlier asked the premier to assess the situation in the affected areas in Sri Lanka, through diplomatic sources or a special envoy. Deccan Chronicle said Mr Karunanidhi also wanted New Delhi to evaluate the "progress of rehabilitation measures undertaken by the government for internally displaced people".

Writing to the prime minister ten days ago, Mr Karunanidhi said the proposed assessment could cover the timeframe for completing the process of resettlement to the satisfaction of the affected persons.

Mr Karunanidhi reportedly expressed sadness that the measures had not progressed at the expected level.