( October 18,
2012, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The United States while welcoming the work
by the Government of Sri Lanka to quickly resettle the large number of
internally displaced persons (IDPs) following the 26-year conflict has however
voiced concern about the rushed resettlement of the final IDPs to close the
Menik Farm camp.
"Many of
the most vulnerable families of the war-affected population in the North have
been placed on land hastily cleared without adequate shelter, water and
sanitation, or provisions to continue their livelihoods. Meanwhile, many
long term IDPs remain unable to return home or access basic services from the
Government of Sri Lanka. Through its assistance, the United States is helping
resettled people move towards a better future and the U.S. Embassy looks
forward to continuing to work with the Government of Sri Lanka provide the
services and care Sri Lankans need", the US Embassy in Colombo said in a
statement.
It added: The
U.S. Government recently awarded over $3million to three organizations
supporting resettling communities in the Mullaitivu and Killinochchi districts. The United
States Agency for International Development (USAID)'s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster
Assistance awarded funding to ZOA Refugee Care, Sewalanka, and Practical Action
to provide the basic needs that many Sri Lankans urgently require. The support
will provide help to nearly 50,000 Sri Lankans with basic services such as
adequate shelter, access to potable water and proper sanitation, and food
security. The programs will also put these
individuals on the road to a sustainable future, with support to start
generating needed income, and connect farmers and fishermen with markets.
