FM calls for fresh international assessment of developments in EP

Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama expressed hope that the ongoing settlement of IDPs in the Batticaloa District following the security operations to clear the area, would enable the international community to make a new assessment of developments in the Eastern Province and the manner in which the Security Forces and other agencies of the Government of Sri Lanka have worked to restore normalcy in an area which was once terrorized by the LTTE.

He was addressing the media, following a briefing held for members of the Diplomatic Community in Colombo on the restoration of normalcy in the Eastern Province.

It was noted that the number of IDPs in Batticaloa prior to May 14 was 80,384 persons. This included the 8,749 persons from the Trincomalee district.

The Minister said that the first phase of settlement of persons displaced in the Batticaloa area got under way on May 14 and was completed on May 24 with 21,574 persons already settled.

A further 24,000 were expected to return to their homes by the end of the month. The remaining persons will be allowed to return after the de-mining process has been completed.

The Foreign Minister said that a massive programme for infrastructure building and rehabilitation work was already under way in the Eastern Province adding that 53,000 persons in Muttur and 14,300 persons in Vakarai who were settled earlier, were already benefiting from this development.

He recalled that in his meetings with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and several other Foreign Ministers, he had noted that the redevelopment of the Eastern Province in Sri Lanka could serve as a model for post-conflict peace building and development.

He said that since earlier this month diplomats were free to travel to the East and hoped that they would observe for themselves the new development in the region.

DIG Nimal Lewke, Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF) who is responsible for the security of those returning to their homes in the Batticaloa district, made a presentation to the diplomats, and later to the media. In his presentation, DIG Lewke, highlighting the considerable dominance previously held by the LTTE in the now cleared area, outlined the government's programme for settlement and restoration of normalcy.

In addition, he gave details of the area concerned and immediate measures being taken to repair roads, telecommunication, electricity and water supply and to provide health, sanitation, transport, education services, and enabling livelihood activity.

The security measures being taken to protect the returning persons were also underlined.