Major development in Northern Province - Governor Chandrasiri

"Resettlement has been major challenge for any country which faced armed conflict. Sri Lanka is no exception to this situation. But Sri Lanka has implemented the Resettlement Program in a more successful manner compared to other countries", said Governor of Northern Province GA Chandrasiri and reiterated the Government's dedicated commitment towards resettlement and reconciliation. Government of Sri Lanka has spent large amount of funds for a rapid and massive development in Northern Province as soon as the war came to an end in 2009. It was done under the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and guidance of Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

GA Chandrasiri says that the process of resettling the displaced from Mannar to Nandikadal has been concluded successfully, following the elimination of terrorism. A massive development has taken place in the Northern Province under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program. The buildings and roads destroyed by the war have been successfully reconstructed. Reconciliation in language, religion and cultural activities have become significant achievement to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Reconciliation in languages, religion and equal opportunities has brought conflicting minds together and created a one nation concept even among extremist elements.

Participating in a discussion of the National Radio, he said that the government has focused special attention to strengthen the livelihood of the displaced civilians after resettling them in their original villages the Jaffna high security zone has been removed. Currently, only two high security areas remain. The lands will be handed over to the original residents following the withdrawal of the high security areas. Major General Chandrasiri commenting on a statement made by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding land rights in the North at Walikamam Jaffna recently said that the Central Government and the Northern Provincial Council have taken necessary measures to give the land rights to the people concerned. The Ministry of Economic development has also implemented a special program to enhance the living standards of the resettled communities.

The implementation of the national human rights plan is being carried out in parallel to the implementation of the recommendations of the commission report on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation.

Sri Lanka has successfully embarked on development after the elimination of terrorism. A resettlement of the displaced, the removal of landmine and the rehabilitation of surrendered LTTE cadres. The Tiger friendly Tamil Diaspora and Channel 4 on numerous occasions had attempted to discredit Sri Lanka.

He also says that the correct foreign policy of the country would become invaluable to seek the assistance of member countries of the Human Rights Council. He adds that the statement made by Japan to continuously extend aid is another victory achieved by the country.

In the meantime, the Japanese Government has submitted a report to UN Human Rights Council, praising the efforts taken by Sri Lankan Government to improve the Human Rights record in recent past.

The report also mentioned about the Sri Lankan Government's honest contribution to establish peace in the world.