by Dilanthi Jayamanne
The Cabinet approved a total of Rs. 100,000 for each internally displaced family under the Unified Assistance Scheme (UAS) for resettlement in the North and East. Minister of Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Refugees Dr. Jayalath Jayawardane said yesterday that he had made recommendations to Cabinet to increase the Rs. 65,000 grant given to each IDP family under UAS to Rs. 100,000.

The Recommendations which were made nearly three months ago were approved by Cabinet last month, Dr. Jayawardane pointed out.

Earlier the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees (MRRR) granted Rs. 15,000 initially to each IDP family while another Rs. 50,000 was granted for a permanent house, he said pointing out that the total amount paid to the IDP’s for resettlement was Rs. 65,000.

Jayawardane said that Cabinet had approved an increase in the amount a month ago.

As a result each IDP family would be paid an initial Rs. 25,000 for Resettlement and a final amount of Rs. 75,000 for permanent shelter.

Resettlement assistance is provided for IDP’s and Refugees under the UAS. "It is necessary that all returning IDP’s and refugees are voluntary in safety and dignity," the MRRR recently pointed out adding that rehabilitation assistance would only be provided to families who have returned to land and property that they own or which has been granted by the authorities. "It could also be land or property that is available to returnees for the purpose of durable settlement," they said.

Explaining the UAS package, ministerial sources said that it is given to IDP’s for settling, productive enterprise grant, implements, temporary huts and for their permanent house.