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The STF also conducted operations south of Thoppigala and played an equally important role in settling the internally displaced persons in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts. To the credit of the STF it handled the resettlement of civilians in the Batticaloa district tactfully. Almost 100,000 civilians were allowed to return to their villages after the STF screened them. The screening process launched in May 2007 facilitated the resettlement of civilians in the Vellaweli area and the programme was completed quicker than expected. As part of overall change in deployment of troops to enhance security in areas vulnerable to LTTE attacks, the government recently shifted the STF from the Ampara district to Padaviya, Kebitigollewa and neighbouring areas. The focus was the overall improvement of security in the East, particularly in the Ampara district paving the way for re-location of a section of the STF strength. |
