GL briefs Malwatte prelate on resettlement

Prelate wants cases against LTTE suspects expedited

By Cyril Wimalasurendre

KANDY – Foreign observers and state leaders visiting the once war-torn North and East have expressed satisfaction with the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to rehabilitate and resettle those living in camps following the 30-year-old war, Foreign Affairs Minister Professor G. L. Peiris told the Mahanayake of the Malwatte Chapter most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera yesterday (27).

Professor Peiris told the prelate that some visiting leaders had noted that the Sri Lanka government should be proud of the programmes for resettlement of those in the rehabilitation camps and development of the Northern and Eastern regions.

He said that very few refugees were left in camps and they would be re-settled in their native villages in the near future.

He said that rehabilitation programmes and the vocational training for those held in camps were very successful and they were appreciated by those leaving the camps to return to their normal life with the families.

The delay in the re-settlement of those in camps was due to two reasons, professor Peiris told the prelate. one was the presence of land-mines and the other was that large extents of land had been grabbed by the LTTE and given the families of their cadres who had died in action.

He added that the new settlements were provided with infrastructure facilities, including roads, electricity and water, he said.

The prelate then told Prof Pieris that legal action against those in custody over terrorism charges should be expedited while those found innocent should be released. He added that hose detained for minor offences should not be unnecessarily kept in custody but should be directed for rehabilitation after the completion of investigations taking legal action.

Prof Pieris replied that cases against those under detention would be heard and the innocent released with the least delay. A solution to any ethnic issue would be found locally without foreign intervention.

Responding to a statement by the Mahanayake Professor Peiris said that the issue with the university teachers had been made into a tool by some political ideologists.

He wished that the issue would be solved shortly.

The prelate said that it was important to resettle those in the camps in their former lands and urged that the resettlement be expedited.

The prelate also said that the government should hold fruitful dialogue with the striking university dons and continue the university education.

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