58 Sri Lankan refugees to return from India today : Resettlement Ministry

A total of 58 persons from 23 families who fled to India as refugees during the war will return to the country today (Apr 09), the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province said.

Ministry Secretary V.Sivagnanasothy said the group will comprise 26 males and 32 females and would arrive on an SriLankan UL 138, UL 132 and UL 122 flights.

These people will resettle themselves in Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Colombo, Mr. Sivagnanasothy said while pointing out that these people had fled the country with the assistance of the UN High Commissioner'sof Officer during the war.

Accordingly, the UN High Commission will provide these people free air tickets, and allowances ranging from Rs 10,000 to adults and Rs 5000 for children. Further, a travel allowance of Rs 2500 will also be provided to each person. This would be in addition to an allowance of Rs 10,000 which will be given to each family.

Further, the Ministry will also grant these refugees Rs 5000 upon arrival to the country, Rs 25,000 to build a temporary home, and Rs 3000 for the purchase of home appliances, Secretary Mr. Sivagnanasothy noted.