75 Sri Lankan refugees from TN return home today

At least 75 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu returned home under the UNHCR facilitated voluntary repatriation programme, the Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs said.

There are two voluntary repatriation movements on Tuesday consisting 29 persons (7 families)  from Madurai and 31 persons (13 families) from Trichy and 15 persons (8 families) from Chennai arrived to the country today. 

V.Sivagnanasothy, Secretary, Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs said that since 2011, already 4,870 refugees (1,770 Families) have returned to Sri Lanka and the returnees will get back to Mannar, Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Trincomalee and Mullaitivu to resettle in their own lands.

Further, the UNHCR provides free air tickets, reintegration allowance of US$ 75 per person, transport allowance US$ 19 per person and monitory non-food grant of US$ 75 per family.  Over 64,000 are stationed in 109 welfare camps in India. Totally, over 100,000 refugees are currently in India. 

Minister of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D.M.Swaminathan presented a Cabinet paper on which livelihood assistance of maximum Rs. 100,000 to refugee returnees is provided to support the livelihood activities.

Further, the provision of dry ration has been already approved for six months. The REPPIA has been instructed by the Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs to provide compensation for those who have lost their houses and suffered loss of lives of kiths and kins and for injuries. 

Secretary Sivagnansothy said that, the refugees who loss their houses will be provided with houses under the housing programme of the Ministry. The Government  has initiated action to encourage the voluntary refugee returnee programme on a phased out basis and the current trend of increased refugee returnees is a sign of reconciliation and moving towards permanent peace.