UN, Sri Lanka discuss on Lankan refugees in India; UN urged to assist refugees to return

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer has called on the Governor of Northern Province Dr. Suren Raghavan at his Office in Jaffna on Wednesday (13) and had a discussion on the lands and houses in the Northern Province and Sri Lankan refugees in India, the Governor’s Office stated.

Under the direction of the President Maithripala Sirisena, lands and farms in Northern Province which were occupied by Sri Lanka Security Forces are being released to the civilians step by step. As the result, there is a sudden increase in the number of houses needed already in the Northern Province. The discussion focused on this matter too, the Governor’s Office stressed.

The Governor also requested the UN to help bring back Sri Lankan refugees in India who have migrated from the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Governor expressed his gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Northern Province. Since the Northern Province was badly affected by the war, the people living in this Province face economic problems. He demanded the UN Resident Coordinate to initiate plans to get them out.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka said that the meeting with the Governor was very fruitful and said he would pay attention to the Governor’s requests.

Secretary to the Governor L. Ilaangovan and Chief Secretary of Northern Province A. Pathinathan were also present in this meeting.