Colombo, October 13: A delegation of MPs from Tamil Nadu today raised the issue of speedy resettlement of displaced Tamils living in camps with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who said the process could be accelerated only after demining is completed in the war-ravaged north.
The 10-member team, comprising MPs belonging to the DMK-led front in Tamil Nadu also discussed the issue of a political settlement to the ethnic problem in Sri Lanka, said a report posted on the presidential secretariat website.
Rajapaksa said that any settlement must be one that is accepted by all communities and by Sri Lanka’s neighbour.
The MPs were concerned about the speedy resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in camps after the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels in May, but were also “appreciative of” the actions taken by the government so far in this direction, according to the report.
Rajapaksa told them resettlement could be accelerated only after demining is completed for the safety of the people.
Senior Advisor to President, Basil Rajapaksa, explained that within two days, the “crowding” in IDP centres will begin to be reduced with increased resettlement.
The team expressed fears about coming monsoon rains but were assured that required steps have been taken to ensure that no hardships are caused to IDPs.
—PTI