PR 34

In continuation of the ongoing assistance package to Government of Sri Lanka for rehabilitation in the Northern Province, the Government of India has, earlier today, conveyed its approval for supply of a second consignment of 2600 MT of Galvanized Corrugated Sheets to be used as shelter material for Internally Displaced Persons (idP). The total expenditure involved in procuring these items is US$ 2.65 million. The Government of India had earlier delivered the first consignment of 2600 MT galvanized corrugated sheets to the Government of Sri Lanka in August 2009.

In view of the importance attached to demining operations in the Wanni to accelerate the ongoing resettlement programme for the idPs, the Government of India has also approved augmentation of strength of Indian demining teams in Sri Lanka. Approval has been granted for two more teams to join the ongoing work on demining and further approval for one more team is expected shortly. This is in addition to the four demining teams funded by Government of India currently operating in various areas in northern Sri Lanka.

The Government of India has also agreed to a further grant of 50,000 individual packets of agricultural implements for distribution among idPs in Northern Sri Lanka. These packets consisting of basic implements like mamooties and kathies will help the idP population to resettle in their new areas of habitation and contribute to resumption of agricultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka. Earlier, the Government of India had financed the procurement of 20,000 packets of agricultural implements by Government of Sri Lanka.

Colombo