Lanka assures India Tamils will be return home from camps

New Delhi, Jun 24 (PTI) Sri Lanka Wednesday assured
India that it would ensure that Tamils, displaced during the
military operations against LTTE, return to their homes after
their camps are dismantled within six months.

The assurance was conveyed by a high-level Sri Lankan
delegation which included Basil Rajapaksa, President's Special
Envoy and G B Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, which met External
Affiars Minister S M Krishna here.

Krishna told reporters later that India would assist
in the resettlement and rehabilitation process of the
displaced persons. New Delhi also remains committed to
demining activity to ensure their safe return.

The Sri Lankan government's commitment to devolve
"considerable power" to its provinces was also reaffirmed by
the delegation, according to the minister.

He said the delegation had agreed to India's
suggestion to allow the ship "Captain Ali" to off-load the
relief material meant for displaced persons in Northern Sri
Lanka. These items will now be routed through the Red Cross.

Earlier describing his discussions with Krishna as
very "positive", Basil Rajapaksa said "we have given a
positive reply to the Indian government and most of the
requests have been approved. I should not mention what is
going to be... but definitely it will be for the people in the
camps."

On whether the ship will be allowed to off-load, Basil
said "we have fulfilled the requirements".

Rajapaksa said he also had useful talks with the
Indian delegation, especially regarding a programme to
resettle all internally displaced persons who are now in
relief camps.

"We have a 180-day programme. First how to do
demining. The Indian government had earlier agreed to send
four teams but now on the request made to them, they are
trying to increase the number by 8. That will be helpful to
resettle these people," Rajapaksa said.

Krishna said he also told the Lankan delegation about
the need to "strictly adhere" to the understanding reached
in October last on matters relating to fishing.

"The Sri Lankan government clarified that it does not
contemplate putting up any structures at Katchchativu islet,"
the minister added.

The reported move by the Sri Lankan Navy to set up a
base in Katchchativu had drawn the ire of a cross-section of
people and parties in Tamil Nadu. PTI SHN