LANKA-PM 2LST

Singh said Government was in the process of taking up
several projects worth Rs 500 crore earmarked in Indian Budget
relating to restoring livelihood, rehabilitating
infrastructure like Railways, rejuvenating agriculture and
imparting livelihood and employment skills in Sri Lanka.

Singh was apparently referring to Karunanidhi's demand
that Centre should seek details on how Colombo proposed to
spend the aid.

"The field hospital set up by us has now treated more
than 38,000 patients. Our teams are in the process of clearing
tracts in the North to expedite the resettlement process," he
said, adding India had also sent shelter material.

India has stressed the need to address the legitimate
grievances of Tamils within the framework of a united Sri
Lanka, Singh said.

Besides these, the state government's contribution to
the relief assistance has also been "deeply appreciated and
brought much needed solace to the affected Tamil families,"
the Prime Minister said.

On the issue of the stranded relief material in Sri
Lanka sent by Tamil diaspora, he said the Indian Red Cross had
handed over the consignment to its Sri Lankan counterparts and
"we expect the Sri Lankan government to facilitate" its
clearance and undertake distribution. PTI SA
ANU


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