68,058
currently in 110 TN welfare camps 5628 returned home since end of war
The repatriation of over 100,000 Sri Lankan refugees from India would
feature at the next meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission early next
year. During different periods of the war, a large number of affected persons
sought refuge in Tamil Nadu, India. Currently, 68,058 Sri Lankan refugees
remained in 110 welfare camps in different parts of Tamil Nadu. Besides, 34,471
refugees were staying with their host families in India.
Resettlement Ministry Secretary Janaka Sugathadasa told that 5628
refugees had returned to the country since the end of the war in 2009, through
the voluntary repatriation process facilitated by the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Likewise, 2400 more refugees had consented
to return to the country and resettle in their original places in the north and
the east.
Mr. Sugathadasa said the authorities of the two countries had included
the repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees in the agenda of the India-Sri Lanka
Joint Commission which met for the first time in January this year."With
the assistance of the UNHCR, returnees would be given free air tickets, exit
permits from India, and also a reintegration allowance of Rs.25, 000," he
said. Most of the refugees, he said, appeared to be well absorbed into Indian
society.
"The state government of Tamil Nadu has given various incentives to
them during their stay expanding over 20 years. Some of their children are
well-educated. There are some, studying at medical colleges," he said.
"We are encouraging them to return through a voluntary repatriation
process."
16.09.2013
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