Reply to TamilNet (On suspension of IDP relief)

[TamilNet, Friday, 30 July 2004, 11:20 GMT]
This refers to the news item in TamilNet - 28th July 2004, under the title "Jaffna IDP families struggle to survive without relief".

Government provides dry ration to 129000 Internally Displaced families in Jaffna, living in Welfare Centres, outside Welfare Centres with friends and relations, re-settled families and economically affected families.

Value of food relief provided per month is Rs.112 Million.

A decision was made by the Central Advisory Group headed by the Secretary to the Prime Minister during the regime of the previous Government to issue dry ration to re-settled families for a period of one year only after the payment of UAS. This decision was conveyed to Government Agent, Jaffna for implementation.

There was no decision by this Government to reduce the number of IDP families. by one third.

Subsequently requests were made to this Government to continue the relief as the economic conditions of the families have not improved. It has been decided to conduct the review with the participation of a team at grass root level.

This Government considered the requests and representations made and extended the relief for a further period of 3 months, pending a review of the economic status of the families now provided dry ration by GA Jaffna.

It has been revealed that affluent families are drawing dry rations in Jaffna. From the proposed review GA is expected to identify those eligible and continue to provide dry rations or absorb them under Samurdhi Programme.

Government Agent informs that there was a delay in the distribution of food relief due to his inability to procure rice from Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu as a result of delayed harvest and the increase in market price of rice.

GA has been requested to expedite procurement of rice and ensure that food relief reaches the IDPS in time.

It is not the intention of the Government to deprive food relief to the deserving families who depend fully on relief.

The Government will continue to provide relief to those eligible and depend fully on relief.

Sgd.
M S Jayasinghe
Secretary
Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconciliation