24.9.2008
Colombo News Desk

Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe emphasises that the government remains committed to create a better tomorrow for civilians displaced by terrorism.

He pointed out that the present moment heralds peace for the country. The Minister made these comments inaugurating the three day National Consultation on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons today. It is aimed at the development of a National Policy and development of an Action Plan for persons who were in a situation of displacement before April 2006.

The keynote speaker at the inaugural session was Professor Walter Kalin who is a Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons. He pointed out that displaced persons undergo various psychological effects due to the loss of familiar surroundings, property and at times their loved ones. He commended the government’s resettlement drive. Meanwhile Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake observes that through the humanitarian operation in the north security forces are nearing total victory. He stated that correct measures undertaken contribute in this endeavour.