Status of Livelihood Development and Humanitarian Assistance

Government plans on rebuilding road network in the North 

The reconstruction of 85 kilometer Mannar - Pooneryn A-32 road has commenced. The project will be completed in several stages. Meanwhile, a feasibility study on constructing the Kandy-Jaffna A-9 highway is now underway.

Electricity to the North

The Government has allocated six billion rupees to provide electricity to the North under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” programme. Under this programme a transformer has been installed near Iranamadhu tank in Kilinochchi. Measures have already been taken to provide electricity to the Jaffna, Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya Districts.

Credit facilities for small and micro businesses in the North

Central bank of Sri Lanka has taken action to provide three billion rupees to several banks to lend to small and micro businesses in the North. Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank, Seylan Bank, and Sanasa Development Bank, which have branches in the North, will get central bank re-finance. Under the proposed loan scheme, credit facilities would be available for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, small scale enterprises, trade and other self employment projects.

Annual feast of Our Lady of Madhu will be celebrated on a grand scale in August

Arrangements are being made to hold the annual feast of Our Lady of Madhu on a grand scale from August 6. A discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday chaired by Hon. Basil Rajapaksa MP with the participation of the Catholic clergy and Government officials involved in facilitating the feast through various channels to evaluate the progress of the preparations for the occasion.

 Facilities for IDSLs  

Ø       All welfare centres are provided common cooking facilities. Dry rations are provided by WFP

Ø       All welfare centres have been provided with electricity for use in kitchens, preschools, visitors area, toilets and bathing areas

Ø       06 Public and Private Banks in Jaffna and 02 State Banks have been established in side Vavuniya welfare centers. They are providing regular services to the IDSLs.

Ø       Co-operatives, postal services and other recreational facilities are being provided

Ø       21 International and local agencies (including 03 UN agencies and ICRC) in the Jaffna Peninsula and 52 International and local agencies in Vavuniya are providing assistance to the IDSLs

Total number of IDSL arrived from October 2008 as at 30 June 2009

All IDSLs sheltered in 35 transit centers in Jaffna, Mannar Trincomalee and Vavuniya and Menik farm welfare center (which include 5 zones)

 Number of IDSLs released and re-unified in Vavuniya and Jaffna

Facilities at IDSL Sites in Vavuniya

 Prepared by Public Communications Division based on information provided by the Presidential Secretariat, Ministry of Defence, Ministry Disaster Management and Human Rights and Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services

15/07/2009