At the conclusion
of the fourth SIHRN meeting held in Kilinochchi from 27-28
February, the head of the government delegation Ambassador
Bernard Goonetilleke stated that he was very satisfied
with the remarkable progress achieved by the Sub-Committee
in the short period of its existence.
The Sub-Committee approved
14 projects for immediate implementation. These projects
were presented as concept papers at the previous meeting
held in January.
On an initiative directed
by the Hon. Prime Minister, the government delegation
in collaboration with relevant institutions developed
477 concept papers on rehabilitation and reconstruction
activities covering the eight districts of the North and
East. The concept papers were accepted by the Sub-Committee
for appraisal by the Secretariat.
The members also
reached an agreement on developing a fast-track resettlement
programme for the Mannar district, which addresses the
concerns of communities displaced from the district. The
programme will receive the assistance of UNHCR. The needs
assessment report is due to be completed by end March.