The IDP issue

Sri Lanka's Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have earned much media publicity. Hardly a day passes without some reference to them in the international media is made. In actual fact, it is an issue overused.

Some of the stories about these IDPs are the result of a general humanitarian interest in their fate. But unfortunately, the same cannot be said of most stories, which thrive on the plight of these hapless persons in order to pursue various political and other motives.

It is necessary to place the issue in its proper context. Let us see the basic facts.

Firstly, one must ask how they became IDPs. They did not become IDPs as a result of governmental action. They became IDPs since the LTTE kept them as a human shield and chased them from place to place during the last phase of the Eelam war. Not only were they driven away from their original settlements, they were also used as a human shield to attack the security forces of the state.

Secondly, it was during the end of the war, when the LTTE strength was running out that they could enter the government controlled areas amidst heavy odds. Could any one forget how ammunition-filled trucks were sent to be exploded amidst hundreds of innocent civilians edging towards security of the government zone.

The influx of the civilians was colossal. It was nearly 300,000. To be more accurate, the figure was around 280,000. The influx of even 100,000 in the course of a week or two is unprecedented in history. However, Sri Lanka did provide shelter, attended to the sick and the feeble, the elderly and the orphaned in double quick time. Huge welfare villages were opened to accommodate them.

These camps were maintained with adequate health and sanitary safeguards so that the health conditions and nutrition standards of the inmates continually improved.

Thirdly, the resettlement program was worked out expeditiously and a 180-day deadline was set. There was no precedent anywhere in the world where such huge numbers were to be resettled in their original settlements in such a short span of time.

Fourthly, this entailed the de-mining of vast tracts of land including farmland and the building of physical and social infrastructure being destroyed almost completely by the three decade-old war.

Sri Lanka being a poor developing country this de-mining task was a colossal challenge. However, with the assistance of friendly countries new technology has been introduced to the de-mining process which has now accelerated its pace.

As it stands today the government has resettled over 100,000 in their original home villages. Not only that. These rehabilitated settlements are equipped with modern social and physical infrastructure. Further, there is also a livelihood support scheme.

These are achievements any nation could be proud of. The international community should recognize Sri Lanka's achievements and assist it to complete the task of speedy resettlement.

It is most unfortunate that certain powers misled by enemy propaganda cannot see or comprehend the true picture. Instead of assisting, they are placing obstacles by tarnishing the good name of the country and threatening it with punitive action, as if it had been at guilt.

The irony in this situation is that even countries with a track record of violations of human rights and practice of genocide the world over throughout decades are calling on Sri Lanka to 'behave.'

Fortunately Sri Lanka is not alone. Its friends have not abandoned her. This was amply demonstrated at the United Nations Human Rights Council which overwhelmingly rejected a bid to condemn Sri Lanka for alleged human rights violations. These true friends are doing much to ease the burden of the IDPs and to provide support for those that settle back in their original places of residence.

The government has been engaged in a concerted effort to help our misguided friends to understand the reality and get their assistance too.

The victory Sri Lanka has won over terrorism is a victory for the worldwide war on terror. Hence, it is essential that everyone cooperates in the struggle to provide a decent livelihood for all the displaced within the shortest possible timeframe. We remain optimistic that with the assistance of the international community and the dedication and commitment of our people our resettlement targets could be attained in the shortest possible timeframe.