India has deployed seven demining teams in civil war ravaged areas of Northern Sri Lanka, besides number of other assistance projects for the people affected by the conflict, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
In a written reply, Minister for External Affairs S M Krishna said Government of India has provided extensive assistance to people affected by the conflict which includes a Rs 500 crore for relief, rehabilitation and resettlement in Sri Lanka.
"India has deployed seven demining teams in Northern Sri Lanka; sent three consignments of 2600 MT each of shelter material; distributed 70,000 agricultural starter packs to revive agricultural activities; gifted 55 buses to the Northern, Eastern and Central provinces; conducted an artificial limb fitment camp in Northern Sri Lanka for internally displaced persons and has also gifted 4 lakh cement bags for resettling IDP families to assist them repair damaged houses," he said.
He said government is of the view that the end of conflict in Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to pursue a lasting political settlement there within the framework of a United Sri Lanka, acceptable to all communities of the island nation, including the Tamils.
"During a recent visit of the President of Sri Lanka, India has reiterated that a meaningful devolution package, building upon the 13th Amendment would create the necessary conditions for a lasting settlement. The President of Sri Lanka reiterated his determination to evolve a political settlement acceptable to all communities," Krishna said.
He said as humanitarian relief, India has dispatched 2.5 lakh family relief packs which were mobilised by the Tamil Nadu government and deployed an emergency field hospital for six months.
"India has also announced construction of 50,000 houses of the IDPs in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. India is assisting Sri Lanka in several projects in Northern and Eastern Provinces, including railway infrastructure, Kankasanthrai harbour, a thermal power plant at Trincomalee, cultural centre in Jaffna, Duraiappa stadium, vocational centres, agricultural sector etc.," Krishna said.
