A batch of 65 Sri Lankan refugees, from some 32 families, returned from India today, Minister of Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D.M. Swaminathan told Ada Derana.
The Sri Lankan nationals, who had been living in various refugee camps across Tamil Nadu after fleeing the island during the war, were warmly welcomed upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by the minister and other officials.
Swaminathan stated that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) - UN’s refugee agency – and Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration had provided immense assistance I the task.
He stated that the returning refugees were also provided with financial assistance, a small sum deposited in a People’s Bank account under their name.
The minister said that the refugees were provided transport to their respective houses or next of kin and instructed to notify the Ministry of Resettlement regarding any issues pertaining to lodging.
Swaminathan stated that the refugees had wanted to return after the war ended but didn’t do so due to fear of interrogation and arrest under the previous government.
