In the next batch of voluntary repatriation, 12 Sri Lankan refugees, living in various camps across India, would be leaving for Colombo from Tiruchi on Friday, The Hindu newspaper reported.
Their repatriation is being assisted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and financially supported by the German Consulate in Chennai.
According to the Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Chennai Achim Fabig, the Consulate has agreed to assist 420 Sri Lankan refugees living in India with a budget of over Rs. 37 lakh (50,000 euros).
The UNHCR has been assisting the voluntary repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees. An official of the UNHCR says the German Consulate in Chennai expressed interest in supporting the repatriation and its support is expected to continue till March . With the assistance of UNHCR, 452 refugees returned to the island last year.
-Agencies
