Status of Livelihood Development and Humanitarian Assistance

Fishing restrictions lifted in the Northern and Eastern seas

In order to uplift the livelihood of the fishing community in the Northern and Eastern provinces the government has decided to lift all restrictions which were in force to prevent LTTE illegal activities. The decision came into effect after a discussion held by Senior Presidential Advisor Hon. Basil Rajapaksa MP with the fishing community in the two provinces on the directions of the H.E the President. The fishermen in both provinces can now engage in fishing activities in day and night time. Sri Lanka Navy has taken the measures to ensure the safety of the civilians involved in fishing activity. Furthermore, ferry movement in the Delft island is permitted without time restrictions under Naval supervision.

Transport goods through A-9

Private traders/transporters are allowed to transport consumer goods by lorries through A- 9, Kandy – Jaffna highway. A convoy of 40 lorries will be permitted twice a week to travel through A-9 highway. So far nearly 300 private lorry owners registered with government authorities for transport of essential goods to the North. The government is also planning to allow public transport along the road during day time once de-mining process is completed.

Northern rail track extended to Omanthai

Reconstruction work of the northern railway track will be extended upto Omanthai within the next three months. Earlier, the railway track was extended to Thandikulam and the Thandikulam railway station was ceremonially declared open recently.

Water and Sanitation ( Vavuniya welfare centers)

The water supply for the IDSL welfare centers has increased. In addition to the existing 3 .5 km pipeline laid by The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) which supplies water from the Kallaru river, the 1st Phase of a joint project with UNICEF assistance has been completed by the NWSDB. The project consisted of the laying of a 5.5 kms of pipeline from Malwathu Oya to Zone 03. The pipeline makes available 4000 cubic maters of water per day which is sufficient for 200, 000 persons on a basis of 40 litres/person/day. In addition water bowsering is on going to all IDP sites. Average water use for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene is 15 litres/person/day.

Resettlement

The Ministry of resettlement and Disaster Relief Services has provided a revised update of the resettlement figure for the Musali DS Division in Mannar. The 1st Phase returned 109 families consisting of 369 persons on 30 May 2009 in the Shaveriyapuram Grama Niladhari Division. The 2nd Phase returned 542 families consisting of 2,040 persons in 13 GN Divisions on 09 June 2009. A total of 642 families consisting of 2,397 persons have been retuned to their origina