http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/05/30/news46.asp


Devananda instructs officials:
Resettle Jaffna's displaced Muslims
Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda addressing the development council meeting at the Jaffna Divisional Secretariat on May 9, instructed officials to take immediate steps necessary, to resettle Muslims unjustifiably chased away from Jaffna peninsula by the LTTE as well as those displaced due to the three decade conflict.
The minister said that the allocation of funds for development activities needed to be done meaningfully and with commitment.
"It is the duty as well as the responsibility of the officials to supervise and monitor these activities consistently for the smooth progress and completion within the stipulated time frame," he said. Devananda said that he had been working in conjunction with the Lands Ministry for allotting state lands to the landless, lands for kovils and those needed for public use.
The minister said he had already taken action to submit a Cabinet paper in this regard. Steps would soon be taken to pay Rs 25,000 to the re-settled in Jaffna Divisional Secretariat Division who had not received this sum, the minister said. The minister emphasized that housing schemes would be initiated in accordance with government policies and also taking into consideration the population density of the areas.
Special allocation of funds for water supply and drainage too would be made up, the minister added.
Several state officials including the divisional secretary, Jaffna, representatives from voluntary organizations and civil organizations participated.