83 Tamil refugees return to the country

A group of 83 Tamil refugees who fled the country during the conflict have returned to Sri Lanka from Chennai, India.

The group returned to the country under the guidance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Accordingly 11,020 Tamil refugees have returned to the island between 2009 and to date, after fleeing the country while another 3,815 refugees have consented to returning to their homeland.

The refugees are due to be settled in their former cities including Vavuniya, Mannar, Matale, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Jaffna.

The refugees were granted free air tickets from the UNHCR to return to Sri Lanka.

The government has taken measures to provide dry rations and funds up to Rs.100,000 for a period of six months as a concession for cost of living.

The refugees are returning to the country as a result of an open invitation extended by the government requesting all those who fled the country to return.

Courtesy : NEWSRADIO