The U.S. will provide assistance to the tune of $1 million towards resettlement and education in Sampoor in eastern Sri Lanka, where many Tamils were displaced during the Eelam War.

 

After meeting Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha in Colombo on Tuesday, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Nisha Biswal, told reporters that the U.S. was looking forward to working with President Maithripala Sirisena and the new government in this task and many other endeavours.

 

On last Saturday, Sirisena had formally launched the process of resettlement in Sampoor and handed over land deeds to 25 people.

 

Of the U.S.’s assistance, $1,00,000 would be managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development to help newly-resettled communities meet their basic needs.  The remaining  $9,00,000 has been set apart for building two schools in Sampoor and houses the displaced families, according to a release issued by the American embassy here.

 

The U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Atul Keshap, who took charge last week, said: “Our goal is to help Sri Lankans around the country overcome the effects of conflict and displacement, improve the lives of their families and communities, and live with dignity.”   

 

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Tom Malinowski, who was part of the delegation, said people of Sri Lanka had voted for the rule of law, against impunity and for reconciliation. Mr. Samaraweera said he had apprised the U.S. delegation of the measures being taken to “address concerns regarding alleged human rights violations.”

(The Hindu)