Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state the steps taken by the Government for a political solution to the long pending problem of the Tamil minority in the neighbouring country and address the humanitarian problems faced by Sri Lankan Tamils?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA)

Government is of the view that the end of conflict in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to pursue a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, acceptable to all the communities in Sri Lanka including the Tamils. During the recent visit of the President of Sri Lanka, India has reiterated that a meaningful devolution package, building upon the 13th Amendment would create the necessary conditions for a lasting political settlement. The President of Sri Lanka reiterated his determination to evolve a political settlement acceptable to all communities.
Government of India has provided extensive assistance to people affected by the conflict. In June, 2009 India announced Rs 500 crores for relief & rehabilitation & resettlement in Sri Lanka. As humanitarian relief assistance we had dispatched 2.5 lakh family relief packs which were mobilised by Tamil Nadu Government and deployed an emergency field hospital for six months. India has deployed seven demining teams in Northern Sri Lanka; sent 3 consignments of 2600 MT each of shelter material; distributed 70,000 agricultural starters packs to revive agricultural activities; gifted 55 buses to the Northern, Eastern and Central Provinces; conducted an artificial limb fitment camp in Northern Sri Lanka for internally displaced persons and has also gifted 4 lakh cement bags for resettling IDP families to assist them to repair their damaged houses. India has also announced construction of 50,000 houses for the IDPs in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. India is assisting Sri Lanka in several projects in Northern & Eastern Provinces including railway infrastructure, Kankasanthrai harbour, a thermal power plant at Trincomalee, cultural centre at Jaffna, Duraiappa stadium, vocational centres, agricultural sector, etc.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=2202&pg=15&y=2010.

Lok Sabha

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South Asia