United Nations Radio

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, on Thursday concluded his three-day mission to Sri Lanka, where he met with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other senior government officials.

John Holmes

Mr. Holmes also met with a delegation of members of parliament of the Tamil National Alliance to hear their views on the situation of internally displaced people and the political process.

In a press conference Mr. Holmes welcomed the recent releases and returns of internally displaced people from camps, and in particular, the reduction by half of the population in the main camp in Menik Farm.

UN spokesperson Michele Montas has more.

"While underscoring the fundamental need for full freedom of movement for IDPs who remain in camps, he stressed the need for continued progress in allowing people to leave the camps and restore their normal life and dignity. Holmes reiterated that the UN remains committed to working with the Government to improve the returns process."

Mr. Holmes said the United Nations will also help to assure satisfactory conditions in areas of return, especially in the fields of shelter, basic services and livelihoods.

He emphasized the need to build confidence between communities with a view to ensuring a just and sustainable peace and long-term political reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

More than two decades of conflict between government forces and the Tamil Tigers ended in May this year.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio
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