Protracted Muslim IDPs from Jaffna in Puttalam and their Right to ...

Only around 20 percent of the 621 people reported having HLP ownership in both Jaffna and
Puttalam. Among this group of 124 people, 75 percent possessed a deed and 3 percent permits for
land in at least one of the two locations.
Perceptions about the situation in Jaffna
Livelihoods and HLP access of Jaffna returnees
Upon being asked their awareness regarding livelihood and HLP access in Jaffna for spontaneous
returnees, 44 percent of the total 621 respondents said that few of the returnees had been able to find
livelihood opportunities or access basic shelter. They had heard that many were staying in schools
and colleges in Jaffna, some in “refugee-like” conditions. Almost 24 percent, however, were under the
opposite impression and believed that most of the spontaneous returnees had been able to access
livelihood opportunities and housing. Around 18 percent of the respondents believed that half of the
returnees had been successful in finding livelihood opportunities and housing, while 11 percent said
that they were unaware of returnee conditions. Many among this 11 percent expressed a lack of
interest in having information on the situation in Jaffna. Approximately 3 percent of the IDPs appeared
to have heard of good livelihoods opportunities for returnees, but little progress in the area of HLP.
13. Livelihoods and HLP access of Jaffna returnees
Freedom of movement situation in Jaffna
With regard to any particular restrictions on freedom of movement for the local population in Jaffna,
out of the 621 respondents, 65 percent had heard of no different or greater restrictions in Jaffna as
compared to Puttalam, and 23 percent had heard of more restrictions in Jaffna as compared to
Puttalam. Around 9 percent said they were unaware of the movement situation in Jaffna, and only 3
percent had heard of much more stringent restrictions in Jaffna as compared to Puttalam.
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