Monthly report - May-Full 2004 NPDS For IDPs ... - IDP SriLanka

Monthly report - May-Full 2004 

NPDS For IDPs Project 

Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka 

1

Table of Content 

Page 

1 Complaints 

1.1 Total Number of complaints received 01 

1.2 Received complaints in May by Nature 02-05 

1.3 Details of Arrest & Release 06 

1.4 Details of Abductions 07 

1.5 Details of Disappearances & Trace 08 

2. Visits & Visits Reports 09-12 

3. Meetings & Discussion 13-18 

4. Awareness Programmes 19-20 

5. Situation Reports 21-33 

 




2

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA 

MONTHLY REPORT – MAY 2004 

1. COMPLAINTS 

1.1 TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED: 

REGION 

PENDING 

UP TO 

MAY 

30.04.2004 RECEIVED DISPOSED 

SPECIAL 

DISPOSE 

ADDITIONAL 

CASES 

BALANCE on 31 st 

MAY 

Batticaloa 766 08 266 - 283 791 

Jaffna 131 44 33 - 30 172 

Mannar 738 17 10 586 - 159 

Puttlam 404 15 45 08 - 366 

Trincomalee 740 76 37 343 - 436 

Vavuniya 995 07 - 435 - 567 

Total 3774 167 391 1372 313 2491 




3

1.2 RECEIVED COMPLAINTS IN MAY- BY NATURE: 

NATURE OF COMPLAINT 

BATTICALOA 

JAFFNA 

MANNAR 

PUTTLAM 

TRINCOMALEE 

VAVUNIYA 

TOTAL 

No. of complaints on Torture, Harassment, Illegal Arrest & Detention - 01 02 05 - 02 10 

No. of complaints against Executive & Administration actions & other FR violations - 02 04 - 01 - 07 

HR violations 08 41 11 10 75 05 150 

Total 08 44 17 15 76 07 167 

BATTICALOA JAFFNA MANNAR PUTTLAM TRINCOMALEE VAVUNIYA 

May May May May May May 

NATURE OF VIOLATION 

Balance up to 

30.04.2004 

Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

01. Violation of Fundamental 

Rights 

1. ARITICE 10 

Freedom of thought, conscience 

and religion. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 




4




Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

2. ARTICLE 11 

i. Inhuman treatment 

- - - - 01 01 - - - - - - - - - - - - 

ii. Degrading punishment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

iii. Harassment - - - - - 01 - - - - 05 02 - 01 - - 01 - 

iv. Torture - - - - - - - 01 01 - - - - - - - - - 

3. ARTICLE 12 

i. Equal before the law & equal 

protection 

ii. 

Discrimination on the basis 

of….. 

- - - - - - - 03 02 - - - - - - - - - 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

4. ARTICLE 13 

i. Illegal arrest 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 01 - 

ii. Illegal detention - - - - - - - 01 01 - - - - - - - - - 

iii. Illegal arrest & detention - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

5. ARTICLE 14 

a. Freedom of speech & 

expression 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

b. Freedom of peace assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

c. Freedom of association - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 




5




Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

d. Freedom to form and join trade 

union 

e. Freedom of manifest own 

religion 

f. Right to enjoy and promote 

own culture and to use own 

language 

g. Freedom to engage in any 

lawful occupation 

h. Freedom of movement and 

choosing residence 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

- - - - 02 - - - - - - - - - - - - 

i. Freedom to return to Sri Lanka - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

FR – TOTAL 

- - - 03 02 - 06 04 - 05 02 - 01 - - 02 - 

02. Violations of Human 

Rights/Guiding Principles and 

Providing Humanitarian 

assistance 

1. HR abuses 

ii. Abduction - - - - - - - 05 04 - - - - - - - - - 

iii. Child Recruitment - - - - - - - 04 02 - - - - - - - - - 

iv. Taxation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

v. Disappearances - - 02 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 01 - 




6




Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

vi. Free Legal Aid - - - - 02 02 - - - - - - - - - - - - 

vii. Other - - - - 01 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

2. Adequate standards of living 

condition 

i. Dry ration 

- - - - 03 - - - - - - - - 02 03 - 02 - 

ii. Water & Sanitation - - - - - - - - - - - 01 - - 06 - - - 

iii. Medical - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

iv. Education - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 06 - - - 

v. Shelter - - - - 01 01 - - - - - - - 01 - - - 

vi. Land - 02 01 - 03 02 - 01 - - 02 - - - 08 - - - 

vii. Income - - 260 - - - - - - - - - - - 08 - 01 - 

viii. Other - - - - - - - 01 01 - - - - - - - - - 

3. Compensation - - 02 - 01 01 - - - - 01 - - - - - - - 

4. Cases relating to other domestic 

laws 

i. Domestic violence 

- - - - - - - - - - 01 01 - - - - - - 

ii. Sexual Harassment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 




7




Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

Balance up to 


Received 

Disposed 

iii. Rape - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

iv. Child abuse - - - - 01 01 - - - - - - - - - - - - 

v. Child labour - - - 

vi. Family Laws - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

5. Complaints related to personal 

documents 

a. NICs 

- 02 - - - - - - - - - 03 - 31 - - - - 

b. Birth certificate - - - - 29 24 - - - - 04 36 - 27 - - - - 

c. Death certificate - - - - - - - - - - - 01 - 08 - - 01 - 

d. Marriage certificate - - - - - - - - - - 01 01 - 06 - - - - 

6. Voters Registration - 01 - - - - - - - - 01 - - - - - - - 

7. Resettlement Issues - 01 01 - - - - - - - - - - - 06 - - - 

HR - TOTAL - 06 266 - 41 31 - 11 08 - 10 43 - 75 37 - 05 - 

GRAND TOTAL 1057 06 266 205 44 33 17 11 411 15 45 472 76 37 567 07 - 




8

1.3. DETAILS OF ARREST & RELEASE 

NO 

DATE 

COMPLANT 

NO 

DETAILS OF ARRESTEE /DETAINEE 

NAME & 

ADDRESS 

AGE SEX RACE 

ARRESTED 

ON 

DETAILS OF AREEST 

ARRESTED 

BY 

PLACE OF 

DETENTION 

REASON 

RELEASED 

ON 

REMARKS 

MANNAR 

01 20 th May 60/IDPM/2004 

N. Kumaran 30 Male SL Tamil 20.05.2004 

Police 

Wellawatte 

Colombo 

Wellawate 

Colombo 

On 

allegation 21.05.04 

Mannar 

Police did 

not aware 

of his arrest 




9

1.4. DETAILS OF ABDUCTIONS 

NO 

DATE 

RECEIVED 

MANNAR 

COMPLAINT 

NO 

COMPLAINANT 

VICTIM 

DETIALS OF THE ABDUCTION 

DATE OF 

BIRTH 

DATE 

DATE OF 

INCIDENT 

PLACE 

REASON 

FOR 

ABDUCTION 

ACTION TAKEN 

01 06 th May 47/IDPM/2004 Y.Krishnakumary 

Y. Kalaivany 

Yr. 11, Student of 

Periapndivirichchan / 

MV 

13.012.1987 29.04.04 

Periapndivirichc 

han 

Child 

Recruitment 

Discussed with 

SLMM on 

20.05.2004. Still 

the conformation 

also has not 

reached 

02 08 th May 48/IDPM/2004 T. Annappu Pieries Thobias Peries 19.07.1982 06.05.04 

Thalvupadhu 

Mannar 

Unknown 

03 11 th May 51/IDPM/2004 K. Thanapakiam Chanthirapriya 30.10.1985 10.05.04 Pesalai Town Recruitment 

04 13 th May 53/IDPM/2004 R. Sanker R. Sanker Age 21 30.04.04 



Croos Mickel Xavier 

Santhanaraj 

Fernando 

Sebamalai 

Selvarethinam 

Madhukarai 

Nanattan 

For 

recruitment 

Pretheep Raj 22 05.01.04 Trincomalee Recruitment 

Yuncus Rabert 

16.09.1976 1995 

Kunchukulam 

Road 

Unknown 

Discuss with 

SLMM She was 

jointed with the 

LTTE confirmed 

by complainant 

Discuss with 

SLMM 

The complainant 

was confirmed 

that he was joined 

LTTE 

07 19 th May 59/IDPM/2004 S.Sellaiya S. Selvakumary 18.07.1987 03.05.04 Hospital Rd 

Child 

Recruitment 


SLMM 

08 28 th May 62/IDPM/2004 J.P.Jeevendran J.Jeno Mohan 15.07.1986 27.05.04 

Thalaimannar 

Beach 

Child 

Recruitment 


SLMM 

09 28 th May 63/IDPM/2004 T. Thanapakiam T. Logaprakas 14.10.1989 24.05.04 Sornapuri 

Child 

Recruitment 


SLMM 




10

1.5. DETAILS OF DISAPPEARANCES & TRACE 

NO 

DATE 

MANNAR 

COMPLAINT 

NO 

NAME & 

ADDRESS OF 

THE 

INFORMANT 

DETAILS OF MISSING PERSON 

NAME & 

ADDRESS 

AGE SEX RACE 

DATE OF 

DISS. 

DETAILS OF DISAPPEARANCE 

REPORTED 

ON 

TRACED 

PLACE DATE PLACE 

REMARKS 

01 03 rd May 

18/IDPM/H 

R/2004 

Ms.Kituphi 

Mark 

Kathiramal 

ai 

Shritharan 

29 Male 

SL 

Tamil 

1997 05.03.04 

Erukkil 

ampiti 

-- -- 

He was 

arrested by 

Army 




11

2. VISITS & VISIT REPORTS 

NO DATE NAME OF VISITORS PLACE OF VISIT NOTES 

BATTICALOA 

01 19 th May 

Met DS-Thirukkovil, and 

MPCS-Thirukkovil 

HRC-Kalmunai, Thirukkovil, 

Thandiyadi. 

2186 people received Janasaviya Money from NSB. 

MANNAR 


Project officer 

& Account Assistant 

Vattakandal, Kalliyadi 

Illupai Kadavai Paliyaru 

Vallankulam 

Katkidanthakulam, 

Kalomoddai Puliyankulam 

Collecting the information & categories the problems of IDPs to 

conduct the Mobile service 




12


PUTTLAM 

Parana Eluwankulam is resettlement Village and it is a border to the 

LTTE occupied areas. There were around 114 families were 

displaced due to these attacks. They were resettled in 1990. And 

accommodate Karative and Aluth Elluwankulam in 1998 on the 

initiative of Puttalam G.A. 57; families were resettled in this village in 

1998. They were granted Rs.35.000.00 has housing allowance 

payable this was given to them who have complied their houses 

have still to received their final payments. They have been register 

as votes in the Puttalam district and therefore the problem of voting 

has been resolve. Dry ration are also be distributed. An NGO 

sevalanka has provided the resident with the pre school. CARE 

International has provided ten public toilets. The youth employed in 

cultivation. However that is no school for children. The close school 

is at Eluvankulam. But it lack of facilities and teachers. 



Account Assistant 

Old Eluwankulam 

Ralmaduwa 

Ralmaduwa 

There are 187 families are living in Ralmaduwa, which is a 

resettlement village and it also a border village between the L.L.T.E 

occupied areas and the government control areas. L.T.T.E had 

attacked in several times. In 1998 on the initiative, Puttalam G.A. 

187 Families were resettled in this village. In 1990 they were 

displaced to Kalpitiya, Palavi areas. There are 84 Singhalese, 82 

families of Muslims, 41 families of Tamils are living here. Over 18 

years old all are registered for their voting Puttalam district. Some 

people here they haven’t document like B.Cs. 

Most of they have dry rations. Most of the families have been getting 

their housing granted through the DS office Vanathavilluwa. Their 

problems are no proper road conditions and school facilities for their 

children. Now their children at studding in New Eluvankulam School. 

But it hasn’t enough facilities and the teachers. 




13


New Eluvankulam 

The people of Eluwankualam and Pookkulam were attacked by the 

LTTE as a result these villagers got displaced to the Aluth 

Elluwankulam. There are 136 families living here, of these 80 are 

Sinhalease.,50 are Muslims only 6 families are Tamils. This village 

has community Development Committee. They have dry rations. 

Some of haven’t Documents like B.Cs. and NICs. They like to 

resettle in the Pookkulam. But problem is they don not have land 

road and other facilities like school etc. 

There are 85 families are living here. Their original places were 

Jaffna moor street. Previously there were 125 families lived here. 

After peace process. Started 40 of families were resettled in Jaffna. 

In 2002 the month of October occurred some clashes between the 

IDP’s and the host community. At that time the host community 

burned the IDP’s huts. At present the situation is peaceful but 

tensions is still prevalent. 

Discussed with the parent regarding the school uniform distribution 

in this year. They said that all are received their school uniform 

materials in proper time. 

Since 1997 they haven’t rights to vote, Every year they register their 

B.Cs through Gramaniladari but the Jaffna Assistance 

Commissioner of Election not register their vote. Majority of people 

here not register their names in registration of voting list. 

The project officer discussed this matter with the Assistance 

Commissioner of Election and he told that he can arranged mobile 

service with the co-operation of Assistance Election Commissioners 

respective area. According to this type of incident it should be held 

special inquire for verify their provirus information. He further sates 

that in this year registration of voting period he will attend this area. 

Another matter is that they haven’t deeds for their lands still this 

village called welfare center. But these people are request from us 

now they wanted to relocate here and they want deeds for their 

lands in present place. 



Sirimapura 




14


03 19 th May Project officer 

Karabey A Camp 

Karabey A Camp 

There are 350 families living here. Their original places are Mannar 

District Manthi and Tharapuram villages. Since 1999 they got 

housing grant assistance. They haven’t drinking water, and their 

roads are not in proper condition. 

04 20 th May Project officer 

Samsam Nagar 

Nallandalluwa A Camp 

Samsam Nagar 

There are 59 families living here. Their original places were Mannar 

and Jaffna district. They were displacing in 1990. Some of persons 

haven’t documents like B.Cs and M.Cs. They received dry rations. 

Some of people request from us that they wanted dry rations from 

their newborn baby too. 

Nallandalluwa Camp - A 

There are 35 families are living in this welfare center. This is 

belonging to Mundal Divisional sectary area. Previously there were 

235 families living here after the peace process, started they were 

resettled at Jaffna and Mulathivu. Other families said that their 

original place was Kilinochchi; their all dwellings were destroy by 

L.T.T.E. 

They have dry rations, Red cross had build toilet for these people. 

TRINCOMALEE 

01 13th May 

Regional Coordinator 


02 18 th May Project Officer 

Fizal Nagar Tamil Welfare 

Centre, 

Fizal Nagar Muslim Welfare 

Centre. 

Fizal Nagar Tamil W.C, 

Fizal Nagar Muslim W.C, 

Namalwatta W.C, Niilavely 

W.C and Mielawewa 

Resettle Village. 

IDPs in these W.C informed us that they are voluntarily going to 

resettle in their village soon. 

Met the IDPs and find out their interest on voluntarily resettlement in 

their village Upparu and the progress of the clearing their lands. 

Informed about the Right to Vote and the coming Registration of 

Persons activity to the IDPs & villagers and asked them to register 

their names without missing this year. 




15

3. MEETINGS & DISCUSSIONS 

NO DATE PARTICIPANTS AND PLACE NOTES 

BATTICALOA 


Asst. Commissioner of Elections at Kachcheri, 

Batticaloa 

Discussed about IDP voters registration on 2004. After conducting 

awareness programme for Gramma Niladharie from resettlement villages, 

they pointed out certain important matters regarding the voters registration. 

Asst. election commissioner accepted that matter and will point out when 

they go to issue registration forms. And also form issue dates also given. 

02 20 th May Meeting with RDS in Batticaloa at HRC, Batticaloa 

Discussed about this year project activities. Specially emphasized voters 

registration during 01 – 30 th June 2004. and also mentioned about Human 

Rights Commission and its activities. 

MANNAR 

01 12 th May GA & PO at GA conference hall 







Asst. Election Commissioner for Vanni & PO at 

Election ion Office 

Representatives of UNHCR, RDF, LAF at 

UNHCR-Mannar 

Member of Nanattan DS division HRAs at RDS 

Hall 

• IDPs Problems on registering to vote 

• GS training program on Voting Rights 

• IDPs Problems on registering to vote 

• GS training program 

05 19 th May SLLM at SLMM Office Human Rights abuses 


Member of Mannar DS division HRAs at HRC 

Mannar 

• Celebrating refugee day 

• First Friday of every two month to meet the partners 

• Conducting SGBV Awareness program –RDF 

According to our discussion two decision was made 

• Conducting campaign on registration of vote on 24.05.2004 

• World refugee day will celebrate on 18.06.2004 




16



Member of Musali DS division HRAs at Post office 

Building 

Savariyar Puram 





Mannar District Reporters (SLBC, Shakthi TV, 

Shakthi FM, Eelanatham, Thinakaran, Thinakural, 

Veerakesari, Sudaroli & Voice of Tiger)& PO at 

IDP Office 

• How can make publicity during the registering period for vote among the 

IDPs / Returnees 

• Role of media in this process 

• Role of IDP Project in this process 

• The all media people also accepted to give continues publicity for this 

process 

Note: I contacted BBC Tamil Service reporter & he agreed to broadcast the 

subject in first week of June 

09 31 st May 

District leader & PO at Administrative wing LTTE 

Mannar 

• Discussed about conducting awareness program on voting registration in 

unclear are 

• conduction mobile service in unclear area 

10 31 st May Election office staff & PO at Kachcheri 

• GS Training program 

• Unclear area registration of votes 




17


PUTTLAM 


District Sectary Puttalam. 

District Judge 

ASP Puttalam 

NPC Puttalam 

HRC Puttalam 

OIC Puttalam at HRC Office 

Areas of discussion 

Child right – A matter of debit was issue of child Labour. According to the 

discussion it was agreed that there were two side of the issue. One of the 

positive sides in that in the absence of the well co-coordinated vocational 

tanning. Program, school drop out at early ages a could be train in small kind 

technical views. Such as welding, motor car repair etc. Which will being some 

of additional income to the families. And in the long term would enable these 

young boys to have technical competence. 

One the Negative side exploitation of child Labour should be band by 

legislation, which would enable the early mention category of persons to get 

train. 

At the same time Child Labour should not be used for activities like dragging 

fishing, deep sea diving. 

The discussion was very fruitful in that all sides of the issue of child Labour 

were addressed. 

It was found that in many cases child labors was the breadwinner of the 

family. Some times there are certain skills that are very really found such as 

deep sea diving it should be developed at the young aged so therefore child 

Labour as a principle bad as it can mean working it exploitable condition but 

where skill development is possible. 

Education was another area, which revived a lot of attention. Particular it was 

felt that the private tutor was not providing basic knowledge because they 

were really coaching student to answer pass papers to pass examinations. 

Many students had complained that there were no discipline in the private 

tutorial .The private tutors were born because the teachers were not 

completing the syllabus sot age of teacher constant change of syllabus. 




18


Supremacy of the law was denied not only to the poor and ingrate but also by 

the rich and educated. 

In discussing the matter of women and child abuse interesting information 

was produce which analysis thedeferent types was child abuse reported to 

Police. Parent not caring for children, children grow up on their own without 

parental guide. Women who are assaulted by their husbands tent to go back 

to their husbands, as they have nowhere also to go. In fact this year along up 

to now 327 case of domestics violence where reported Puttalam Police 

station only. Also case of abuse of adult children where spouses have marred 

a second or third time. 

In most cases the truth is hidden form the Police and no legal action can be 

taken. Leniency in the law of remind. False accusation political pressure was 

some of the cases for police not been able to catch the culprits. 

Language problem- In ability to converse in different language has to a great 

extended caused government department the judicial and the Police. 





GA 

Additional GA 

UNICEF 

HRC at Kachcheri 

Lack of translators is the main problem who is the responsible for this break 

down that is and issue that has to be careful through of if we are to be 

bringing about better understanding between the public and the public 

services 

The meeting was conveying to strengthen the DCPC in Puttalam Distrect. It 

was decided to hold a workshop to explain to the participants to the objective 

of the DCPC. The GA was to be the chairman of the committee. Initially the 

project officer, HRC was to find time to co – ordinate the matter. It was 

decided to the invite provincial head of social service and probation and child 

care department. Second all Pradasiya saba chairman of district as they are 

already ruining pre school on the government approval. In addition the S.S.P 

Chilaw and A.S.Ps were to be invited. NGOs who are engaging childcare and 

child protection activities. Social service officer and representative of 

women’s organization the D.M.O. Where the DCPC functioning in the north 

and south representative was also to be invited. The meeting was in 

tentatively fixed for the 07 th of or 10 th of June 2004 at Sanhidiyawa, Chilaw the 

total number of participants was to be was not to exist 50. The UNICEF 

representative from Vavuniya was to sent tentative agenda. 

19


TRINCOMALEE 

01 03 rd May Field Assistant –Protection, 

Project Officer at UNHCR Office 

It was IDP Project meeting. 

Discussed: activities during the last month, Cases, Special events and future 

plans. Also discussed about the current situation in the District and agreed to 

work more closely and strengthen our coordination. 


03 14.th May 

DRC Officers 

Project Officer at HRC Office, 

Trincomalee. 

. 

Assistant Election Commissioner 

Regional Co-ordinator, 

Project Officer at Assistant Election 

Commissioner Office, Trincomalee 

We discussed each organization mandate, activities, near future programmes, 

and current situation in district. 

Also discussed how we can help to each other with the available resources 

and agreed to have close contacts. 

Project explained what is the role of the HRCSL in the coming registration of 

vote, how it going to be monitor it, what assistance are expected from the 

Asst. Election Commissioner and how project going to pass this massage to 

the Grama Nillathries through an Awareness Programme. 

The Commissioner is very much interested in having a programme like this to 

the GSs. He promised to come as resource person and provide all the 

support to us to achieve our target that is all the eligible IDPs get registration. 


The Government Agent 

Regional Co-ordinator, 

Project Officer at Government Agent Office, 

Trincomalee. 

Project explained what is the role of the HRCSL in the coming registration of 

votes, how it going to be monitor it, what assistance are expected from the 

Government Agent and how we going to pass this massage to the Grama 

Nillathries through an Awareness Programme. 

The GA is very much interested in having a programme like this to the GSs. 

He promised to participated in these programmes and provide all the support 

to us to achieve our target, that is all the eligible IDPs get registration. 




20


05 17.th May 

Divisional Secretary 

Project Officer at Divisional Secretariat, 

Thambalagamam, Kantale, Muthur 

Project explained what is the role of the HRCSL in the coming Registration of 

votes, how it going to be monitor it , what assistance are expected from the 

Divisional Secretary and how we going to pass this massage to the Grama 


The DS is very much interested in having a programme like this to the GSs. 

He promised to participate in these programmes and provide all the support to 

us to achieve our target that is all the eligible IDPs get registration. 


Divisional Secretary 

Project Officer at Divisional Secretariat, 

Kinniya, Morewewa, Kuchchevely, Town & 

Gravets. 

Explained what is the role of the HRCSL in the coming Registration of 

Persons activities, how we going to monitor it, what we expected from the 

Divisional Secertary and how we going to pass this massage to the Grama 


The DS is very much interested in having a programme like this to the GSs. 

He promised to participate in these programmes and provide all the support to 

us to achieve our target that is all the eligible IDPs get registration. 




21

4. AWARENESS PROGRAMME 

REGION DATE NATURE OF THE PARTICIPANTS 

NO. OF 

PARTICIPANTS 

NATURE OF PROGRAMME 

Batticaloa 8 th May Gramaniladaris from Resettlement villages 32 

Voting as a FR & HR 

Voting registration 

Discussion 

12 th May 

Human Rights Animators in Kayts, Velanai, 

Kopay, Tellitalia, Chankai divisions. 

23 

Human Rights 

Identifies HR issues in areas 

Role of the Human Rights Commission 

Jaffna 


Human Rights Animators in Pointpdro, 

Maruthankerney, Deft, Nalrull divisions 

24 

Human Rights 

Identifies HR issues in areas 

Role of the Human Rights Commission 

12 th May Media 18 

Strategic plan of IDPs Project, 

Role of the HRCSL 

Right to expression and media 

Mannar 

25 th May IDPs in WC 47 

25 th May Indian Returners at Vankalai 23 

Voting rights 

Voting rights 

Puttlam 

20 th May IDPs in WC 24 


Gramaniladaries in Kalpitiya, Puttlam and 

Vanathavilluwa divisions. 

51 

Human Rights 

Fundamental Rights 

Documentation 

Right to vote & Registration procedures 




22

REGION DATE NATURE OF THE PARTICIPANTS 

NO. OF 

PARTICIPANTS 

NATURE OF PROGRAMME 

21 st May 

Resettles in Gandinagar Resettlement 

village – Kumpuruppty 

27 

• Role of the Human Rights Commission 

• Fundamental Rights 

• UDHR 

• Guiding principles 

Trincomalee 


Grama Seveka officers, The Government 

Argent, Asst. Election Commissioner, 

Divisional Secretary- Kinniya. 

Add. Divisional Secretary- Kuchcheveli 

92 

• Right to vote as a Fundamental Right / Human 

right 

• Election Law & Voters Registration Procedure. 

• Discussion Forum. 


Grama Seveka Officers. 

Assistant Election Commissioner. 

Administrative Officer- DS office, Kantale 

27 

• Right to vote as a Fundamental Right / Human 

right 

Election Law & Voters Registration Procedure. 

Discussion Forum. 




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5. SITUATION REPORT S 


IDP’s Voters Rights in Batticaloa District 

Guiding principles on internal displacement principle 22, 

Section 1 (d) is motioned clearly about Voting Rights of IDPs. 

It said that the Right to vote and to participate in governmental 

and public affairs, including the right to have access to the 

means necessary to exercise this rights. 

Before the voters registration (June 2004), we have decided to 

take necessary action regarding this matter in district wise as 

well as Island wide. 

Activity: 

On 08.05.2004 awareness programme was conducted to 

Gramma Niladharies(GN) who are working with IDPs and 

returnees. After the discussion they have pointed out certain 

main issues in the Batticaloa District. 

IDP Voters Details: 

GNs did not have Separate IDPs and returnees Voters 

registration details. Because they have common list, which 

include IDPs/ Returnee and local community in that village. 

Special questionnaire was given to GN to collect separate 

details. 

According to the voters percentage in the each DS Division 

approximate IDPs’ voters population was calculated and given 

below. 




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DS Division Population Regd. voters Percentage IDP Population Approximate IDP 

Voters 

Manmunai North 78509 47701 60.8 292 178 

Manmunaipathu 26627 16289 61.2 2062 1262 

Manmunai south & eruvil pathu 54566 33276 61.0 315 192 

Manmunai South west 23949 12945 54.1 882 477 

Porathivupathu 44911 25603 57.0 6869 3915 

Manmunai West 27452 14351 52.3 2257 1180 

Eravurpathu 66631 37496 56.3 17960 10111 

Koralaipathu, Koralaipathu South, 

Koralaipathu Central 

56723 36465 64.3 20967 13482 

Koralaipathu North 20670 10583 51.2 292 150 

Total 400038 234709 - 

According this table approximately 30947 IDP voters in the Batticaloa District. 

Voters Registration: 

Up to now GN is most responsible person for the IDP voters’ 

registration. Election department hand over all the registration 

related activities to GN. One particular displace village people 

stayed several villages therefore very difficult to fill the voters 

registration forms each and every person. So GN takes the 

entire responsibility and fill and certify. Some GN are 

individually visited, checked and issued forms to every house, 

filled the forms and collected. 




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Main issues in Voters Rights 

Resettlement and Voters Registration: 

After the MOU most of the IDPs were returned to their own 

places. Specially people who were in the Kalmadu Welfare 

center (Vadamunai, Uthuchenai and Poonanai). Anyhow 

certain people did not go to their own places due to several 

reasons. During displacement period GN did not consider IDPs 

where they are living, they registered IDPs in their own village 

registration register. But now most of people moved to their 

own places and most of the administrative activities also based 

on their resettlement villages. So GNs offices also in the 

particular resettlement villages. In this situation, according to 

the election rules, people who are in six month or more than 

six-month in it place only eligible to registration. People, who 

are not resettled, automatically remove from their original 

village voter register. And also most of GNs are willing to 

remove their name. Because if they register the voters against 

registration rule that will affect their jobs. Immediate and 

proper circular and instruction will be essential from election 

department before the voters’ registration. Even though 

resettlement is taking place government authorities cannot 

force the IDPs to resettle. If they do according to rule indirectly 

this also cause forcible resettlement. Therefore people could 

not resettle should be consider as a IDPs. Their name should 

be including own village voters list. 




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Double entry and Voters Registration: 

During voters registration period GN issued forms according to 

number of families in particular house. So IDPs who are in the 

friends and relation houses also got this forms and filled and 

handed over to GN. In Battcaloa district more IDPs are in 

friends and relation houses. So their name included in where 

they are now living as well as their own villages. Due to this 

double entry GN who are responsible for their own villages will 

be have problems. Therefore proper instruction should be 

given to GN as well as IDPs who are in the friends and relation 

houses. Election department should be developed proper 

system to avoid the double entries. 

Village is totally neglected from Registration: 

Omadiyamadu resettlement village is in the Koralaipathu North DS Division. This village people were totally displaced due to armed 

conflict. They stayed several places. And also registered where they live. Therefore that village totally neglected in the registration. 

Other villages (eg: Alankulam) in this GN division (Poonanai west) were included. But now that village people again resettled their 

village So this village should be included this year registration then only can register the people. 

These are the issues pointed out by GN who are working with IDPs and returnees in this district. 

Other activities will be continued after the discussion with Asst Commissioner of Election. 




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Election Registration: 

According to the project activity plan this month schedule for the voters registration. On 08.05.2004 held awareness programme for 

the Gramma Niladharies who are working in resettlement villages. In this awareness programme emphasize the GN responsibility of 

registration. An also GN pointed out several difficulties when register the people. After this programme on 17.05.2004 met Assistant 

election commissioner of election discussed about what GN pointed out. He also agreed and concentrates about these matters. And 

also election department received form and they distributed following day in DS office and conducting seminar on this registration for 

GN. 

24 th May 2004 – Eravur Town, Eravurpathu, Koralaipathu South and Koralaipathu 

25 th May 2004 – Koralaipathu central, Koralaipathu west and Koralaipathu North. 

26 th May 2004 – Kathankudy, Manmunaipathu and Manmunai South West & Eruvilpathu. 

27 th May 2004 – Porathivupathu and Manmunai South West 

Mean while meeting was arranged Rural Development Society (RDS) Presidents and Village Rehabilitation Committee (VRC) 

Presidents, who are in the resettlement villages. Through these people to encourage the village people to register their registration. 

Hand bills was prepared and distributed through RDS and VRC for village people. And also hand bills gave to reporters to publish 

through media. (on 31.05.2004 published in Thinakaran Tamil News Paper). Election registration activities will continue next month 

also. 




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Janasaviya (Janasakthy) repayment by NSB: 

Thngavelayuthapuram resettlement village people in Thirukovil D.S Division complained regarding this matter. After they displaced 

1990 this payment stopped and also other part of the country this scheme was changed to Samurdhi. But people saved Janasakthy 

payment through Post office, National Serving Bank (NSB). After this scheme stopped people unable withdraw their money. They 

tried several ways. They requested DS of Thirukovil. But they never take any action. After the commission investigation, inquiry 

letter sent to NSB. They took immediate action and changed all the previous account to new account with interest. They sent to DS 

office, Thirukovil. Due to this 2186 people (Families) were received this money in several villages like Thangavelayuthpuram, 

Kanchikudyaru, Thandiyady, Kanchirankudha, Sagamam resettlement villages etc. this money will be used for their resettlement 

activities. 

Situation: 

Situation is going worse in Batticaloa District. Several gun hot were took placed in Batticaloa. 

Other normal activities continued as usual. 




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Special Events: 

In Jaffna peninsula it is big problematic news to the returnees that the dry ration issue is going to stop by the government. So the 

people are going to protest this action by doing demonstration. 

Activities of HRAs 

HRAs from Kayts area are more active. Mr.Gobikrishna from Kayts brought 17 birth certificates cases and one child labour case. 

Among the 17 BC cases we closed 10 cases. 07 BC were received and 03 were unregistered. Then we gave him the guidance for the 

registration of after the birth of 03 months and requested him to advise them to do registration. In addition to him Mr.Vidyatharan, 

Mr.Johnson and Mr.Yoganathan also brought some BC cases. We gave them photocopied BC application forms and asked them to fill 

it and bring. 

From Velanai D.S. division Jeyaruban from Nainativu brought nearly 250 BC cases. Then we photocopied the BC application form 

and gave him to fill up that forms and submit. He gave one case against the Navy of Nainativu that is the main road of Nainativu is 

restricted to public movements for a long period. 




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Nallur, Velanai and Kayts D.S divisions’ HRAs brought some Un registration of voting people. While we inquiring the people we got to 

know the reason of un registration is lack of awareness about the voting rights. 

Mr.Arul Jekin from Allaipitty brought a fair amount of un registration of persons names for voting and he told the reason for this is lack 

of awareness about the voting rights to the people. So we are planning to conduct an awareness program about the voters’ rights to 

the people in that area. 




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Trafficking 

UN Definition of trafficking 

Trafficking in persons shall mean recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use 

of forces or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of vulnerability or, of the giving or 

receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of 

exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, 

forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal or organs 

Trafficking is a common problem in Mannar. IDP women who are residing in welfare centres are in poverty they have to look after their 

family & therefore they are enforced to get an employment. In the circumstance agencies ensnare them by giving false promises & 

bring them to Colombo from Mannar. There are strong evidence that they have been used for prostitution. In the last five months in 

Mannar there have been some incidents that more than 50 women have been brought to Sri Lanka from Indian refugee camps with 

false promises by the agencies 

There are two types of trafficking. Trafficking is a violation of human rights as accepted by the United Nations. According to Sri Lankan 

situation it is not in a critical condition. But when we consider the plight of IDP/ Returnees/refugee it is very critical serious & inhuman. 

Specially when the agencies are on false of employment. We can divide this into two categories 

1. Individual cases 

2. Collective cases 




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Individual cases are very different because The IDP / Returnees / Refugees are living in welfare centre /Out of welfare centre. The 

agencies meet them individually & give false promises & lead them out of their homes for immoral activities as a result the relatives of 

this unfortunate women are not aware of the where about of this women. They are cat off from the outside world we have received 

three cases related to this issue in year of 2004 

The other case deals with the trafficking of women in groups from Indian refugee camp to Colobmo via Mannar with false promises. 

They are mostly kept in Colombo & forced into prostitution 

I have to appeal to you to consider the gravity of the situation & exert pressure on the government to put end to this human right 

violation against IDP & Returnees 

No Judicial Medical officer in Mannar District 

Manner District has one base hospital. However if there is a case which requires JMO report the case has to be sent to Anuradhapura 

hospital. Therefore many victims do not like to under go legal procedure. Recently there was an incident which I would like to brief in 

order to explain the situation. 

Chanthiragobal Inthiravathy (33) 42 A, Santhipuram, Mannar has four children they are Subakumar (17), Salvatharsini (13), Subashini 

(12), Prasanth (6) 




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Selvatharsini was murdered by unknown person on 10.05.2004 around 12.00 o’clock. Around six o clock DMO of Mannar hospital had 

visited & went. The body was taken under the police custody at 9.00 o clock & sent to Vavuniya hospital. Vavuniya hospital also did 

not conduct the examination. Around 2.30 next day the body was brought to Mannar hospital & kept there. Mannar police contacted 

Anuradhapura hospital. They said there is no refrigerating facility. Then the police contacted Kurunagala hospital & the body was sent 

there by the family on 12.05.2004 at 10.30 am. 

This is obviously a fundamental rights violation under the constitutional guarantee of equal protection of law. Incident of this nature 

have happen even before. The delay in releasing the medical report has led to delay on the part of the police to find out the culprit 

In this circumstance I appeal to you to protect under the constitutional guarantee of equal protection 

Media Publicity on registration of votes list 

We have organized an media conference on 24.05.2004 to discussed the registration of voters list in 2004. The following media 

people were participated 

SLBC, Shakthi TV, Shakthi FM, Eelanatham, Thinakaran, Thinakural, Veerakesari, Suder oli & Voice of Tiger 

During this discussion the following points were discussed 

• How can make publicity during the registering period among the IDPs Returnees 

• Role of media in this process 

• Role of IDP Project in this process 

• The all media people also accepted to give continues publicity for this process 

• Note: I contacted BBC Tamil Service reporter & he agreed to broadcast the subject in first week of June 




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Mobile Service Postpone 

Mobile Service Programme which has organized to conduct on 22 nd of May 2004 in Manthai west AGA’s Division is cancelled due to 

not responding of the LTTE Already we have postpone this program three time due to not responding of LTTE. Now we have dicided 

to conduct a mobile service on 19.06.2004 in Nanattan which is situated in clear area 




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Date : 24.05.2004 

Project Officer participated in a Function to form a New Welfare Administrative Committee in the Nillavely Welfare Centre. This 

programme was organized by UNHCR and the Divisional Secretary & staff of Kuchchevely along with HRCSL and other working 

partners were participated. A New Administrative Committee was selected among the IDPs for their betterment. 


Project Officer participated in the Campaign Ending Valence Against Women District Action Committee meeting at the Oxfam office. 

Several other NGOs working on Women issues, Women & Child Unit of the Police were the other Committee members. We formed 

the District Action work plan in this meeting. 


Project Officer participated in the Campaign Ending Valence Against Women District Group meeting at the Oxfam office. Several 

other NGOs working on Women issues, Women & Child Unit of the Police were the other Committee members. We confirm the 

District Action work plan in this meeting and divide the working area for the respective NGOs. 




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37

Monthly report - May-Full 2004 NPDS For IDPs ... - IDP SriLanka

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