Annual Report 2010 - Ministry of Finance and Planning

Ministry of Finance and Planning Sri Lanka > Annual Report 2010Reconciliation and DevelopmentThe Government has placedhighest priority on accelerating thedevelopment of the conflict affectedareas and improving living conditionsof the people therein, which hassignificant bearing on the nationalreconciliation process. In line withthis policy, a broad set of policies andmeasures have been implemented bythe Government, complemented bythe support of development partners,including Japan, China, India, Germany,Switzerland, Australia, World Bank,Asian Development Bank (ADB),United Nations (UN) agencies, suchas United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP), United NationsChildren’s Fund (UNICEF), World FoodProgramme (WFP), the EuropeanUnion (EU) and the International Fundfor Agriculture Development (IFAD)as well as other stakeholders, to bringthe affected areas back to normalcy.Resettlement of IDPs and fast trackdevelopment of the Northern provincewhile creating a safe environment forthe people to return to their places oforigin was the approach taken by theGovernment in this process. With theseinitiatives, the Government has ensuredthat the areas affected by the terroristinsurgency are provided with thedevelopment support needed for themto leapfrog into the future.Two multi-pronged regionaldevelopment strategies, i.e. “UthuruWasanthaya” and “NegenahiraNavodaya”, have been implemented asthe major programmes in addressingimmediate requirements as well aslong standing development needs ofthe Northern and Eastern provinces.The identification of priorities andpreparation of plans accordingly,accelerated implementation of“180-Day programme”, effectiveimplementation, continuousmonitoring, setting up of necessaryinstitutions and ensuring theircapacity building were among thesalient features of the initiatives ofthe Government, particularly in theNorthern province.In a broader sense, the programmesimplemented in the Northernprovince, after the successful endingof the insurgency in May 2009, areaimed at ensuring the welfare ofinternally displaced persons (IDPs),demining activities, resettlement andrehabilitation, and reconstructionand development of the affectedareas. Total cost of the developmentactivities carried out by theGovernment in 2010 in the North& East amounted to Rs. 45 billionwhich is about 1 percent of GDP.Table 1.2 > Resources Channelled to NorthernProvince Development Activities in 2010ItemAmount (Rs. Mn)Welfare of IDPs 5,459Demining 3,696Resettlement 1,900Infrastrucure Development 26,570Total 37,625Source: Department of National Budget, National Mine Action CentreAlso, the total commitment madeby development partners by end2010 to implement various projectswas about USD 2.1 billion. With thegradual progress of the initiatives,the Government has been able tobring the area back into normalcy,which however needs further actionsto consolidate these achievementsand ensure long term sustainabledevelopment in the Northern provinceas early as possible.Internally Displaced Peopleand their WelfareAt the time of ending the terroristinsurgency in May 2009, there were295,136 IDPs who could not go back totheir own places. The majority of themwere from Mullaitivu and Killinochchidistricts, which have been highlycontaminated by land mines and otherunexploded ordinances (UXOs). Theywere initially accommodated in welfarecenters and subsequently brought into welfare villages.The highest priority was given bythe Government for the welfare ofthese IDPs and the welfare villageswere managed by following bestpractices across the world in runningsuch activities. Accordingly, the IDPswere provided with all basic facilities,including food, water, health, andshelters. More importantly, the IDPswere given 1,900 Kilo Calorie daily,which is equivalent to standards ofthe WFP. In addition, such facilitiesas primary healthcare centers, mobilehealth clinics, night clinics, mobilelabs, operation theaters, counselingservices, were also provided to welfarevillages. Furthermore, other mainfacilities, such as schools, religioussupport, banks, shops, communicationfacilities etc. are also provided. Thesecurity for the IDPs was provided bythe security forces and police while theday to day work is handled by civilianadministration.35