IDPs have suffered too much, we must not prolong their suffering...!!!

IDPs have suffered too much, we must not prolong their suffering: Karu J

The UNP’s Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya made this statement in Parliament last week on the issue of the IDPs.When I talk about IDPs, I can speak only as an ordinary citizen of this country and not as a parliamentarian of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. As much as opposition parliamentarians are prevented from visiting IDPs, we cannot even go beyond Medawachchiya check point without a valid permit from the Ministry of Defense. Even if we carry a permit we are once again subjected to various delays and occasional harassment. This rule does not apply to ruling elite, their relations and friends. I saw this happening whilst I was there at Medawachchiya check point. We cannot see a greater insult to parliamentarians and the functioning of democracy than this dual treatment. We have been compelled to seek judicial redress. A case is pending.

As we all know, approximately 280,000 people live in 30 Government camps in Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Trincomalee Districts, after fleeing fighting between Government forces and the now defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

The plight of the IDPs – which was bad enough to begin with – has now considerably worsened due to the recent rains.

I come to understand from reliable sources that due to the rains, within mere minutes, the camps have become a sea of mud and misery – and a breeding ground for waterborne diseases.

I have heard that latrines are being dug and the water is being tanked. We also know that doctors and nurses and other Health Ministry officials have taken some measures to bring the situation under control.

But, considering the fact that the area in question is vast and contains almost 300,000 people – and although we appreciate the efforts being made – this simply isn’t good enough.

According to people on the ground, the water supply system is unfortunately very minimal, the excrement disposal system is basic and the land is extremely flat. As a result of the rains, what was once dust has now become mud.

The situation in the IDP camps is now one of absolute and complete chaos. I am certain that all the members here will agree that we simply cannot allow these people to suffer anymore. They have already undergone tremendous suffering while in the clutches of the LTTE and have been deprived for far too long.

Mr. Speaker, the people in these camps aren’t strangers – they are our own people. We cannot and should not allow anymore hardship to befall these civilians, who are citizens of this country.

We must understand their predicament and the gravity of the situation and take all measures necessary to arrest the situation immediately. These people have suffered too much Sir and it is our duty to ensure that their suffering is not further prolonged.

Apart from the rain, which has complicated an already adverse ground situation, there are many other issues that need to be addressed urgently.

There is serious concern with regard to the number of medical staff available inside the camps. People complain about the number of days they have to wait to see a doctor.

There are many people with injuries and amputations and as you can imagine, they need physiotherapy and there is a serious lack of resources to attend to these things.

There are mental health problems as well, which is a very serious issue. This is no surprise, considering the fact that during the conflict these people underwent numerous traumatic experiences.

Many of them have lost loved ones and sustained injuries. In addition to facing such emotional trauma, they are now in a situation where they find it almost impossible to rebuild a normal life. Family members are separated. This is inhuman.

The monsoon rains are expected in September and generally last two to three months. This will undoubtedly make the camps a living hell for the IDPs. I would like to request the Government to make a coherent statement on how it intends to protect these innocent civilians and ensure that they will undergo no more suffering.

Mr. Speaker, there are a large number of injured and old people in these camps. In addition, there are very young children too. Try as I might, I cannot comprehend the suffering they face in their day-to-day life. I have even heard about double amputees trying to get around in the mud.

We, as a civilised nation, cannot continue to allow our own people to suffer like this anymore. I would like to request the Government to stop telling the public what they want to hear but what they need to know.

We need to resettle the civilians as soon as possible. No human being deserves to go through what these people have gone through so far. Approximately 70% of the houses are in tact and people could easily move into these areas immediately. Land mines are confined to certain areas only. There is no excuse to delay resettlement beyond 180 days at the very least.

I firmly believe that if all of us are willing to share the burden of solving the immediate problems of the IDPs and if the Government is willing to look at it from a humanitarian perspective rather than a political one, we could expedite the process of resettling the IDPs and accomplish this task sooner than the Government anticipates.

To date, there has been no transparent and systematic release of anyone from the camps, with the exception of children under 10 and adults over 60 who have relations outside the camps. I would appreciate a clarification on this matter from the Government. These people cannot be treated like prisoners.

The Government has an obligation to adopt a systematic method to release these people, who have already undergone immense hardships. And until they are released, the responsibility lies with the Government to ensure that basic facilities are provided to them, at the very least.

Right now, these people are living in crowded tents like cattle with nowhere to go and almost nothing to do, which will only serve to further impact their emotional and mental state in a negative manner.

Parents are concerned about the future of their children. The environment is not conducive for education although over 1,000 students are sitting for the GCE Advanced Level examinations this year, which commenced last week.

I firmly believe that the Government should seriously consider judging their performance under a special category.

Try and imagine how many potential academics, doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers and the like may be confined in these camps. Imagine the contribution they could make for the betterment of this land if they were to be protected and guided in this difficult hour.

We must feel their pain and understand their pain. It is only once these people are resettled that we can truly and wholeheartedly celebrate the military success achieved by our heroes, which will then be complete in every manner.

The military has played its role and done its duty. It is time now for the politicians to play their role and do their duty so that this country can move forward as one, embracing diversity and promoting unity.

It is nothing short of irresponsible of us to blame the UN and say that it is responsible for the maintenance of damaged drainage and sewage systems. It is the responsibility of the Sri Lankan state to look after its citizens and ensure their wellbeing.

As the main opposition, the United National Party remains committed to extending whatever assistance the Government needs to resolve the problems faced by the IDPs.

The UNP remains committed to diversity, unity and equality – and, above all else, ensuring that all the people of Sri Lanka can live in respect and with dignity and look forward to a brighter future in our motherland.



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