The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, accompanied by officials of the High Commission, visited Vavuniya, Oddusudan and Mullaitivu on 19 March 2010.

1. At Vauniya, along with Hon. Mr. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare of Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner inaugurated the Limb Refitment Camp set up at Menik Farms Zone 1. The Limb Refitment Camp is fully funded by Government of India and is being implemented by the Jaipur-based Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), a world famous non-governmental organization better known as the “Jaipur Foot”. The BMVSS has the distinction of having fitted largest number of limbs to the disabled around the world and is known world-wide for new and use-friendly devices that they have developed over the years,
2. In Vauniya, the BMVSS has deputed a team of 19 experts from India, who would provide artificial limbs to about 1200 Sri Lankans who lost their limbs during the years of conflict in Sri Lanka. The Camp, which started running from March 13, 2010 would continue for about 30 days. The Camp has already received enthusiastic response from the disabled IDPs and the High Commissioner, along with the Hon. Minister Douglas Devananda, witnessed the on-the-spot process of fitting of artificial limbs, the immediate impact it made on their mobility and also interacted with the beneficiaries.
3. At Mullaitivu, the High Commissioner participated in a ceremony to hand over Galvanised Corrugated Sheets (GC Sheets) and Agriculture “Starter Packs” to the IDP beneficiaries.
4. The GC sheets are being used by the IDPs to construct their shelters in the new areas of habitation. The Government of India has so far supplied 5200 MT (about 500,000 sheets) in two consignments of GC sheets to Sri Lanka at a cost of Sri Lankan Rs. 610 million. The first lot of 2600 MT has already been distributed and benefitted about 20,000 families. The second lot of GC sheets is being currently distributed and is expected to benefit a similar number of families.
5. The Agriculture “Starter Packs” include basic tools and implements for the IDPs to help them to resume cultivation in their homesteads and subsequently in the farmlands allocated to them. The Government of India is supplying a total of such 70,000 “starter packs” at a cost of about SLR 160 million.
6. Apart from these engagements, High Commissioner also met with local Sri Lankan Government officials in Vavuniya, Oddusudan, and Mullaitvu, who briefed him on the re-settlement process, the ongoing demining operations, and the various reconstruction projects being undertaken in these areas. During the visit to Oddusudan, High Commissioner also visited the demining camp set up by Indian NGO “Sarvatra” that along with another Indian NGO “Horizon” has seven such teams funded by Government of India operating in various parts of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner also visited the Poonthottam Child Housing Camp at Vavuniya and interacted with the IDP Children. He also gifted sports items for the young children housed in the camp for their recreation activities. Besides, the High Commissioner visited the General Hospital at Mullaitivu, where he was briefed on the nature of assistance required for making it fully operational.

Colombo