Despite the passage of over 15 years since the end of the war, 974 families remain displaced and residing in welfare camps in the Jaffna District.

A recent audit report on the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has highlighted a troubling delay in resettlement efforts, which were initially approved by the Cabinet to provide homes for these families. 

While the ministry has allocated Rs. 16.78 million for the upkeep of the camps and their water supply, the long-overdue resettlement process is yet to be completed in a systematic and timely manner.

In response, the ministry has pinned the ongoing delay in resettling 974 families, which remain in welfare camps in Jaffna 16 years after the end of the war, on issues surrounding land release and housing construction. 

Despite the prolonged stay, the ministry has assured that the necessary facilities, including water and maintenance, are being provided to the displaced families.

However, the NAO has urged the ministry to expedite the resettlement process.

When contacted, Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing Secretary Ranjith Ariyaratne admitted that the primary obstacles to resettlement were delays in demining and land-related challenges.

Ariyaratne said that the Government was committed to resolving these issues promptly.

“We are planning to solve the issue soon under this Government and are currently providing all necessary facilities for these families,” he stated.