Lifeline Daily Radio Show #262 (02 February 2010)

Fishing restrictions in Mannar have been relaxed, allowing for 24-hour fishing. The temporary deployment of Vanni teachers to other districts has come to an end. Two rehabilitation centres are to be set up for children affected by the conflict in the Vanni, and Lifeline talks to residents of Potkerni in Mannar about life after resettlement.

• Fishing restrictions relaxed
• Teachers to work in schools in their own areas
• Help for children affected by the war
• Update on resettlement

Fishing restrictions relaxed
Fishing restrictions in Mannar have been lifted, allowing fishermen to head out into the sea through 24-hours. “We are in a position to go fishing anytime we want now, so that’s good. However, we sometimes find Indian trawlers encroaching on our borders,” said Aloysius from Mannar.
The government continues to assist the fisheries industry in Mannar. “We have provided 150 boats to the fishermen plus fishing nets and engines. And we have also provided motorbikes for them to transport their catch and sell them,” said Northern Province Governor, Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri.

Teachers to work in their own areas

The temporary deployment of Vanni teachers to other districts has come to an end, with many schools reopening in the Vanni following the resettlement of IDPs from December onwards. Teachers have been instructed by the Northern Province Education Ministry to teach in schools in their own area. “Their services are now required in schools inside camps and resettled villages in the Vanni,” said T. Ponnambalam, Additional Secretary of the Northern Province Education Ministry.

Help for children affected by the war

Two rehabilitation centres to help children psychologically affected by the war are to be established in Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu by the Child Protection Authority.

Jagath Wellawatte, Head of the Child Protection Authority, explained; “The diaspora has also joined with us in setting up these centres. The centres will provide counselling and support to around 1253 children who lost their parents due to the conflict.”

Update on resettlement

Residents of Potkerni in Mannar spoke with Lifeline about their life since resettlement.
Noor Mohammed, who was resettled in Potkerni after 20 years of displacement said that he is happy to be back in his own place. He runs a small shop in the town to support his family. “People are happy as they have their farm lands back, although there are some issues with housing and drinking water facilities.”

N. Kasim, also a returnee to Potkerni, said he travels from Potkarni to Puttalam regularly. “We don’t have good transport in the village. Puttalam is a better place if I consider my children’s education. They’re already in schools in Puttalam.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download