QUESTION: During her visit to Chennai last month, Secretary Clinton spoke to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, discussing ways to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their homes and areas of origin. Can you update us on these efforts?
ANSWER: While we cannot comment on the specific details of the Secretary’s private meetings, we continue to look for ways to support the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of all of Sri Lanka’s displaced persons to their homes and areas of origin.
The United States has provided nearly $20 million to support the post-conflict humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka in FY 2011, including $4.9 million to UNHCR Sri Lanka for its efforts on behalf of the displaced and returnees.
