July 16, Colombo: The government of Sri Lanka has rejected the allegation leveled against it by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) that more than 400 civilians displaced by the conflict in Northern Sri Lanka have been detained by the government in camps.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press release today explained the situation related to Kalimoddai Welfare Centre in Mannar on which the HRW has based its allegations.

New York-based international rights watchdog earlier this month accused the Sri Lankan government of arbitrarily detaining more than 400 civilians displaced by recent fighting at the newly established camp.

According to the Ministry, the Kalimoddai Welfare Centre accommodates 232 internally displaced families. At present 110 newly displaced families are housed in the Centre.

“In keeping with its obligations, the government of Sri Lanka has been providing food, shelter, and other essential facilities to these families who had fled the uncleared areas and sought refuge with the Sri Lankan authorities,” the Ministry stated.

With regard to the restrictions imposed on the IDPs, the Ministry explained that the measures have been taken since the Tamil Tigers frequently attempt to infiltrate IDP centers to operate among civilians.

“Hence, the government has been constrained to impose certain temporary restrictions on IDPs, due to security concerns and the on-going military operations in the Mannar area,” the Ministry said.

Elaborating the situation further, the Ministry said, since some of these displaced people wished to move out of the Welfare Centre and stay with their relatives and friends, the Government Agent of Mannar was requested to carry out a survey to ascertain their wishes in this regard.

“The survey was duly carried out and a decision has been taken to allow those who are originally from the Eastern Province and Vavuniya to return to these areas and stay with host families. Initially, 14 families have been allowed to leave the Centre. Returnees from India consisting of 19 families were also allowed to go back to their original homes,” the Ministry added.