July 03, Colombo: A group of one thousand Internally Displaced Persons returned to their original homes in Ampara yesterday after seven years.

This is the first government-organized return movement in the District in seven years.

Originally hailing from two areas in the Thirukkovil division in Ampara, these IDPs were on the move since 1990 due to the conflict, until they returned to their villages following the 2002 ceasefire.

However, they were once again displaced by the escalation in violence in the East in 2006 and have since been staying with friends and relatives in areas nearby, the UNHCR said.

Prior to their return, demining and clearance of unexploded ordnance were completed and the IDPs were given an opportunity to visit the area to ensure that they were able to make an independent and well-informed decision.