UNHCR together with its partners are supporting the Government with helping internally displaced people (IDPs) return home.

 

Since 2006, more than 350,000 IDPs have gone back to their original lands in the north and east. UNHCR’s assistance package to the returnees includes basic household items that the families will need to start up their lives once again. 

 

In addition, those who were displaced after April 2008 and are returning to the war-torn areas in the north also receive a shelter cash grant of Rs. 25,000 ($220) to help them repair their homes.

 

The families are free to use the money according to their priorities, either for shelter repairs and labour for land clearance or investing it to start up small businesses.

 

The cash grant also helps kick-start the local economy in return areas by increasing purchasing power of the returnees and providing an immediate injection of cash.

 

In 2011, UNHCR also plans to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the return areas. The QIPs programme is an important part of UNHCR’s operation in Sri Lanka which focuses on implementing small-scale projects that help communities get back on their feet.