U.N. official returns to Colombo

U.N. Resident Coordinator of Sri Lanka Neil Buhne, who was called to New York for consultations on the rift with the government, is returning at the conclusion of his visit.

Farhan Haq, a spokesperson of U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York that it was important to continue U.N. efforts to assist the people of Sri Lanka, particularly with regard to reconstruction and rehabilitation in the war-ravaged North.

In protest against a stormy protest by supporters of a Cabinet Minister outside the U.N. local headquarters here last week, the U.N. called Mr. Buhne for consultations and shut down the regional office of the UNDP citing failure of authorities to ensure smooth functioning of its office.

“Obviously, the functioning of UN operations in Sri Lanka will require positive cooperation and Mr. Buhne will also convey the Secretary-General's strong expectations for a better treatment of the U.N. family in Sri Lanka, as well as for progress on the range of commitments covered in the Joint Statement of May 2009 including resettlement of internally displaced persons, political reconciliation and accountability,” said Mr. Haq.

Hindrance

Asked why Mr. Buhne was returning, Mr. Haq noted the changing circumstances in the country, which had allowed the U.N. staff to return to work without the hindrance that they had faced earlier.

His return comes a week after Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa gave up his fast on July 10. The Minister was demanding scrapping of the three-member experts' panel appointed by Mr. Ban.

Separately, the Office of the United Nations Resident / Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka in a statement had clarified that the UNDP country office is not closing.

“It is only the Colombo office of UNDP's Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific, which provides policy advice and services for countries throughout Asia and the Pacific, which is closing. All UNDP programmes for Sri Lanka will continue, as will the vital work of the other agencies throughout Sri Lanka,” said the statement.