Ms. Kristin B. Parco, Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, informed the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, that the special project “LANTERN” (Land and Trust-building Engagement in the Regions of the North & East)—focused on land issues and trust-building in the Northern and Eastern Provinces—will be implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
This special meeting between the IOM Chief of Mission and the Governor was held today – on Tuesday 10 March 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat.
During the meeting, the Governor was briefed on the assistance that will be provided by IOM to beneficiaries from the Jaffna District who were affected by the recent “Ditwah” disaster. Details of the types of assistance to be provided were explained, and the official list of selected beneficiaries was formally handed over to the Governor.
Meanwhile, the Governor made a special request regarding the provision of assistance to Sri Lankan refugees currently residing in Tamil Nadu, India, who express willingness to return to their homeland.
In response, the IOM representatives explained to the Governor about the LANTERN project, which is scheduled to commence next month in collaboration with UNDP. They also indicated that there may be possibilities within this new project to extend assistance to such refugees returning to the country.
The Secretary to the Northern Province Governor, S. Sathiyaseelan and representatives of IOM also participated in this special meeting.
