The enthusiasm shown in 1990 by the local Muslim community in welcoming the refugees has dissipated over the years. Although infrastructure development since refugee arrival, such as roads, has also benefited the local people, violence involving the local Sinhalese population has been on the increase. The locals view the refugees as a threat to their livelihood, particularly in the occupation or ownership of land.
The refugees have few employment opportunities. Fishing in the region is possible only for six months a year and the war has made migratory fishing impossible. The land in the coastal region of Puttalam is unsuitable for cultivation or resettlement. New agricultural development using modern technology provides only limited seasonal employment for women. Due to these reasons the refugees continue to depend on government food assistance.
The Muslim refugees yearn to return to their homes in the Northern Province. Peradeniya University’s senior lecturer SH Hasbullah says that the strong relationship between the Muslim and Tamil communities has not eroded even after the expulsion of the entire Muslims community from the north.
In 1995, the government offered land and assistance for resettlement. The Muslim refugees who accepted the offer made clear that their desire was a more dignified life away from the appalling conditions in refugee camps and resettlement would only be an interim arrangement. After five years, many have accepted only the first instalment (Rs 10,000) of the Rs 35,000 ($485) resettlement allowance.
Security on return to home areas is considered the most important factor. There have been discussions between Muslim refugee community leaders and LTTE representatives. Although parts of the Mannar area and the Jaffna peninsula are controlled by government forces, the Muslim refugees are reluctant to return.
Mr Hasbullah contends that the issue of displacement should be considered as an integral part of the overall conflict and a new atmosphere of peace and stability need to be established for refugees to return home with confidence. The Muslim refugees say that without assurance from the Sri Lankan government, the LTTE and the international community regarding their security and support for the reconstruction of their social, economic environment, any return programme is bound to fail.