76 Sri Lankan refugees to return from India

Seventy-six Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, currently residing in India, are scheduled to return under a UN facilitated voluntary repatriation programme, authorities said on Friday. The refugees will arrive on September 29 in two batches, Xinhua news agency reported.

Minister of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs DM Swaminathan had a discussion with the UNHCR to facilitate the process. He also increased the baggage allowance per person. The refugees would be provided houses under the housing programme of the ministry.