Courtesy India Today

Prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing in Sri Lanka, deepening the ongoing economic crisis. Many Tamil refugees are crossing the sea and arriving in Tamil Nadu. Officials estimate that if the ongoing crisis continues, 2,000 to 4,000 refugees may land in Tamil Nadu.

A group of Sri Lankan refugees who arrived in Tamil Nadu in the midst of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.https://trinitymedia.ai/player/trinity-player.php?language=en&gaAccountId=UA-795349-17&partner=IndiaTodayGroup&pageURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiatoday.in%2Findia%2Fstory%2Fas-sri-lankan-economic-crisis-deepens-officials-say-refugees-may-land-in-tamil-nadu-1929291-2022-03-25&unitId=2900004882&userId=cd441e7d-17a6-47d4-ae7e-64acf4161163&isLegacyBrowser=false&version=20220325_f962b3561135c6b59e675ccd44db018195416f39&useCFCDN=0&themeId=197

With the price of essential commodities skyrocketing, Sri Lankan refugees have begun to flock to Tamil Nadu. On Tuesday, March 22, a family of six Sri Lankan Tamils, including four children were found by the Indian Coast Guard near Fourth Island, Rameswaram and were handed over to the Coastal Security Group.

On Wednesday, another ten people, including five children, reached Indian shores. Sivasankari, one of the refugees, stated she decided to leave as there was no way to survive in Sri Lanka.

But, when crossing the sea, the engine failed, the anchor was lost and the refugees were stuck at sea, battling the hot sun. After a huge struggle, they managed to cross the sea and arrive in the middle of the night.https://embed.indiatoday.in/share/video/embed/1951

Siva, another refugee, stated that there was a shortage of rice, palm oil and petrol.

A kilo of rice costs Rs 250 – 300. I worked in Mannar. I left with my wife and my sister’s family. Many more families are getting ready to leave. We came to Tamil Nadu in 1990 and stayed at Mandap camp for 15 years and then went back. Now we have to return once again”, he said.

Long queues of frustrated people cooking outside gas stations and stationary shops were observed.

Officials from Mandapam have also estimated that if the crisis continues, between 2,000 to 4,000 refugees might land in Tamil Nadu.

Jacintha Lazarus, Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non Resident Tamils, visited the refugee camp in Mandapam.

Also Read: | Sri Lankan Tamil refugees continue to demand Indian citizenship

NO PROPER DOCUMENTS

Jacintha stated that 16 refugees from Sri Lanka have come to Tamilnadu so far, unable to survive there due to a severe economic crisis. But, as per protocol, a case was filed against them for coming to India without necessary documents.

We are conducting an inquiry and have submitted a report. Decisions about their status will only be decided after discussion between the Tamil Nadu government and the government of India. Already, CM Stalin has announced 12 schemes for Sri Lankan Tamils, such as building houses and providing skill training, of which eight have been implemented”, stated Jacintha Lazarus.

On Thursday, March 24, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin addressed the Sri Lankan economic crisis in the assembly and stated that he has been observing the sufferings of Tamils in Sri Lanka returning to Tamil Nadu.

He instructed officials to communicate with the Union Ministry and discuss how to handle the situation legally.