India has asked Sri Lanka to expedite the resettlement of Internally displaced persons, IDPs, especially in Killinochchi and Mullaithivu.The visiting Foreign secretary Nirupama Rao said this to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo today. She said this is necessary so that they could resume normal lives in their original places of habitation. She aso conveyed that India is looking forward to opening a Consulate General in Jaffna.<br/><br/>The President appreciated India’s substantial assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka and for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons. In particular, the extension of 425 million US Dollars as Lines of Credit for railway projects in Northern Sri Lanka was welcomed.It was also agreed to convene a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fishing to discuss issues related to fishermen on both sides.<br/><br/>Mrs.Rao assured Sri Lanka of India’s continued support to development and reconstruction in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. She announced India’s support for housing projects to be taken up in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts for the benefit of the IDPs. This will include setting up temporary shelters, repairing and rehabilitating damaged houses and building new houses. Foreign Secretary also indicated that additional Lines of Credit are being considered for railways projects in Northern Sri Lanka. Mrs.Rao was on a three state visit of the island nation.