India, which is actively engaged in rebuilding the war-ravaged northern Sri Lanka, today rejected local media reports that its nationals will be hired to carry out the reconstruction work in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. The visiting Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said there was no truth in the report and asserted that only local help will be utilised for construction activities in the region. Ms Rao, who arrived here on Monday night on a three-day trip, visited Mullaithivu today and lauded the people, especially the mothers and children there for meeting the challenges during the LTTE war and beginning life anew. The top Indian bureaucrat hailed the people of Mullaithivu for being “resilient like steel” and said “India is ready to open its heart to help resettle, rebuild and restore their livelihood.” “We will not only build houses but also repair them. We want to participate in their recovery and progress,” Rao said during her visit to the Mullaitivu Township. Rao, during her interaction with the resettled people, also applauded the courage of the single mothers and their efforts. she said “Indian Government, is keen to intensify its cooperation between with the Sri Lanka government to take forward programmes for development of livelihoods and the restoration of the natural habitat, affected by two and a half decades of tragic conflict.” At Trincomalee, she met Eastern Chief Minister Pillayan and discussed construction of houses in the province. She said the beneficiaries have to be identified, noting that “we have widows, the old and the handicapped.” She also extended an invitation to Mr Pillayan to visit India. Later speaking to media, she said approximately 10,000 houses may be required to be constructed in the Eastern Provinnce . Out of which she said that 1500 will be for the Sampur region.Rao also visited Thirukoneswaram temple in Trincomalee during her visit. The Foreign Secretary today also held discussions with prominent Tamil parties. Ms Nirupama Rao today called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed issues of mutual interest to the two countries . She reaffirmed India’s continued interest in helping the resettlement of the internally displaced civilians in the North . she expressed hope that Sri Lankan government would do its best to address the problems faced by internally displaced people.She would meet the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G L Peiris before flying home. Rao was accompanied by Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kanta ,Deputy High Commissioner Vikram Misri and Joint Secretary Trimurti from the MEA, during her visit to the north and east of Sri Lanka.