The resettling process of families affected by tsunami is now underway and achieving progress but he accepted that there is a delay.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse who was in London last week told Sandesaya that as a result of the 100 meter exclusion zone, alternate lands have to be found for the people living in the coastal areas.

"This is the main reason for this delay," he said.

The task of locating and identifying lands is with the TAFFREN under Urban Devlopment Authority and they are going ahead with their programme. However, there are concerns by people about the whole thing, he said.

Answering to a question, Prime Minister said that as expressed by some it is not possible to construct about 60 to 70,000 houses within a month or two. It takes a considerable time, he said.

Sufficent funds are availbe to build houses. In addition, NGOs which consulted the government have agreed to take the responsibility of builing houses in the affected areas, he added.

Answering to a question PM said what president said was that government has not received aid as pledged. British government has cut off Sri Lankan debts. Prime Minister' Fund has received some aid.

Rejecting allegations levelled against the govenment over corruption in the handling of funds, PM said money is handled by officials and politicians are responsible and accountable to the government audit.