Seruwila refugees refused to go back until their safety is guaranteed

The government administrators have also decided to impose a resettlement limit of 50m from the main road, "until a firm decision is taken".

In a meeting held in Trincomalee on resettling internally displaced people (IDPs) in Batticaloa welfare centres, military officials have submitted the proposal to government representatives.

The meeting on 13 February was chaired by Governor of the North and East, Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama.

'Ready to listen'

The minutes of the said meeting, issued to media on Sunday, said the areas for the proposed coal power plant and Trincomalee Metro Urban Development area have already been earmarked.

District Secretariats in Trincomalee and Batticaloa were urged to identify villages and families that could be resettled in areas under Muthur, Seruwilla and Eachillampathai Divisional Secretariats.

Minister in charge of Resettlement, Rishad Badiurdeen, told BBC Sandeshaya that the government is willing to listen to concerns of the refugees.

The minister was not aware of the meeting held nearly two weeks ago.

The resettlement is to be completed by 31 March, 2007.