Nagapattinam, Sept 09: Fifty three Sri Lankan refugees who were staying in the refugee camp here since 1990-91 left for their homes in Trincomalee in the island nation, officials said. The refugees, including several fishermen, had fled their homes at the height of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. Their boats which were impounded by Indian authorities were also returned to them, the sources said.

The refugees were escorted by the district collector, m Veerashanmugha Moni, assistant collector Umanath, customs and fisheries officials upto the international borders where they were received by Sri Lankan Navy. Bureau Report