The UNHCR has stated that the suspension of the service has resulted in a drop in the number of Sri Lankan refugees returning to the country this year. "It is difficult to say exactly why the numbers are lower, but part of the reason could be the suspension since October last year of the Colombo-Tuticorin ferry service from India. Refugees told us they preferred returning by sea as they could bring more of their household goods home with them," UNHCR Representative in Sri Lanka Michael Zwack has said in a statement. UNHCR statistics have reportedly revealed that 408 individuals had voluntarily returned to Sri Lanka with the assistance of the UNHCR during the first three months of this year, nearly a third less than the same period last year when 597 refugees had returned. Indian company Flamingo Liners launched the 9-story MV Scotia Prince between Tuticorin port in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka's Colombo port in June 2011. However, the 1000-passenger ferry halted operations in November 2011 from its launch following a court order. The UN agency says since the conflict ended in May 2009, Sri Lankan refugees have been steadily returning back to their home country, mainly from India with a few from other countries. The returns are part of a voluntary, facilitated repatriation programme, supported by the governments of both India and Sri Lanka. The refugees upon their return in the country receive a reintegration grant and transport allowance to help them get back to their homes. A total of 1,728 Sri Lankan refugees returned under UNHCR facilitated voluntary repatriation programme in 2011.
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