DHAKA: Sri Lanka is set to start a survey to determine the number of people killed during the country’s 26-year civil war, the government says.

The census will collect information on deaths, missing people and damage to property from 1983 to 2009, it said.

It comes amid international pressure over allegations of mass civilian deaths at the end of the conflict.

A Commonwealth summit held in Sri Lanka this month was overshadowed by claims of war crimes.

Sri Lanka’s army defeated separatist Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009.

Allegations of atrocities during the closing stages of that war have dogged the government ever since. The rebels were also accused of abuses.

The government has strenuously denied such allegations and insist it is on the path of reconciliation.

Officials ‘will conduct an island-wide census to assess the human and property damages occurred during nearly three-decade long conflict’, a government statement said on Wednesday.

‘This census, which has to be completed within six months will be launched on Thursday 28 November.’

BDST: 1904 HRS, NOV 28, 2013