State chief minister M. Karunanidhi has publicly welcomed the refugees , who are fleeing the 13-year war between Tamil separatists and government troops that Colombo says has cost 50,000 lives .
<response> State chief minister <person>M. Karunanidhi</person> has publicly welcomed the refugees , who are fleeing the 13-year war between <misc>Tamil</misc> separatists and government troops that <location>Colombo</location> says has cost 50,000 lives . </response>