Australia provides humanitarian assistance to Lanka

AUSTRALIA: The Australian Government will provide an initial $1,000,000 for immediate humanitarian relief supplies and services for victims of recent fighting around the north-east town of Muttur to help reduce the impact of the violence on the civilians, an Australian Government release said.

The funding will provide clean drinking water, mosquito nets, cooking utensils and sanitation for up to 6,000 people from various community groups who have fled their homes due to the fighting in Muttur.

Australia's International Aid Agency, AusAID will provide $500,000 through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist those affected by the conflict with medical equipment and support services.

A further $300,000 will be channelled through Mercy Corps, an international non-governmental organisation operating in the north-east of Sri Lanka, and $200,000 through the International Organisation for Migration.

Australia will continue to closely monitor the situation in Sri Lanka and stands ready to offer additional assistance if necessary, the release states.