LTTE trying to create humanitarian crisis - Defence Spokesman

Ranil Wijayapala

COLOMBO: The LTTE is trying to create a humanitarian crisis in Jaffna to gain the sympathy of the international community in total desperation in the light of their failures on several fronts, Government Defence Affairs Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Commenting on the LTTE attempt to show the international community that the people in Jaffna were suffering due to a severe shortage of food and essential items in the Jaffna peninsula, the Minister said the Government was making all efforts to fulfil the needs of the Jaffna people.

"I am not telling that things are hundred per cent perfect in the Jaffna peninsula. But the Government has made all attempts to provide all what the people of Jaffna need amidst the conflict", the Minister added.

The Minister said the Government sent all food items to the Jaffna Peninsula through the Government Agent in Jaffna and took steps to distribute them among the people.

"The main problem is due to traders hiding their food stocks", the Minister added.

The Essential Services Commissioner has made arrangements to transport food stocks to the Jaffna peninsula by ship following the closure of the A - 9 road from Omanthai and Muhamalai by the LTTE following the clashes between the LTTE and the Security Forces.

The ship "Liverpool" carrying nearly 3000 metric tonnes of dry rations and essential food items including flour, sugar, milk powder and vegetable cooking oil cans valued at Rs.100 million reached Point Pedro last week.

The Government has so far spent around Rs.600 million to procure relief items to the people of the conflict-hit areas .

Another ship carrying nearly 3000 metric tonnes of food and essential items is due to arrive in Point Pedro this week.

"The Government is capable of facing all these challenges from all fronts", the Minister added.