All assistance for displaced - Minister

Mohammed Naalir

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane yesterday assured uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to displaced civilians in ongoing operations against the LTTE in Kilinochchi, Wanni and Mullaitivu areas.

Addressing the media at the Government Information Department, the Minister said that even though local and international NGOs were directed by the Government to withdraw from the operational areas considering their safety they can operate from Vavuniya and can carry out uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the IDPs.

Minister Abeywardane also said local and foreign NGOs which have withdrawn from operational areas are required to disclose assets. In case of permanent structures such as buildings, the Government will take appropriate steps on the completion of the war.

He said the only authority to look into the welfare resettlement of IDPs is the Government. It will take proper steps to resettle them soon after in these areas are liberated from the LTTE.

He said nearly 99 per cent local and international NGOs have withdrawn from the operational areas on a directive of the Government. Rs. 25 million to Kilinochchi and Rs. 3 million have been allocated to other areas to carry out immediate relief work for the IDPs. The funds will be spent on food, temporary accommodation, water, etc.

"Since the Red Cross is working with the Government they don't need to withdraw from these areas. Their service is pivotal at this time as they accept bodies of casualties in the battle front. No NGO will be allowed to act in favour of the LTTE, Minister Abeywardane added.

He said 135,000 civilians in uncleared areas have been asked by the Government to enter the areas under the control of the Army to avoid civilian casualties.