Opening hours of Omanthai Entry/Exit point changed

Wanni: Security Forces Headquarters in the Wanni has decided to change the duration of the opening of the Omanthai Entry/Exit point and cross loading point only from 9 am to 1 pm daily with effect from Wednesday for speedy clearance of traffic at the Entry/Exit point, Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nananayakkara said yesterday.

However, Brigadier Nanayakkara said that it was not the reason for the absence of the ICRC representatives there at the Entry/Exit point, the Spokesman added. ”They have apparently, not turned up at the Entry/Exit point due to some confrontations reported there.

But it will be sorted out soon as they are expected to meet the Security Forces in the Wanni on Thursday”, Brigadier Nanayakkara added.

He said the decision to change the opening hours of the Entry/Exit point was taken by the Security Forces in the Wanni in consultation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). ”It was meant to accelerate the movements of food convoys and civilians within the shortest possible span of time, prevent the assembly of civilians along the stretch of no-man’s land and other areas during long hours of opening and also to ensure no harm is caused to any civilians due to intensification of military operations in peripheral areas,” the Brigadier added.

However, the Entry/Exit point would facilitate the movement of ambulances with seriously-ill patients under emergency circumstances and transfer of the dead, etc as usual, in co-ordination with the ICRC at Omanthai, a statement from the Wanni Security Forces headquarters said.

At present, only the lorries and other vehicles, belonging to UN organisations, District Secretariats and the ICRC cross through this check point on a regular basis in conformity with procedures. The checkpoint earlier remained open between 9 am.-5 pm., the statement further added.