More essentials for displaced

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: Another 50 truck convoy left Vavuniya yesterday carrying 350,000 packets of essentials for displaced civilians in uncleared areas of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, Commissioner General of Essential Services S.B. Divaratne said.

The convoy which left Omanthai around 10.30 a.m was carrying food and other essentials sponsored by the Indian Government and was scheduled to begin distribution from Pudikudirippu yesterday, Divaratne added.

He said the Government planned to send 1,500 metric tons of essentials within this week to IDPs in uncleared areas.

Government Agents in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu are expected to receive the stocks and distribute them among the needy with the help of World Food Programme (WFP) and ICRC.

According to the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry, the Government has also allocated funds to carry out relief measures for civilians in Wanni affected by the floods.

Meanwhile, the WFP also planning to send more truckloads carrying over 350 metric tons of dry rations by next Wednesday.

Divaratne said another 20 trucks carrying 200 metric tons of food items donated by various organisations will also be dispatched to uncleared areas during the week.

Additional shelter material, hygienic items and other essentials too are to be dispatched to civilians affected by the floods, Divaratne added.