More civilians come over

RAFIK JALALDEEN

Civilian arrivals are on the rise to the cleared areas from the LTTE dominated areas as a result of the safe passage provided by the Security Forces.

Around 96 civilians from the uncleared areas have reached the Security Forces controlled area crossing the Omanthai entry/exit point over the weekend.

Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 96 civilians had reported to the cleared area crossing the Omanthai entry/exit point in two groups on Sunday.

“Ten men and nine females fleeing the LTTE clutches had sought protection with the Security Forces on Sunday morning,” he added. Meanwhile, another 77 civilians had reached the cleared areas crossing the Omanthai entry/exit point. “These people would feel the breath of freedom after undergoing severe difficulties and many hardships,” Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

The IDPs had been directed to the Vavuniya welfare centre.