Navy rescues more civilians

Another batch of fleeing civilians numbering 108, sailing in six overcrowded dinghies were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy, off the seas of Chundikulam yesterday.

During the past seven days, the Navy has rescued more than 1,300 IDPs fleeing the remaining uncleared pockets in Mullaitivu, indicating a sudden rise in civilians resisting LTTE orders, Navy sources said.

In addition to the ones using sea routes to flee the LTTE, in a fast shrinking uncleared area, more than 3,000 other displaced civilians arriving on foot had sought refuge from military authorities at various locations in the forward defense formations in Mullaitivu, during the last couple of days, sources said.

The latest batch of rescuees consisted of 33 adult males, 28 adult females and 47 children.

According to Navy sources, the rescued civilians were brought ashore at the Munai Beach and were provided refreshments and medical assistance, before directing them to welfare centres.

Special arrangements to assist civilians fleeing uncleared areas have been made with additional vessels deployed in the northern seas, which include stand-by rescue and medical teams, they added. The civilians praised Forces’ personnel for helping them.

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March 20:
Patients and elderly civilians numbering 455 evacuated off Mullaitivu on board ‘MV Green Ocean’

March 19 :
131 civilians in several small boats rescued off the seas of Chundikulam.

March 18 :
643 civilians fleeing in over 30 small dinghies rescued off the seas of Mullaitivu

March 16 :
481 patients evacuated from Mullaitivu on board ‘MV Green Ocean’

March 15 : 66 fleeing civilians rescued off the seas of Vettilaikerni

(RS)