Over 100 civilians seek Forces’ protection

Rafik JALALDEEN

Around 135 civilians sought protection with the Security Forces in Ampalavanpokkerni on Wednesday.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 135 displaced civilians fleeing Puthumathalan and Valayamadam amidst shelling by the Tigers have reached the cleared area with troops of the 58 division throughout Wednesday.

“The civilians included 55 children, 38 females and 42 males,” he added.

Nearly 69,000 displaced civilians escaping the LTTE have sought protection with the Security Forces. “The Government has made arrangements to meet the exodus and provide all needs,” he added.

Navy spokesman Captain D.P.K.Dassanayake said the Navy evacuated the 21st batch of 514 wounded and sick civilians accompanied by their relatives on Tuesday from Puthumathalan by the ICRC charted vessel Green Ocean.

The Navy as part of its humanitarian operations has put in place a number of comprehensive evacuation measures to facilitate the evacuation process. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams are on special deployment in the North-eastern seas to assist civilians fleeing the LTTE.