Govt. very concerned about civilians fleeing LTTE clutches - President

International representatives who come here with a charge sheet against the Government regarding the welfare of civilians fleeing LTTE clutches go back fully satisfied with the program drawn up by the Government to cater to their welfare.

This shows that the Government more than any other party has the greatest concern for the welfare of these innocent civilians, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President said so after accepting a donation of Rs. 25 million cash and goods valued at over Rs. 20 million made by institutions under the purview of the Finance and Planning Ministry for distribution among displaced civilians from Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya at a symbolic ceremony held at Temple Trees yesterday.

President Rajapaksa said several lakhs of people have freed themselves from the clutches of the LTTE which had held them as a human shield and arrived in Government controlled areas.

The Government was fully committed to provide them with all necessary facilities and it was the duty and responsibility of all people to assist this effort. He said the Government's priority was to rescue all innocent civilians from LTTE stronglehold. The remaining civilians trapped within a small area in the No Fire Zone would also be rescued soon.

Meanwhile, a Presidential Media Unit release said the donated goods would be distributed among civilians housed in welfare camps in the North at a ceremony held under the patronage of Minister Siyambalapitiya on May 9.