UN ENVOY: ENSURE SAFETY AND FREEDOM OF TAMIL IDPs IN VAVUNIYA!!!

Holmes happy with facilities provided to IDPs
Rasika Somarathna

UN humanitarian Affairs Chief Sir John Holmes had expressed his satisfaction about the facilities provided to IDPs at welfare centres in Vavuniya, after obtaining first hand information touring the area during his three day visit to the country.

Accordingly, the UN is planning to raise US $ 10 million as an initial sum to expedite relief efforts for the displaced in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights said.

Quoting Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, in charge of Disaster Management and Human Rights, Ministry sources said that the promised aid would not be linked to any pre-conditions laid down by the UN.

This view of the Minister had been agreed upon by the visiting UN envoy, they added.

At a media briefing on Saturday, the visiting UN Humanitarian Chief, had laid emphasis on civilian safety. In addition civilians should also be ensured free movement he had added. Sir John Holmes had also condemned the air raid by the LTTE on Friday night. One Tiger aircraft shot down by the military landed on the building which houses the Inland Revenue Department, located just 100 metres away from the hotel he was lodging.

Meanwhile, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe addressing the media alongside Sir John Holmes on Saturday had welcomed the UN aid to help IDP's.

According to the Minister, the main concern for the Government was the LTTE using force to prevent civilians from leaving the uncleared areas.

The Minister had further said that the troops were doing it's utmost to keep civilian casualties at zero levels, while battling a terrorist organisation which had no regard for human lives.

The Minister had emphasised that the Government would do it's utmost to safeguard civilians and provide the displaced whatever assistance possible.

During his brief visit Sir.John met top Government officials, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
dailynews.lk