UN/ SG: I sympathize fully with all of the displaced persons."

Ban tells CNN: Sri Lanka sites for the displaced 'appalling'


VAVUNIYA, Sri Lanka (CNN) -- After visiting a displacement camp in Sri Lanka on Saturday and flying over the site of the last battle in the country's recently ended civil war, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the sites "appalling."

"I have traveled around the world and visited similar places, but this is by far the most appalling scenes I have seen," Ban told CNN. "I sympathize fully with all of the displaced persons."

Ban called for better humanitarian aid after interviewing some of the people regarding shortages of water and medicine.

Ban toured Manik Farm, a sprawling camp for internally displaced people in the country's north, days after Sri Lanka declared victory in a 25-year civil war against the Tamil Tigers rebels.

About 250,000 to 300,000 people are refugees in the country, according to humanitarian groups and U.N. figures. Some in the camp have experienced fierce fighting in recent months, saying they did not believe at points that they were going to survive.

"I have seen the complete devastation here, and there must have been in the crossfire many civilian casualties. There simply must have been," Ban told CNN's Sara Sidner.

The Sri Lankan government has said it doesn't believe many civilians were injured or killed in the fighting.

While the war's end elicited celebrations in some parts of the country, humanitarian groups and the United Nations worry over those uprooted by the fighting. Ban arrived in the South Asian island nation Friday, saying he came to offer help and partnership.

"I hope my visit today can help begin a process of national recovery, renewal and reconciliation for all Sri Lankans," Ban said in a written statement issued Friday. "That is why I am here."
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Comments

This is the bit the UN Secy General was allowed to see under a Conducted tour. If the occupants had been sinhalese conditions would be different I am sure

Posted By: Vijay UK

U cant just wash your hand Mr.Ban.

Posted By: Amuthan

This is why all previous leaders in the country ruled out military solution for the North East Problem. Now the trained passed us. Price is very heavy.

Posted By: pali

Dear Mr Ban Ki-moon Your so late to visit SL all the Damages are over try to show your action now it self. Victory is us but human rights are badly effected

Posted By: People Voice

Well,when there is 250000-300000 people living in makeshift camps you cannot expect a government to provide all facilities overnight.Criticising is easy.This shows UN is still pinching and punching Srilanka.I am sure UN,HRW,EU are not happy about the Srilankan governments victory over LTTE.This clearly shows that all these are agents of LTTE.

Posted By: AJITH

Did ever sri lankan govt. admitted anything being guilty in the past.I am ashamed.

Posted By: rifai

It is very sad to hear from the UN Secretary about the civilian living in appaling condition. If our President has the kind heart, I am sure he can help. What is also very sad while one community is suffering and starving, another community is celebrating by giving food. I find it very difficult to absorb this. I feel the Tamils are deliberately put into this situation by the government.

Posted By: Minnal Sri

The government that is wasting millions bringing people from all over the country to Colombo for victory celebrations should first make sure that the conditions of the 300,000 IDP's lives are improved and normalcy restores in their lives. They are our citizens and brothers. Only when this is accomplished is when we could really celebrate the victory

Posted By: voter cooray

Don't worry Sir ... We are competing against Hitler's Germany....

Posted By: fernando

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