Omanthai and Uliyankulam entry/exit points were reopened yesterday(30) after two weeks, with the ICRC agreeing to deploy personnel in both Omanthai and Uliyankulam crossing points belonging to Vavuniya and Mannar districts respectively.

The Government Defence Spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella addressing a media gathering in Colombo yesterday said that the ICRC had conveyed their decision to the Government with regard to resuming their presence in the entry/exit points with conditions. Accordingly, the crossing points would open for three days per week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m-5 p.m.

The ICRC withdrew its personnel from the crossing points on 22nd of May citing security reasons, after LTTE launched two mortar attacks on the points with ICRC officials being present on both occasions.

Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella reiterating the Government's commitment on the civilian issue said that the Government never obstructed civilian movement in the area, infact the Government wants to open the crossing points throughout the year, Minister Rambukwella said.