16.9.2008

Relief activities will not come to a halt by the relocation of NGO and INGO offices from LTTE-held areas to Vavuniya as the Government already provides adequate humanitarian and relief services to needy citizens in these areas, Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights, Mahinda Samarashinge said today (16).

Despite the heavy pressure excerted on the withdrawing staffs of the INGOs and NGOs a significant number of organizations have evacuated the areas with their assets and staff in response to the Government request on the 8th of this month, the Minister added.

He also said that these organizations will all relocate before the 29th of this month, additing that they are welcomed to continue their relief activities by setting up offices in Vavuniya.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo this morning, MinisterSamarasinghe noted that this step was taken to ensure the safety of all INGO and NGO personnel working in these areas.

Government officers joining the Minister at the media conference said that at present there is an uninterrupted flow of goods and services to civilians in the Wanni through government channels and added that the activities will be further strengthened over the next few days.

Courtesy: Government Information Department