The United Nations and Government of Sri Lanka said today that an urgent appeal has been launched for $50 million to meet the most immediate humanitarian needs of civilians fleeing fighting in the country's north.
The appeal comes at a time when aid agencies and the Government of Sri Lanka are struggling to cope with a sudden rise in displaced crossing into government territory, and as fighting continues over the last pocket of land held by the LTTE.
The number of people being held in government camps rose from 65,000 to 190,000 in just a few days after a mass civilian exodus when government forces breached the combat zone on 20 April. Thousands of civilians remain trapped inside that zone.
'We must address together the current shortcomings in assistance,' said Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Minister for Disaster Management and Human Rights. 'We must build confidence amongst these Sri Lanka citizens who have suffered considerably.' Read more ...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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