UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrives in Sri Lanka..
He is visiting in the Island at the invitation of the President. Mr. Holmes arrived at the Katunayake International Airport this morning. He had a meeting with Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the Foreign Ministry this morning. It was followed by a joint news conference.
Mr. Holmes said the UN was vigilant over the fate of the civilians in LTTE clutches. He said civilians should be afforded facilities in conformity to international humanitarian laws. Mr. Holmes called on the LTTE to release the civilians. At the same time he said the LTTE not open fire at civilians fleeing from their grip. The UN has drawn attention to meeting all needs of the civilians. The Sri Lankan Government was shipping food required by the trapped civilians. UN Agencies are supporting the Governments programme to provide relief and resettle the displaced. He revealed of the UNs readiness to contribute to northern development with the end of the war.
Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told the news briefing that the UN envoy will leave for Vavuniya tomorrow with Parliamentarian Basil Rajapakse to monitor the Governments humanitarian operations. The Government needs UN assistance rescue nearly 70,000 civilians held by the LTTE.
