Adequate food supplies for Wanni

UN representatives allowed to accompany convoys to witness distribution:

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: Dismissing certain reports about a shortage of food and other essential items in the Wanni, Essential Services Commissioner S.B.Divarathna said yesterday that there was enough stocks for six months stored in Vavuniya, and these would be delivered continuously to Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi.

According to Divarathna 75 to 80 lorries are already being loaded with stocks amounting to 1,000 tons expected to reach uncleared areas before next Saturday.

This is to be followed by another consignment of 4,000 tons of essential items in the coming weeks. According to Divarathna, UN representatives have been allowed to accompany the convoys to witness the distribution.

Divarathna added that this was the first time that such a large convoy would reach these areas as the normal practice was to send around 20 lorries at a time.

He added that 250 field trucks had been reserved to transport essential items without delay although Government Agents in the areas possessed enough stocks for the time being.

Authorities said moves are underway to make Vavuniya a humanitarian assistance hub to help an exodus of IDPs due to the military operations in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.

Strict orders have been relayed to both Security Forces and authorities to make a safe passage for civilians fleeing from uncleared areas and make all arrangements for their safety and wellbeing, authorities said.