The Sri Lanka Army yesterday expanded the existing safe zone to facilitate civilian movement from the Wanni.

According to military officials, a 4-km long stretch to the north of Udayarkattu junction and the Yellow Bridge on the A-35 Puthukkudiyiruppu-Paranthan main road up to Iruthumadu and another 8-km long area from the south of Iruthumadu up to Thevipuram have been thus earmarked for this 'SAFE ZONE' with immediate effect.

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the Army Headquarters has demarcated this safe zone as the Security Forces are fully committed to provide maximum safety for civilians trapped or forcibly kept by the LTTE in the uncleared areas in Mullaitivu.