Sri Lanka Navy yesterday rescued 643 civilians fleeing uncleared areas by boats amidst the LTTE’s firing in northern seas.

The rescued consisted of 419 adults (207 males and 212 females) and 224 children (111 boys and 113 girls). The group had been found on board 35 dinghies while attempting to flee from un-cleared areas of Mullaitivu. The rescued described how the LTTE cadres started firing at them when they were fleeing. Despite the LTTE’s gunfire, they had kept on sailing towards the deep sea until the Navy came into their rescue.

The Navy provided them food, refreshments and medical assistance.

Sri Lanka Navy has made special arrangements to assist civilians fleeing from uncleared areas. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams are on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the North-eastern seas.