As the influx of civilians from the NFZ continues from in its thousands, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the Commissioner General of Essential Services to ensure that necessary food, medicines and other essentials be provided in adequate quantities to the people.

The President gave this directive when he visited the Air Force Headquarters this morning to view footage of the large exodus of civilians from the NFZ to government held areas.

The President also instructed that all persons injured in suicide bomb attacks, explosions and shooting carried out by the LTTE to prevent the civilians from leaving the NFZ, should be given immediate medical assistance and flown to hospitals for treatment.