The number of Tamil civilians who have come from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) to freedom in the Safe Zone in government territory as at this morning was 193,960, and considerably enhanced facilities are provided to them, said Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe, at a Media Briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat today (24).

Over 91,224 civilians are now accommodated in welfare centers in Vavuniya, Jaffna and Mannar. 75% of the 105, 000 who had come over earlier have been handed over to the relevant government authorities to identify their requirements and to facilitate resettlement.

Consequent to the influx of civilians the Government has taken several measures to enhance facilities for IDPs coming in large numbers to Government held areas. The government requested UNHCR assistance for more accommodation facilities to these civilians and UNHCR agreed to provide 20,000 tents for this purpose. INGOs and NGOs also pledged their support in providing another 20,000 tents for these civilians. Consequent to positive efforts taken by the government, it is in a position to provide necessary shelter to those who have come and those who are expected to come from the NFZ.

Facilities in terms of food, water and sanitation have been provided. The minister said the IDPs will be provided variation of foods in addition to the usual food packs issued by the WFP.

With regard to UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon's statement issued April 23 announcing he will immediately send a United Nations humanitarian team to the No Fire Zone to assists fleeing civilians, Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona said the exact observations of the UN Sec.Gen. were not to get known to the government and proper response would be made once this is known. The present conditions may not have been brought to the notice of the UN Sec.Gen.

Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the large influx of civilians had taken place after the recent visit of Mr. Vijey Nambiar of the UNSG's Office, who reported on the situation regarding the IDPs to the Security Council. Government had to weigh all aspects of this proposal including security of UN personnel, he said