Speeches / Statements

Statement by EAM on the situation in Sri Lanka

27/04/2009

The Government of Sri Lanka has announced that combat operations have reached their conclusion and that the Sri Lankan security forces have been instructed to end the use of heavy caliber guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons, which could cause civilian casualties. Sri Lankan forces will now confine their attempts to rescue the civilians who remain and give foremost priority in saving them.

This is an important first step in addressing concerns for the safety and security of Tamil civilians and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) trapped in the conflict zone.

The need of the hour is for urgent steps to ameliorate the humanitarian situation of those who have come out from conflict zone as well as to bring the remaining civilians and IDPs in the No Fire Zone out to safety. The IDPs and innocent civilians are the main victims of the conflict and every measure must be taken to protect them and guarantee their welfare.

I am happy to announce that the Prime Minister has approved a grant of Rs. 100 crores (Rs 1 billion) for providing humanitarian relief assistance to innocent civilians who have been evacuated from the conflict zone. The details regarding utilization of this assistance are being worked out.

New Delhi
April 27, 2009