ICRC Head Speaks to Army Commander

From www.army.lk

HEAD OF THE International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the organization which is largely responsible for humanitarian and relief measures in war-torn Wanni, northern areas and elsewhere met Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka Monday (24) morning at the Army Headquarters.
Mr. Toon Vandenhove, Head of the ICRC Delegation during his meeting with the Army Chief focused on several issues that are related to the ICRC operations in un-cleared areas in Wanni. The ICRC official requested the Commander to appoint a specific Army officer in Wanni to directly liaise with the ICRC whenever the need arises.

     Lieutenant General Fonseka in response to the ICRC request reminded Mr. Vandenhove of the continued assistance assured to the ICRC at all times without denying access to anywhere in the Wanni as and when the ICRC wanted. Commander elaborating on the general security situation and ongoing military operations for liberation of innocent civilians in Wanni advised the visiting delegate to directly get in touch with Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni in case any assistance is needed.

     The ICRC official gave the Commander an outline of their operations in Sri Lanka and a review of different ICRC programmes launched in Sri Lanka in the year 2007.