More welfare centres for IDPs in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka government has taken measures to establish another 10 welfare centres in Vavuniya to provide facilities for the fleeing civilians. Coordinating officer of the Disaster Relief Services in the area Brigadier Lal Weerakoon said they hope to settle the new arrivals at these welfare centres.

Brigadier Weerakoon said they are expecting more civilians as the government forces are continuing the rescue operation in Putumatalam area.

The Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services has already provided sufficient essential food and other items including sanitaryware to meet the requirements of the civilians.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday instructed the Commissioner General of Essential Services to ensure that enough food, medicines and other essentials are provided to the tens of thousands of people now arriving at the welfare centres.

According to government statistics the total number of civilians seeking refuge has risen to 112,000. The government has already established 15 welfare centres in Vavuniya.

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