Red Cross to close operations in Mannar, Vavuniya, and Jaffna | Asian Tribune

By Ashwin Hemmathagamma

Colombo, 22 November, (Asiantribune.com):

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has decided to close the office in Mannar, Vavuniya, and Jaffna districts before the end of this year. According to ICRC spokeswomen Sarasi Wijeratne this decision has been taken based on a directive given by the Government of Sri Lanka.

However, ICSR assures that it will continue to serve the communities through the office in Colombo. Head of the ICRC delegation in Colombo, Paul Castella confirms the continuation of support and recognizes the lasting impact of armed conflict on people’s lives and the importance of providing support in the early stage of recovery and reconstruction. “At the same time ICRC must bring its activities into line with the resources available,” said Castella.

ICRC worked in Sri Lanka since 1989. Operations focus on protecting and assisting civilians affected by the recent armed conflict, visiting detainees and facilitating family links, providing adequate water supply and economic security for IDPs and resident communities, improving access to physical rehabilitation facilities, and supporting military training in international humanitarian law.

- Asian Tribune -

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