2ND LEAD

SLA continues offensive at the doorstep of 'safe zone'

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 14 April 2009, 12:32 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has intensified offensive push at the doorstep of safe zone since Monday 3:00 p.m. firing shells and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) into the civilian zone, according to the latest reports. The makeshift hospital at Puthumaaththa'lan reported Tuesday that it admitted at least 43 wounded civilians up to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Many of the wounded had gunshot injuries. More than 240 explosions were registered within the safety zone. At least 25 RPG rockets, 65 shells and 150 canons (40 mm) were fired by the SLA into the safety zone since 3:00 p.m. Monday. Initial reports also said that a 44-year-old Red Cross (ICRC or SLRC) worker had sustained injuries on Monday.

Dead bodies of civilians were not brought to the makeshift hospital Tuesday as the SLA was firing on civilians seen moving on the road inside the safe-zone.

480 wounded civilians and their family members were transferred in ICRC ship from Puthumaaththa'lan to SLA controlled Pulmoaddai, according to the medical authorities.

Last shipment of humanitarian supplies of the World Food Program has taken place 10 days ago. Supplies are inadequate and there is a severe shortage of food among the displaced civilians.

400 grams of milk powder is sold at 2,200 rupees. 1 kilograms of onion is sold at 9,000 rupees, chilli at 9,000 rupees, sugar at 2,000 rupees, flour at 350 rupees and rice at 300 rupees.

69 percent of the children below 5 years of age are malnourished, according to a study by the Regional Director of Health Services (RDHS) in Mullaiththeevu district.



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