Caritas is launching a major appeal to respond to the need of the people affected by the conflict in the north and east of the country.

The security forces of the Government of Sri Lanka captured almost all the areas that were under the control of the Tamil Tiger rebel (LTTE) and are now entering into the “Safe Zone” where the LTTE is keeping the civilians as a human shield.

According to the official statistics of the Government over 100,000 civilians have been brought out from the “Safe Zone” and are being sent to Welfare Camps. The rescue operation continues.

Caritas Sri Lanka Director Fr. Damian Fernando says that the extent of the human suffering of IDPs in the country is unbearable.

“The civilians face terrible suffering due to the continued fighting between LTTE and the Government Security Forces. Displacement is taking its toll on the civilians who are constantly on the run. Access to medical help for wounded is lacking. People have had either little food or water for weeks.

Caritas Internationalis has launched an appeal for US $ 2,441,426 99( EURO 1,811,728.95) to provide emergency assistance to the war victims, those have been made homeless by the fighting, returnees and war affected families , especially women and children.

Caritas will help 100,000 people with food, clean water, basic medicine, temporary shelter and counseling.

Fr. Damian Fernando said, “Both parties must ensure the suffering of the people stops. Caritas is calling on the government and the LTTE to guarantee the protection of civilians. It’s essential that the LTTE allows the civilians to leave the combat zone . Only peaceful dialogue will ultimately find a solution to the conflict.”

“The international community should wake up to the suffering we are witnessing in Sri Lanka and come forward to assist the victims.”

Contact Patrick Nicholson on 0039 334 359 0700 or nicholson@caritas.va