UN to begin pullout from Wanni

The UN says it is now evaluating its operations in the Wanni with a view to relocating humanitarian staff. A precise timetable for the complete withdrawal of all staff is yet to be determined, but relocations will begin this week.

The UN in Sri Lanka acknowledges the announcement by the Government of Sri Lanka that they can no longer ensure the safety of aid workers in the Vanni, and their request that UN and NGO staff should relocate to government-controlled territory. The UN notes that the Government recognizes it holds primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers.
The UN remains fully committed to addressing the humanitarian needs of the civilian population in the affected areas, and will continuously monitor the situation to assess how this can be done under the circumstances, the UN said.