Army Chief inspects IDP facilities

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, accompanied by several other high ranking Army officers toured the Vanni on Thursday, in a bid to obtain first hand information on the progress made by troops, engaged in the final phase of their rescue mission to save trapped civilians in the ‘safe zone’ & facilities made available to the rescued ones.

According to the Army, the Commander had personally gone through detailed reports, presented by his field commanders on the ground realities and the methodical, but steady progress in the final rescue operation.

After going through detailed reports, the Commander had given necessary instructions for relevant officers to carry forward the ‘humanitarian mission’ with emphasis on civilian safety, they added.

Also the Commander during his tour had looked into the facilities available for civilians who have been seeking refuge from the military in large numbers during recent times.

He had advised senior field officers to provide maximum facilities possible and necessary protection for these IDP’s who have kept faith in the military, while escaping Tiger clutches amidst numerous difficulties.

The Commander and other senior officers were received by the 57 Division Commander Major General Jagath Dias at the Air Force Base in the Vanni on arrival.