A new sea route to deliver urgently needed relief to tens of thousands of civilians people in Vanni has been opened following food convoys through land route remain suspended for more than a month.
However only a fraction of the food required is reaching the people despite rising concerns over a growing food crisis.
As most internally displaced persons are now concentrated in a new safety zone along the eastern coastline of Mullaitheevu district, the sea route is seen as a viable alternative to reach those in need.
On Wednesday February 26, World Food Programme (WFP) transported some 40 metric tons of food - enough only to feed some 80,000 people for a single day - by sea to the government-designated safety zone in the Vanni, where approximately 300,000 internally displaced Tamils are living.
The first delivery by sea was made on Wednesday 18 February. It was also a fraction of the amount needed.
“Pressurised by international community, the Colombo government allowed the transportation of a meager amount of food – 30 tonnes – for a population of 300,000”, said LTTE's Puthukkudiyiruppu Political Head C. Ilamparithi, following the delivery.
Calling the relief an eye-wash Ilamparithi further added: "When distributed the amount each one would be getting is 100 grams: roughly 66 grams of flour, 20 grams of Dahl and 14 grams of sugar per person".
Following the deliveries by sea, Adnan Khan, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sri Lanka said: “Now the challenge is to sustain this activity and ship sufficient quantities of food to meet the needs of tens of thousands caught in the conflict,”
According to WFP calculations, 40MT can only feed about 11,500 people for a week and according Khan, WFP’s goal is to deliver up to 300 metric tons of food commoditieper week by boat. s
“Food assistance is urgently needed for those still trapped in the conflict zone,” Khan added.
Commenting on the suspension of land route Khand said: “The security situation since 16 January has not been conducive for food convoys to go in,”
“The resumption of [land] convoys will only be possible if there is a lull in the conflict, but right now that’s not happening.” Khan added.
WFP began food convoys to the Vanni on 2 October after its relocation from Kilinochchi in the Vanni following the government banning relief agencies from operating in the conflict zone where they are most needed.
A total of 11 WFP convoys comprising up to 60 trucks at a time continued until 16 January, when they were suspended following delays in Sri Lankan authorities granting permission and escalation in fighting that resulted in convoy personnel being trapped in the Vanni for almost a week.
A total of 11 WFP convoys comprising up to 60 trucks at a time continued until 16 January, when they were suspended following delays in Sri Lankan authorities granting permission and escalation in fighting that resulted in convoy personnel being trapped in the Vanni for almost a week.
