Sri Lanka tells ICRC to scale down activities
The Swiss-run International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says the Sri Lankan government has asked it to scale down its operations in the country.
The move follows the cessation of hostilities between Sri Lankan forces and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The government declared victory over the Tamil Tigers in May.
An ICRC statement on Thursday said the Geneva-based organisation was reviewing its setup and operational priorities in Sri Lanka.
“As a first step, it will close its offices and withdraw its expatriate staff from the Eastern Province while winding down its operations in the area,” said Jacques de Maio, the ICRC’s head of operations for South Asia.
“However, the ICRC will continue its dialogue with the Sri Lankan government on issues of humanitarian concern.”
The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to address the humanitarian needs of those directly or indirectly affected by the recent conflict, including displaced people and returnees.
The organisation has had a permanent presence in Sri Lanka since 1989.
The conflict, which began in the 1970s, has killed an estimated 70,000 people, displaced thousands more and held back the island’s growth and economic development.
swissinfo.ch and agencies
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.