Activists say many IDPs still live under the trees

In a letter to the Head of government Peace Secretariat (SCOPP) the organisations said that the Ministry of Defence has urged them not to travel to the areas under rebel-control.

The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) have sought permission from Dr.Palitha Kohona to transport relief aid in their vehicles with a representative from the District Secretary.

'National issue'

23 aid organisations including OXFAM have expressed serious concern that they were denied access to extend basic humanitarian need to the Internally Displaced People (IDPS).

I urge the authorities not to view the grievances of the refugees in an ethnic angle Rev. Dr. S Jayanesan

Meanwhile, a leading human rights activist in the region has urged the authorities to consider the plight of the IDPs as a national issue.

Rev. Dr. S Jayanesan, Head of the Region of South India Church, has made the request after returning from the LTTE-held areas to meet refugees.

45,000 refugees

“I urge the authorities not to view the grievances of the refugees in an ethnic angle,” he told bbcsinhala.com.

More than 45,000 refugees in rebel-held villages lack all basic needs including shelter, food, water, sanitary facilities and medicine, he said.

“I have never witnessed a similar situation in 50 years”.

Rev. Dr. Jayanesan said he did not see any aid worker helping the displaced during his five-hour visit to the camps.

Many IDPs still live under the trees as tents provided by voluntary organisations are not in good condition.