Take all measures to protect civilians - UN

The United Nations expressing concerns over civilian deaths during aerial bombardments on Tuesday calls once more for cessation of hostilities between the two parties and resumption of the peace process.

Margareta Wahlström, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator in a statement said it is imperative that both sides to the conflict take all measures to fulfil their obligations under international law to protect civilians in the conflict.

"Sri Lankans continue to suffer deeply due to this conflict, and today's loss of life is a source of deepest concern," said Margareta Wahlström.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also remains concerned about deteriorating livelihoods on the Jaffna Peninsula in northern Sri Lanka.