WFP says media coverage on aid workers and UN lacks proper research

Calling media coverage on aid workers and UN as "irresponsible", the World Food Programme (WFP) said Sri Lankan media's unjustifiable accusations put aid workers' lives in danger.

"We are specially concerned about safety and security of aid workers and attack on aid workers," WFP Asia Director Tony Banbury said.

400,000 refugees

He expressed deep regret over the killing of 17 aid workers in Muttur, last year.

The official called on the international community to help nearly 400,000 refugees in need of essential supplies in Sri Lanka's north and east.

We are specially concerned about safety and security of aid workers and attack on aid workers WFP Asia director, Tony Banbury

WFP also called on both parties to allow humanitarian agencies to assist the vulnerable populations in the region.

After meeting with Sri Lanka government officials Tony Banbury said at least 17,800 tons of food aid and more than US$ 10 million immediately needed to help the civilian victims of the conflict.

The WFP has agreed to a request by the Sri Lanka government to help the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who are returning home.

"However our provision of assistance will be conditional on the voluntary nature of the returns," Tony Banbury told journalists in Colombo.