Director General of Health services Dr Ajith Mendis said that the staff was asked to leave as they would not be able to function as usual due to the on going conflict.

He told BBC Sandeshaya that doctors from Puthukudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu district have already arrived in Vavunia.

“If intense fighting is going on the best thing is to move out of the area” said Dr Mendis.

He further said that doctors have been asked to move out with the help of the ICRC.

“This is a very unusual situation and changes to the mode of operation have to be made” added Dr.Mendis.

He said that two surgeons have been sent to Trincomalee to help the medical staff there to treat patients who were evacuated from Pudukudiyiruipu.