TEAR Fund reports shelling in Sri Lankan war zone

The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund

PRESS RELEASE

May 14 2009

TEAR Fund reports shelling in Sri Lankan war zone

TEAR Fund is appalled at the continuing loss of life in Sri Lanka as the Government and the Tamil Tiger separatists trade fire in a tiny 7.7 sq kilometre block packed with civilians, and is calling on both sides to allow the civilians out of the area.

Reports that the one remaining hospital in a so called ‘safe zone’ has been struck by artillery fire two days in a row are sickening, said TEAR Fund programmes officer and recent head of operations in Sri Lanka, Ian McInnes.

“Our partner expected to receive a boat load of casualties from the International Red Cross yesterday, but due to the heavy fighting, the evacuation was cancelled, he said.

“TEAR Fund’s partner staff reported hearing continual mortar shelling through the night on Saturday, and have witnessed children as young as three being operated on after being hit by gun fire. They have received many children who have undergone amputations to limbs in the war zone after being hit by exploding shells.”

TEAR Fund is preparing for the worst as the war intensifies. It launched an appeal some weeks ago to help meet the desperate needs of the war victims. Mr. McInnes said, “The situation is desperate and appalling and if the shelling keeps up, there will be few people left to rescue.”

TEAR Fund is currently providing essential food and clothing to 3,000 of those affected just outside the war zone, and is standing ready to receive the next boat load of evacuated casualties as soon as the Red Cross can safely access the area.

TEAR Fund is hopeful that the outcome of the UN Security Council meeting today will persuade both sides to expedite the release of the innocent civilians trapped in the war zone.

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