Malnutrition is spreading rapidly in areas under LTTE control, with nearly one in five children suffering stunted growth, according to the United Nations World Food Programme, states an AFP report.

The AFP report said: "The World Food Program said a recent survey in the LTTE-stronghold of Wanni found that a lack of clean water, irregular supply of food and an environment causing mental stress contributed to the nutrition problem.

"While malnutrition remains an island-wide problem, the results of the survey indicate that malnutrition rates in the Wanni are about eight percent higher than the national average," the WFP said in a statement.

It did not suggest remedial action, but said one in four children between the ages of one and two years were "wasted", or had low weight for their age. Boys were more affected than girls.

Out of a total of 12,896 children under the age of five years surveyed, 18.2 percent were stunted, or below height for their age, 21.6 percent were wasted and 36.9 percent were underweight.

"These figures show the alarming rates of malnutrition in the Wanni," the statement said.

The government allowed a free flow of supplies to the rebel-held region starting in early 2002 after a truce with Tamil Tiger rebels. Earlier, the government had a virtual economic embargo on the region with supplies heavily restricted.

The WFP said its survey carried out in September had enthusiastic support from the local communities.