ICRC facilitates fertilizer transfer to the Wanni

The ICRC from yesterday extended its presence at the Omanthai crossing point in Vavuniya District to six days a week (9 am to 5 pm), Mr. Toon Vandenhove, the ICRC Head of Delegation said.

The request to open the crossing point between Government-controlled and the LTTE-held areas on Saturdays was made to allow for the transport to the Vavuniya region of more than 3,500 mt. of fertilizer during cultivation season.

"The ICRC agreed to extend its presence at Omanthai in order to help out the region's farmers," said Mr Vandenhove. "The extra day will make it easier for both parties to check the hundreds of trucks transporting vital fertilizer in addition to the usual traffic crossing the lines from Monday to Friday."

The parties agreed that only convoys carrying fertilizer will be allowed to cross Omanthai on Saturdays.

In August, at the request of both parties to the conflict, the ICRC had already agreed to extend its presence at Omanthai to five days a week, allowing 50,000 people and 7,000 vehicles on average to pass through the crossing point each month, an ICRC news release said.