The Government yesterday reiterated its call on civilians held by the LTTE to break free from uncleared areas and enter the ‘Safety Zone’ provided for them. The security forces are now at the decisive stage of defeating terrorism, the Media Center for National Security said in a release issued to media yesterday evening.

"Many civilians have until now not made use of the ‘Safety Zone’ established nearly three weeks earlier. The Government has announced through the electronic and print media that all civilians who have not used this opportunity to enter the ‘Safety Zone’ for their own safety and security," the release said.

"The Government has taken the responsibility to guarantee the safety and security of all civilians within the ‘Safety Zone’. However, the Government cannot be responsible for the safety and security of civilians still living among the LTTE terrorists. The Government calls on all civilians to enter the demarcated ‘Safety Zone’ as soon as possible to ensure their safety and security," the release said.