The UNP Assistant Secretary Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, MP, has asked Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to make arrangements for him to visit the Wanni to ascertain the situation of innocent people displaced in the region.

"Taking my own risk, I would like to join up with the ICRC when there is a convoy going to the Wanni and will also return with the ICRC on completing my visit", the MP says in representations made to the Defence Secretary.

Dr. Jayawardena said he hopes to visit the areas with ICRC officials where food distribution is being carried out.

"I would also like to meet with the Catholic Priests and Sisters in these areas who are with the people, senior government officials and local community leaders to ascertain the needs and the situation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)", he had noted in his letter to Rajapaksa.

"I was told that there IDPs concentrated between A32 Dharmapuram and A34 Puthukudiyiruppu", the parliamenatarian says.

"I will be travelling in my own Land Cruiser vehicle. I feel that the government will not hesitate to facilitate my visit".

The following are excerpts of Dr. Jayawardena’s letter:

"I am writing this letter as the former Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees, a Member of Parliament and the Secretary General of Parliamentarians for Human Rights. As you are aware, my activities are well known both locally and internationally as a Human Right Activist and a Human Rights Defender.

"I have shown a great interest in the sufferings of innocent Sri Lankans in the war-torn areas of Sri Lanka, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or politics. I have organized several Medical Camps for the benefit of these innocent people and have launched a special scheme to protect their lives. I am also a Life Member of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society and the Sri Lanka Medical Association.

"Throughout my political career, I have been advocating non-violence and adhered to the principles of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which have been ratified by the Government of Sri Lanka. I am responsible for organizing the Parliamentarians for Human Rights, where 37 Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka from several political parties in parliament, have joined to protect the Human Rights of Sri Lankans.

"I have received several reliable information that over 200,000 innocent people are being caught in the war in the Wanni and those people have been internally displaced more than a couple of times. On several occasions, I have highlighted these facts at Press Conferences held by me.

"I am aware that even the International Community, including India have shown their concern. I am also aware that the ICRC is trying to facilitate food and other necessary basic humanitarian needs to these people. The Government has accepted a donation of 800 metric tons of food and other items to be distributed to the displaced innocent people of the Wanni from the Government of India.

"I appreciate the great services rendered by the ICRC and the Government Agents and their Officials at Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu under most difficult conditions. The Religious Dignitaries of these areas are still with the people in spite of heavy fighting. His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundranayagam, Bishop of Jaffna and His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Rayapau Joseph, Bishop of Mannar too have visited these areas recently.

"Please note that I have seen on several occasions on the Sri Lankan TV Channels that selected Sri Lankan media men have been allowed to be with the Sri Lankan troops on the battle front of Wanni to do a media coverage of the Wanni battle.

"I will also be in touch with the Head of delegation of the ICRC in Sri Lanka and the Government Agents of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi, health officials and community leaders regarding my proposed visit."