UK Government doubles Sri Lanka aid
British aid to Sri Lanka has been doubled to £5 million amid renewed calls by ministers for an immediate ceasefire to end the "severe humanitarian cost" of the latest fighting.
About 220,000 civilians are thought to have become trapped in the northern war zone between the Colombo government and Tamil Tiger rebels (LTTE - Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
Both sides have been accused of human rights breaches amid reports of heavy casualties among non-combatants and the UK is to send experts to assess where the extra cash can best be spent.
In a statement, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said: "Military advances by the Sri Lankan Government against the LTTE have come at a severe humanitarian cost.
"I am extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and the continued reports of civilian casualties. The situation has deteriorated fast in the last few days.
"Prime Minister Gordon Brown called for a ceasefire on January 14. I repeat that call and urge both parties to agree an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
"Humanitarian corridors must now be set up and respected by both sides so that civilians have the opportunity to move away from the conflict area and humanitarian assistance can be safely delivered. Wounded civilians must receive the care they urgently need. The UK will continue to press all parties to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law."
The extra £2.5 million of help doubles the sum announced in October last year to support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the International Organisation of Migration and the World Food Programme.
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander added: "Not enough aid is getting through to those who desperately need it. I welcome the Sri Lankan President's assurance that civilians will have safe passage through the conflict zone to reach a secure environment.
"I urge all parties to make sure that this safe passage is implemented and that efforts are made to assist civilians to move away from danger. Other donors must consider providing additional humanitarian support for the thousands of innocent civilians caught up in this conflict."
