With the recent captures of all north-eastern Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers) strongholds, it could be hypothesized that an end to the two decade war in Sri Lanka was in sight; recent warnings by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) suggest that for the meantime, things are still dire.

The worsening situation as of late has led to widespread fighting between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels; upto 150,000 people may be trapped in the area according to the latest statistics by the ICRC. Whilst the number of trapped civilians in the area was lower in government estimates, no accurate figure can be established because of the nature of the situation; the ICRC’s Jacques de Maio, head of South Asian operations, dubbed the current crisis one of the worst he has been involved in.

Relief aid is currently making its way into the areas affected by the war, but more is needed. Key governments in Europe are being pursued by the ICRC to do all they can to help with humanitarian efforts; the crucial stage in the country’s identity crisis necessitates that crises such as this need to be diverted at all costs.

Mass evacuation is the plan being suggested by the ICRC; 2,000 people have been rescued thus far.

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