United Nations Radio

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is scaling down its operations in Sri Lanka.

ICRC medical workers

The agency says this follows a request by the government now that active hostilities between the Sri Lankan State and the Tamil Tigers are over.

The Red Cross says that as a first step, it will close its office and withdraw its expatriate staff from the Eastern Province while winding down its operations in the area.

The ICRC has had a permanent presence in Sri Lanka since 1989, responding first to the needs caused by an uprising in the southern part of the country.

Its role has evolved over the years as the needs changed, the latest being in connection with the conflict between government forces and Tamil Tigers.

The agency says it will continue its dialogue with the Sri Lankan government on issues of humanitarian concern.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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