How much longer?

This has been the dominant question of Sri Lankans in the country's northern region of Vanni are participating in a massive exodus for safety. Despite hunger, thirst and uncertainty, civilians continue to walk under a sweltering sun for their survival.

While there may be reasons to believe that the 25 year old civil war is nearing its end, no one can tell when the last bombs will fall. As Monica Zanarelli of the International Committee of the Red Cross-South Asia pointed out, "The ICRC has asked the authorities to clarify the time frame for lifting restrictions on movement imposed on the displaced population and to indicate when the resettlement process will begin.” Some civil society groups estimate that given the destruction the war has wrought, it might take two years for affected communities to resume their lives.

At the moment, internally displaced people have reached more than 200,000. Some managed to flee the conflict zones by sea but more have been trapped in the crossfires.

Civilians are bearing the brunt of the continuing fires from both sides. Albeit some areas have been declared “no-fire zones,” bombings and shellings are making it difficult for civilians to move to safer grounds. In some cases, it is said that the rebels have deliberately prevented civilians to join an exodus. The Tamil Tigers have also been accused of intensifying their recruitment of child soldiers.

According to Human Rights watch researcher Anna Neistat, “They shoot those who are trying to escape to government-controlled areas. They cannot spend 24 hours in their bunkers. The density of civilian population is enormous. Any attack in this area will result to enormous casualties. And so far, the government demonstrated reckless disregard.”

Meanwhile, government forces have also continued shelling the area it declared to be a “no-fire zone.” It has also refused to heed calls for ceasefire, which it referred to as a “joke.” It also banned the media and civil society groups from penetrating certain areas.

Back in temporary shelters, internally displaced people (IDP) are facing the problems of inadequate food, water and even sleeping areas. Tarpaulins are not enough to shield affected civilians especially children from the 35 degrees Celsius. The grounds, however, are not prepared for rains. Many are also wary of family members who have been separated from them in course of the exodus.

Sources.
Dissanayake, Samanthi. (23 April 2009). “What now for Sri Lanka's displaced?”
International Committee of the Red Cross. (30 April 2009). “Sri Lanka: thousands of civilians still trapped.“ 
Morris, Chris. (21 April 2009). “Tough search for Sri Lanka truths.” 
Neistat, Anna. (April 2009). Sri Lanka: Trapped and Under Fire.”