ICRC told to close its offices in Northern Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government has asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to close its offices in the Northern Province.

ICRC media coordinator Sarasi Wijeratne has told the local media that the government had requested the ICRC to close its offices in

Vavuniya and Jaffna and carry out its operations from Colombo.

The government has not given a reason for the decision, the official has told the media.

"The ICRC is, however, yet to receive an official communication from the government with regard to reasons behind the request to close down both its offices," Wijeratne has been quoted.

The official has said that the government has not given any time frame for the move yet.

The ICRC official said the organization is expected to meet with the government officials to discuss the situation.

In September, the ICRC said it has reviewed its operations in the country and decided to close its office in the Mannar district at the end of November 2010.

The Geneva-based organization has been working in Sri Lanka since 1989. It has over 325 staff, including 35 expatriates working in Colombo, Jaffna, Vavuniya, and Mannar.