Making a special statement in the House JVP parliamentary group leader Wimal Weerawansa charged that the UNICEF had brought down a 400 foot container load of 5,640 packs of combat rations to be distributed to LTTE cadres since a military offensive to the Wanni is on the cards.

Mr. Weerawansa rejected claims by UNICEF that the food packs were for its civilian staff serving in the North and the East.

He said the packs were purchased from an organisation called Economat Des Armes which is registered under the French Ministry of Defence.

The MP added that the food was ‘combat rations’ meant for soldiers and not ‘Ready to eat meals’ which are normally used by UN organisations for their civilian aid workers.

He stressed that the packets also did not carry the UN stamp, and had not been labelled “not for sale” as is the customary practice of the UN.

“If UN workers need food then why must it be purchased from Economat Des Armes which comes under the French Defence Ministry?” he asked.

Mr. Weerawansa said that in such a context the government must be more vigilant of UNICEF activities in the country and called on the government to temporarily shut down the UNICEF office in Kilinochchi.

“The world community funds the UNICEF to work for the children of Sri Lanka.

But finally when these funds flow to separatist Tiger terrorists must we observe silence,” he asked.

The MP also noted that the food was wrapped in camouflage material.

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