In 2008, the conflict intensified in the LTTE-controlled areas of northern Sri Lanka, known as the Vanni. In January 2009, government forces seized control of major areas that had previously been held by the LTTE.

Present on the island since 1989, the ICRC has conducted its humanitarian activities with the agreement of both parties to the conflict, providing humanitarian assistance to civilians, manning crossing points to enable people to cross between government and LTTE-controlled areas and visiting those detained in relation to the conflict.

These activities became more difficult as the conflict worsened in 2008-2009 with 250,000 people caught in a 250 square kilometre area that has come under intense fighting. The humanitarian situation in the area has deteriorated, with lack of water and proper sanitation putting people at risk of epidemics. As access allows, the ICRC continues to work with the Sri Lanka Red Cross to assist those affected by the fighting, evacuating sick and wounded people from the combat zone by sea, and facilitating the movement of food shipments and limited medicines into that area.

The organization reminds both parties to the conflict of their obligations to comply with international humanitarian law (IHL), emphasizing that the law requires all parties to refrain from harming civilians, allow them to receive aid and enable humanitarian agencies to work in safety.

Presence (2009): 646 staff including 70 expatriates