It also escorted into the northern Vanni region a convoy of 13 trucks bringing about 170 metric tonnes of food provided by the World Food Programme.

"The wounded and sick had to wait for days before being transferred safely. It had become critical that they receive medical treatment immediately," said Paul Castella, head of the ICRC delegation in Colombo. The patients, who were accompanied by family members, travelled in three ambulances and four buses. The convoy also comprised a light vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Health and empty vehicles that will be loaded with supplies to be taken to people trapped in the Vanni. The convoy was escorted by the ICRC over a stretch of four kilometres between areas controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and by the government.

"It is essential that there be more such convoys, so that the sick and wounded will have access to vital medical treatment and humanitarian aid will reach civilians in the Vanni," said Mr Castella. "Today's operation shows that despite formidable obstacles it is possible to help people protected under international humanitarian law. It means hope for the future for other people in need."

Despite this positive development, the overall humanitarian situation remains critical for thousands of people. Food stocks have been depleted and sustainable ways of producing food locally have become almost non-existent. It is therefore vitally important – and urgent – that the parties to the conflict continue to allow humanitarian organizations to bring food into the Vanni.