COLOMBO, Sept 10: International human rights groups have sounded an alarm that a government order early this week for United Nations and non-governmental aid workers to leave Sri Lanka’s northern Wanni region could affect thousands of civilians trapped in heavy fighting.

With the UN and a few other international humanitarian missions remaining in the war-hit regions being asked to quit the area by the government, rights groups have urged Colombo government to allow international monitors into Wanni to oversee supply and distribution of food and medicines.

Amnesty International has called on the Sri Lankan government to allow monitors into Wani to ensure that convoys with food, medical and other essential supplies enter the area.

The ICRC has stated that clean water and sanitation were the most pressing needs of the displaced.