The first convoy of food supplies since the aid workers pulled out on 16 September will travel under the UN flag to LTTE-held areas of the North in the next few days, according to the UN Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne.
"The key for us is to get the distribution right, and to get food directly to those who need it most. The success of the first convoy is important, because it will shape those that follow it," Buhne was quoted as saying.
UN officials are to accompany the convoy and supervise until the distribution is completed. "The supplies will not be offloaded at warehouses, so the convoy will travel directly to where the IDPs are staying and distribute the supplies," Buhne said.