Three civilians were killed and eleven injured inside the Vahari hospital complex where people had taken refuge from the Sri Lankan military artillery fire. Sri Lankan military has continued to fire artillery shells into Vaharai since noon on Monday 8 January 2007. Several shells fell on the Vaharai hospital roof and people who had taken refuge in the hospital complex were hit by the shells killing three and injuring eleven.

The shelling is continuing and casualties could rise. Batticaloa ICRC has been contacted to help move the injured victims to Valaichenai hospital.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse and his advisor Dr. Palitha Kohana ( a Former Australian DFAT Officer ) are adamant in solving the tamil ethnic issue through militarised approach, analyst said.

Despite the following recent UN warning, Sri Lankan Government continues to violate Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws.

".. The United Nations further reminds both parties of their obligations under International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, as expressed in the Security Council Resolutions on the Protection of Civilians and the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. ..

United Nations
Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator
Colombo, Sri Lanka
08th Jan 2007"