Nov 20, Vavuniya: The trucks carrying the essential food items to the Internally Displaced Persons in Wanni are parked at the government's food warehouse premises in Vavuniya as the International Committee of Red Cross officials are not present at the Omanthai entry and exit checkpoint for the third consecutive day.

The government agency officials in Vavuniya said that 18 trucks have been parked for few days as they couldn't commence their journey to the Wanni.

According to the sources, the Government Agent of Vavuniya has to pay Rs. 24,000 per day to each truck whether they travel or not. GA officials hope the entry exit point would open as quickly as possible.

This is the third consecutive day the check point had to be closed due to the absence of ICRC officials in protest of the government’s efforts to move the checkpoint 49 kilo meters north.

Reportedly a large number of people are also waiting at the checkpoint to travel through it.

ICRC officials said yesterday they are discussing with both the government and the rebels for a new crossing point.

“All arrangements concerning crossing-point procedures, including location and opening hours, must be agreed to by both the government and the LTTE,” Paul Castella, the ICRC's head of delegation in Sri Lanka said yesterday.