Nov 21, Colombo: Sri Lanka Army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that 39 persons crossed over to the government controlled areas today from the uncleared areas of Vavuniya district.

The civilians in two groups comprising 22 males and 17 females have arrived at the Omanthai entry/exit point this morning. Sources said, the escapees included 2 children below 12 years of age, and 18 youths below 30 years.

The escapees told the military that they had used the A-9 Jaffna-Kandy road to reach Omanthai despite LTTE obstructions on the way.

The Army spokesman said the group was provided with food and medicine by the officials and directed to welfare centers.

Following the reopening of the Omanthai Entry/Exit point today at about 9.45 a.m. after the ICRC officials have resumed duties, heavy traffic was seen on both ways as more and more people began to move in and out.