Apr 27, Colombo: United Nation's humanitarian agency, UNICEF has airlifted 50 metric tons of emergency relief supplies urgently needed for the Internally Displaced Persons in Northern Sri Lanka.

The consignment containing nutritional supplies, water treatment units for safe water, oral rehydration salts, and medical supplies landed in Colombo today and will immediately be sent to northern Sri Lanka, the aid organization said today.

Another shipment will be airlifted on Tuesday, UNICEF said.

UNICEF said last week it has sent 50 metric tons of high energy biscuits for those who had just escaped from the no-fire zone in addition to over 130 metric tons of nutritional supplements provided over the last weeks to treat malnutrition.

UNICEF's Representative in Sri Lanka, Philippe Duamelle said the country is facing a humanitarian crisis that requires a rapid response.

"We estimate that there are approximately a quarter of a million people who need help and they need it quickly," Duamelle stressed.

UNICEF said it was in urgent need of US$5 million to help meet their most immediate needs in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, protection and education.