Jan 31, Colombo: A total of 171 civilians including 38 children in several groups have fled to safety in government controlled areas, the military said.

According to military sources, a group of 63 civilians with 38 males and 25 females belonging to 16 families arrived at Visuamadu areas held by 582 Brigade troops today.

Another group of 16 children, 13 females, and 14 males from Valaimadu area in Mullaitivu made their way in two boats to reach the Navy in Pulmoddai.

. Meanwhile sixty five civilians from thirty five families arrived in Vavuniya on Friday (30).

All the civilians arrived in the government controlled areas would be handed over to civil authorities in Vavuniya to be sent to Internally Displaced Persons centers.

The government yesterday declared a 48-hour truce period to allow civilians safe passage out of the war zone.