The army breached one of the last Tamil Tiger rebel fortifications yesterday and freed thousands of trapped civilians, some fleeing through the neck-high water of a lagoon while bleeding or carrying wounded relatives.
The government warned the rebels they had 24 hours to surrender or face a final assault to end a crumbling 25-year insurgency that sought to create a separate homeland for ethnic Tamils on this South Asian island.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated on Sri Lanka's national television that soldiers helped more than 35,000 civilians leave the battle zone in the "largest-ever hostage rescue mission in history."
The Red Cross said its workers had tended to 4,000 people who crossed the front lines yesterday. Spokeswoman Sarasi Wijeratne said the organization was not in a position to "confirm or deny" the large number being quoted.
A pro-rebel website, meanwhile, said hundreds of civilians might have been killed in the "total chaos" that prevailed when soldiers entered the zone.
It was not possible to verify any of the reports because journalists are restricted in the war zone.
UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon welcomed the civilians' escape but remained concerned about thousands still trapped and "the potential for large-scale casualties," UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe said in New York. He also said aid workers must be allowed into the area to help civilians.
Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon released a statement saying Ottawa is watching the situation closely, and calling for a "resumption of the humanitarian pause."
"Both sides must allow the safe and voluntary movement of civilians from combat zones and ensure full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers to those in need," Cannon's statement said.
He said he had spoken Sunday with U. S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as well as Ban and Canada's high commissioner in Sri Lanka, on issues such as access to water, sanitation and medical support.