Sri Lanka to allow medical aid to Tamils

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Sri Lanka says it will allow Indian medics to administer aid to ethnic Tamils in the island nation's war-torn northern sector.

Basil Rajapaksa, an adviser to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sunday met Pranab Mukherjee, India's external affairs minister, telling him the government will protect the human rights of Tamil civilians during the ongoing military offensive against the rebel group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, The Press Trust of India reported.

"Every assurance we have given (to) look after the human behavior needs and whichever way we can," Basil Rajapakasa, the president's brother, told reporters after the meeting.

Asked about the medical aid from India, Basil Rajapakasa said: "Yes, that issue was brought up and we will take a positive look on it," responding affirmatively when asked if Sri Lanka will allow Indian medical aid to ethnic Tamils, PTI reported.