Sanctions Are Lifted on Rebel-Held Areas
The Sri Lankan government lifted 7-year-old economic sanctions on areas held by Tamil Tiger rebels, allowing 30 truckloads of essential goods into northern jungles.
The trucks left Vavuniya, the last government-held town in the north, loaded with sacks of rice, sugar and fertilizer, bags of cement and barrels of gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel.
The convoy moved slowly for fear of mines used by the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam during the 18-year civil war.
The government of new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been trying to bring the rebels to the negotiating table.
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