Observers say the humanitarian work of international agencies has been made difficult by such delays. On 27 August, following a meeting with a Tamil delegation, Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunge issued orders that from 1 September, refugees in Army-held areas of Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mannar should receive aid at the same level as in June. Reports say Batticaloa District has been badly hit by the food cut. But now, the camp refugees and only 3,151 families outside camps are entitled for assistance. Most of those living with friends or relatives are from contested border areas and cannot be resettled for security reasons.
Reports say the deprived families are living on lotus roots and leaves.
The Defence Ministry introduced the cuts saying that fuel was reaching the LTTE in the Vanni through Vavuniya. Fuel has also been cut to the Vanni. Kilinochchi District needs 3,555 barrels of kerosene a month, but the government allowed only 2,500 barrels which was later reduced to 1,000. In August, only 515 barrels were supplied to the district. Government offices were forced to close temporarily as a result of the protests.