The plight of civilians trapped between the opposing forces of the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tigers is causing increasing concern in the international community.

There are calls for camps housing people fleeing fighting in northern Sri Lanka to to be run by civilians and not the military.

Despite civilians being kept in a 'no fire zone', it has been reported that between 120,000 and 350,000 civilians are caught in the conflict zone. The Internatioanl Red Cross says at least 300 civilains have been killed so far.

Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley has more from Colombo.