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Page last updated at 23:03 GMT, Thursday, 8 October 2009 00:03 UK

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In pictures: Inside Sri Lanka's vast refugee camp

Menik Farm refugee camp

Menik Farm camp in northern Sri Lanka still houses some 240,000 Tamils displaced by war. The government says just over 20,000 have been allowed to leave. Others are being vetted for security reasons. (Photos: Charles Haviland)

Inhabitant of Menik Farm

Families live two or three to a tent. There are fears the dwellings may be damaged in the monsoon but the authorities say drainage systems will prevent that.

Children in Menik Farm refugee camp

Children under 10 are allowed to leave Menik Farm but their parents and older children are not.

Residents of Menik Farm refugee camp

Some extended families live together; others have found themselves separated from their close ones.

Sick man at Menik Farm refugee camp

This sick man has gone from one medical facility to another. His wife says there is no room for everyone to sleep in the tent, so she has rigged up an improvised shelter for him outside.

Menik Farm refugee camp

Water is rationed and people told the BBC there is not enough for drinking, let alone bathing. The government says it is doing its best given the massive influx.

Mines sign in northern Sri Lanka

Northern Sri Lanka has many landmines which the government says must be cleared before most people can go home. De-mining is being stepped up.

Menik Farm refugee camp

While security screening continues, the vast majority of the camp-dwellers are still stuck inside, unable to work and with almost nothing to do.

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