SLN refuses students entry to explore Mandaitivu Corals

[TamilNet, Saturday, 10 July 2004, 14:04 GMT]
Advanced level students from Vembadi Girls school, Jaffna, and teachers who were on a science expedition to study coral developments along shallow waters along Mandaitivu beach were refused permission to enter the shores by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) checkpoint at the Mandaitivu junction Thursday, Jaffna daily Uthayan reported.

SLN reportedly told the student group that they should obtain prior permission from SLA's Public Liasion Officer for such visits.

The students after waiting several hours at the checkpoint for SLA's permission, later opted to tour the Mankumban shores before returning to their school.

The report said, that following appearence of posters and pictures of Black Tigers on the July 5, commomeration, SLN officers accompanied by local village officials have searched several residences in the area.