Increased security in Jaffna islands

[TamilNet, Thursday, 28 May 1998, 23:59 GMT]
There has been an increase in road checks and patrols on the coastal roads between Jaffna and the surrounding islands following renewed activity by Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) personnel in the area, said sources in Jaffna.

The SLN assumed responsibility for the security of the Islands following the withdrawal of the Sri Lankan Army earlier this month.

The bus service between Jaffna and Kayts, which normally takes only 40 minutes, now takes up to 3 hours due to increased checks, said travellers. Government officials travelling between Jaffna and Kayts have been delayed getting to work. Kayts is 18k.m. from Jaffna town.

The Kayts Divisional secretary, Mr. C.S. Selvanayagam, has brought this issue to the attention of Commodore Karunakoda, the SLN commander for the northern region.

Mr. C.S. Selvanayagam also asked the SLN commander to ensure that the SLN which is occupying premises of Chithamparam Temple in Karinagar vacate, as the annual temple festival is approaching.

He further requested that Navy personnel camped at the Velanai Central College should vacate the premises, allowing the school to function normally.

The SLA commander, agreeing to this, said that he will take necessary steps and that the school will the returned to the authorities within two months.