Contention over Trincomalee market

[TamilNet, Sunday, 06 September 1998, 20:35 GMT]
The Chairman of the Trincomalee Urban Council, Mr.P.Sooriyamoorthy, announced today that September 13 should be observed as a black day by the people of the eastern port town.

This should be done to mark the first attempt on the same date last year to open the new market premises built by the Urban Council, said Mr. P. Sooriyamoorthy.

Sinhala traders who were opposed to the new market prevented its opening last year with the assistance of the Sri Lankan army and the Government Agent. This was despite protests by local Tamil politicians and community leaders.

The SLA has continued to side with the Sinhala traders and thugs in obstructing the opening of the market. The problem began when Tamils successfully bid for the annual tender to collect rents in the old market.

The UC chairman said today that he is resolved to fight the issue and not yield to the thuggery of the Sinhala traders though they are backed by the SLA and the top government officials, including the GA of Trincomalee.