Transport restrictions hit Vadamaradchi

[TamilNet, Sunday, 15 November 1998, 10:16 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Army (SLA) denied permits to three vehicles plying between Chempiyan Pattu in Vadamaradchi east and Chavakachcheri from yesterday, November 14. Residents in the Chempiyan Pattu area said that the approach of the 'Maaveerar' (Great Heroes) week of the Liberation Tigers may have prompted the army to take such measures.

They lamented that one of the vehicles that were denied permission is the only passenger service van that takes civilians from the villages of Chempiyan Pattu to Chavakachcheri.

The SLA had permitted only four vehicles to operate from here.

The other vehicles transport dried fish and agricultural products from Chempiyan Pattu to Chavakachcheri.

The SLA has been put on high alert in the northern and eastern parts of the island and in the island's capital because the Sri Lankan government strongly believes that the Liberation Tigers attack major targets in connection with the 'Maaveerar' (Great Heroes) week.

The Tigers commemorate their war dead during this period between 21 November and 27 Nov. The army tightens security and beefs up its defences from the second week of November every year because of this.