SLA closes segments of two key roads in Jaffna peninsula

[TamilNet, Sunday, 17 February 2008, 00:16 GMT]
Citing security reasons, Sri Lanka Army (SLA) announced the closure of a section of two major roads in Jaffna peninsula, a 400 meter stretch of Dutch road from Chaavakachcheari town to Ramalingam road in Thenmaraadchi, and another 400 metre stretch of road from Vallai junction up to Udupiddy road in Vadamaraadchi, for public transport with effect from Friday, sources said.

However, the staff and students of Chaavakachcheari Drieberg College, employees of Chaavakachcheari Magistrate courts, Education department Chaavakachcheari have been given permission to use the closed part of the Dutch road during working days.

In the closed Udupiddi road, several road blocks set up across the road and the general public ordered to use nearby gravel roads.

The closure of these roads is due to the fear of convoy of SLA vehicles being attacked as well as to ensure the safety of the military bases in these areas, sources added.

Already several roads in many parts of the peninsula including Jaffna Town, Thenmaraadchi and Vadamaraadchi have been closed causing great convenience to the public, local residents said.