2ND LEAD (CORRECTION)

Saiva delegation visits IDP detention camps in Jaffna peninsula

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 24 March 2009, 17:39 GMT]
A five member Saiva delegation group led by Nallai Aatheenam Chief Priest, Srila Siri Somansunthara Parmaachchaariya Suvaamika’l, visited the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) detention centres in Koappaay and Kurunakar Tuesday where it gave goods to the detained Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who had fled the war in Vanni to Jaffna peninsula, sources in Jaffna said. This is the first visit to the SLA detention centres in Jaffna by a Saiva organization and the members of the group expressed concern that many needs of the IDPs remain unfulfilled.

Around 3 million rupees worth goods were distributed to the inmates in the above two detention centres by the visiting team.

The Chief Priest was accompanied by S. Paramanathan of the Committee for Peace and Goodwill, Sivamahalinga Kurukka’l, Kirupanantha Kurukka’l, Ms. K. Jegatheesan from Social Development Society and some officials of Jaffna District Secretariat.

The delegation will be visiting the detention centres in Kodikaamam and Mirusuvil Wednesday.

Srila Siri Parmaachaariya Suvaamika’l appealed to the people of Jaffna peninsula and the expatriate Tamils to help in catering to the needs of the IDPs.

As only dry food ration is given by the government to the IDPs all the Saiva temples and Saiva organizations in Jaffna peninsula are taking steps to help the IDPs whose numerous needs remain unfulfilled, the members of the group said.

Action is also underway by the above organizations to launch a large scale fund raising and collection of essential commodities.

Traders’ Union has come forward to contribute its share while government employees have pledged to donate a day’s wage.

Some Saiva temples in the peninsula handed over funds to Nallai Aatheenam Chief Priest, Srila Siri Parmaachchaariya Suvaamika’l Tuesday.