Protest fast in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Friday, 30 April 1999, 21:40 GMT]
Hundreds of civilians took part in a fast at St.Sebastian Church in the eastern district of Batticaloa today, protesting at the presence of the Sri Lanka Army in the premises of Madhu church.

The protesters carried placards against the SLA's presence and also against the planned expansion of Batticaloa Air Force base.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan security forces banned all transport between the LTTE controlled Paduvaankarai region of Batticaloa and the SLA controlled area through Paddiruppu bridge and Manmunaithurai until 10 a.m. today.

Sources in Batticaloa said that arrangements are being made to mark May 1 celebrations in the LTTE controlled Paduvaankarai region.

They said that transport was banned to prevent civilians from attending the celebrations.

Meanwhile K.Ganesh, Government Agent, Vavuniya, and the Co-ordinator for food and essential items supply to the Vanni said that the food convoy transport will resume Monday, May 3.

He said that the no man's land between the SLA and LTTE forward defence lines will remain as such with the agreement of the both parties.