New police regulations in Batticaloa suburbs

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 20 July 1999, 09:26 GMT]
The Sri Lankan Police has stipulated new regulations in the Batticaloa suburbs of Puthunakar, Seththukkuda and Thimilaithivu which have caused inconvenience to residents in the area, said sources.

According to the new Police orders:

1. Sound of radios and televisions shall not be heard out side houses. 2. No one should wear black saris or shirts. 3. No one should go outside their homes after 6.00 p.m. 4. Patients who need to be transported for medical attention will sit on a bicycle and be pushed. 5. Torch lights shall not be used; only hurricane lamps can be used when people go out. 6. If visitors stay for more than two hours, this should be registered with the police.

The Officers in Charge of the Thimilaithivu and Veechukkalmunai police stations have said that strong action will be taken under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against those who fail to obey the new regulations.

According to the PTA, the police can confiscate the homes and property of anyone who breaches regulations.