TNA MP criticises Jaffna trade exhibition

[TamilNet, Saturday, 03 August 2002, 17:32 GMT]
Tamil National Alliance parliamentarian Mr.M.K.Sivajilingam Saturday said that the Jaffna business community has considered holding trade exhibition at this juncture a mockery when it has not been compensated adequately for the loss due to the war.The Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugee Affairs Minister Dr.Jayalath Jayawardene declared open the three-day trade exhibition at Jaffna Central College Saturday afternoon.

Mr.Sivajilingam speaking at the event said that almost all the Jaffna traders have been badly affected by the war. The war has crippled the growth of the trade activities in the peninsula. Still Jaffna traders undergo hardship to set off the losses they incurred during war periond.

Without adequately compensating the trading community for the loss, it is absurd to organise exhibitions of this nature, Mr.Sivajilingam pointed out in the presence of the Minister Dr.Jayalath Jayawardene.

Minister Jayalath Jayawardene in his inaugural speech said the trade exhibition has been organised to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the people of the south and north. He hoped this type of trade exhibition could make businessmen of the both ends to meet and join hands in future to launch big trade projects in the country.

Jaffna Mayor Mr.Sellan Kandiah also participated at the event.