SLA discusses fishermen grievances

[TamilNet, Friday, 20 September 2002, 15:34 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army Thursday held a discussion with representatives of Vadamarachchi fisheries societies regarding their grievances. The conference held at the headquarters of the 52-4 Brigade of the SLA. assurances were given at the conference that the SLA would take up the question with higher authorities to allow displaced Vadamarachchi fishermen now in LTTE held Vanni region to travel by sea in their boats for resettlement in their villages.

Colonel Dalhagoda of the SLA presiding over the discussion said that he is prepared to attend and resolve the difficulties of the fisher folk. He appealed to the fisheries representatives to co-operate with the SLA for the smooth implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

"The SLA is prepared to find solution to any problems by fishing community through talks. We will invite the representatives of the LTTE to participate in these talks if necessary," said Colonel Dalhagoda.

" Fishermen can return from sea at any time during night. There is no restriction on this. I will issue necessary instructions to security personnel who engage in night coastal patrolling," said Colonel Dalhagoda when representatives of fisheries societies pointed out the difficulties they encounter in returning to the shore during nights.

The soldiers involved in the incidents that had taken in the high security zone had been handed over to the police for interrogation, the SLA officer said.