SLN fires artillery in Vadamaradchy deep seas

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 01 March 2006, 12:03 GMT]
Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) soldiers fired artillery in deep seas in Vadamaradchy east between 8 and 9 am Wednesday causing frightened fishermen fishing between Mamunai up to Uduthurai to hastily return to shore, sources in Vadamaradchy said.

When inquired about the artillery fire, the SLN claimed the firing was part of their regular naval exercise.

However, local fishermen said SLN conducts regular military trainng exercises only in shallow seas, and this act can be construed as part of continued harassment to the Vadamaradchy fishermen.

Tuesday a meeting held between Jaffna civil society members, and the Security Forces commanders from SLN and Commander of Northern Region Maj.Gen.Chandrasiri on the harassment to fishermen along Jaffna coast ended inconclusively, reports said.