Call to remove rigid limits on Travel Permits

[TamilNet, Monday, 28 February 2000, 07:24 GMT]
Peoples Committee for Peace and Reconciliation, a grass root organization in Jaffna, has requested the Brigadier in-charge of civil administration of Jaffna district, T.E. Tillekeratna, to extend the validity of travel permits issued to Tamils travelling to other districts, to one year, said sources.

In a letter addressed to the Brigadier, the Committee said, "Currently one needs recommendations from the Grama Sevaka office and the District secretary, and a final authorization from the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) Commander to obtain travel permits.

"If the person needs to travel again, he/she has to re-apply and has to go through the lengthy process of obtaining a new travel permit. If the expiration times of travel permits are extended to one year, it will ease the burden on Jaffna residents who have the need to travel frequently to other districts.

"In addition, the Travel Permits issued in Jaffna should be made acceptable by security personnel at other districts so that travel from Jaffna is made less arduous," the letter further stated.