In brief
Thugs
Thugs instigated by a politician entered a police station in Seeduwa on 5 April and released a man held on remand. On the same day, thugs led by another politician damaged a police station at Wennappuwa and attempted to release five supporters in custody.
Meeting
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunge met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha on 7 April in Chennai. Ms Jayalalitha is reported to have highlighted the need for early repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees in the southern Indian state. The clashes between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen were also discussed.
Bridge
Sri Lankan High Commissioner Mangala Munasinghe announced in New Delhi that a joint India-Sri Lanka group has been commissioned to study the feasibility of joining the two countries by a bridge across the Palk Strait.
Promise
UNHCR’s goodwill ambassador and Hollywood star, Angelina Jolie visiting Jaffna on 16 April, promised a donation of $10,000 to help rebuild the children’s ward in the Jaffna hospital.
Arrest
Thirteen youths waiting to board an illegal boat to Italy were arrested on the Palavi coast in Puttalam District in April. They had each paid Rs 300,000 ($3,150) to travel agents.
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