The magistrate also reminded the commanders that a list of detainees should be sent to the court every 14 days. The regulations require the security forces to issue arrest receipts to relatives and inform the Human Rights Commission (HRC) within 48 hours of arrest, which are rarely followed.
The magistrate visited the Vavuniya detention centres on 24 May. After it was revealed that nine of the 35 detainees had been arrested at Sithamparapuram and Poonthottam refugee camps, he urged the police to give priority to their cases. Eighteen people are in the custody of the police Special Investigation Division, including 59 year-old Sinnathamby Baskaran. HRC officer S Ravindran said in late May that the whereabouts of 15 people arrested by security forces in Vavuniya in the first 15 days of May were unknown.
In the Vanni, the government economic blockade continues to cause problems. Mullaitivu District has not received malathion insecticide needed for malarial prevention. District Medical Officer Dr Jayakularajah says that malaria is on the increase as a result. Rabies injections are not available in hospitals in the district and reports say patients are expected to travel to Vavuniya for treatment.
Over 2,000 people are stranded at Pandivirichchan, five miles north-east of Pramanalankulam, the civilian crossing point near Mannar-Vavuniya road. Civilians can enter Vavuniya from the Vanni twice a week and only 1,400 people are permitted. Others have wait at Pandivirichchan until they are allowed. Reports say the people are suffering without adequate food or shelter.
Following the withdrawal of the ceasefire in April, the LTTE launched a number of attacks in the Vanni, including Mannar. A soldier was killed and three were wounded in an attack on 10 May at Veli Oya in Mullaitivu District. In three attacks on 18 May, 13 security personnel were killed and 23 were wounded. In Mannar District, the Tigers launched an attack on the Army at Talaimannar on Mannar Island, three days earlier, killing two soldiers. A soldier died in a Tiger attack at Uyilankulam, eight miles south-east of Mannar town on 23 May.
The Navy turned back over 200 fishermen who went fishing in Mannar sea on 16 May, after only a few minutes at sea. They had all been checked before taking their boats to sea. The Navy has not given any reason. Reports say that as a result of restrictions on fishing for many years, fisher families in Mannar suffer extreme poverty.