On 26 May, Valvettithurai fishermen staged a protest demanding the lifting of restrictions on fishing. The fishermen say that fishing is totally banned in some places off the coast of Vadamaratchy. Local people on the Jaffna islands told visiting Colombo journalists in late May that fishing was allowed only between 4am and 6pm and the restriction was adversely affecting their lives.
Reports say that the number of people receiving government food aid will be reduced by 50% from May. In April, 116,000 received food aid in the peninsula. People who have a source of income, such as vehicles, small businesses and houses that can be let, will not be entitled to assistance.
A Muslim delegation met Jaffna’s senior state officer, Government Agent (GA) K Shanmuganathan in early May, demanding protection, after alleged robbery and attacks on Muslim residents. The Muslims also urged action to eject people occupying their houses.