Ruling the waves

THE government has announced new rules for those travelling by sea from LTTE-controlled Mannar mainland to southern Sri Lanka through Kalpitty. Applications should be submitted to the GA through the Mannar AGA and a permit obtained from the government secretariat with the approval of the police.

Sea and coastal patrols in Mannar were increased in early April and the Army prohibited fishermen from going to sea. The government will provide rations for 2,900 families affected by fishing restrictions in Army-controlled areas.

Over 1,500 fishing families further south in Negombo have also been affected by a fishing ban. The area has been declared a security zone to protect Colombo harbour from LTTE attacks.
The LTTE fired on fishing boats near Karaitivu north of Kalpitty in late April injuring three people. A gang attacked Ulukapura Muslim village in Puttalam on 26 April injuring 15 people. Police refused to register complaints by villagers. Local people say the police participated in burning houses in the village.

Eight UNP members, including Kurunegala Mayor GH Nimal Chandrasiri, were shot and injured on 1 April allegedly by bodyguards of local PA politicians. A UNP statement in early April says that the PA is developing a militant wing under the guise of the Sudu Nelum movement. The UNP also alleges that hundreds of guns have been given to government supporters to harass political opponents.

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