Ship services to Jaffna from Trincomalee were disrupted after LTTE attacks on ships in July. Despite the threat, the ship Tharaki carried 286 passengers to Jaffna on 25 August. The Defence Ministry has announced that the Navy will continue to provide security.
The LTTE attacked a police patrol in early August at Salpayaru killing four soldiers. Fisherman L Thamayanthan was shot dead by the Army at Thirukadalur on 18 August. Another youth was injured and four were arrested. TULF leader M Sivasithamparam says in a letter to President Chandrika that the soldier who killed Mr Thamayanthan has been identified by the people and has called for an enquiry. Kattaiparichchan army camp, east of Muthur, came under LTTE attack on 28 August. Following the attack the Army shot dead S Sivapalan. Reports say the Tigers killed Ponniah Mahendran, a suspected Army informant.
TULF member Eelathunathan who was arrested by police on 10 August in connection with the murder of Trincomalee MP A Thangathurai in July denies any involvement. LTTE’s senior leader Sornam is Mr Eelathunathan’s brother-in-law.