In Vadamaratchy and Valikamam, more than 16,000 people are accommodated in 138 refugee centres and provided food by the government. Most of these centres lack basic sanitary and water facilities. Thousands of others are living with friends or relatives and most are not receiving any assistance. In late June, Tamil party and government ally, the EPDP, told President Chandrika that dry rations to the refugees and fuel supply were inadequate.
Jaffna’s NGOs say that they are unable to assist refugees because the government has severely restricted their activities and funding for the last five years. The ban on local NGO collaboration with international agencies remains in force since 1996. Some 500 students from the Vanni and the east, studying in the Jaffna University, are in great difficulty without sufficient food. As a result of disruption of postal, bank and other public services, money from parents is not reaching them. Following the disruption of telephone services, thousands of people dependent on relatives in other countries, are not receiving money.
In Thenmaratchy Division, 55,000 people, 75% of the population, are displaced. Reports say schools in Vadamaratchy and other areas are unable to accommodate the 19,500 students displaced from Thenmaratchy. Fifty nine schools and 84 nurseries in the region remain closed. Ten churches and 75 Hindu temples are also closed. Eight temples, including the Sivan temple at Chavakachcheri, have been damaged.
The LTTE sunk two naval boats near Vetrilaikerni off the eastern coast of Jaffna on 5 June. The Tigers also launched a suicide attack on the ship Uhana, belonging to the Mercantile Shipping Company, off Point Pedro on 26 June. According to reports, Uhana carried 1,850 tonnes of food and non-food items worth Rs 350 million ($5 million), sent by 20 private traders and agencies. The Tigers claim that the ship was also transporting weapons for the military. Twenty one sailors on the ship were saved, but seven are missing.
As clashes continued in Sarasalai area north of Chavakachcheri, the Army and the LTTE continued shell attacks while the Airforce bombed Thenmaratchy. Reports say ten people, including K Sinnathamby, were killed on 9 June at Madduvil. Some of the civilians wounded were taken to the Vanni.