The number of refugees in Mannar is expected to increase as only 2,000 people a month are transported by ship from Trincomalee to Jaffna and there are no ship services from Mannar. Social workers are concerned that increasing numbers in camps without adequate facilities will only exacerbate the suffering of the people as in the case of the refugee camps in Vavuniya District.
Reports say those travelling to southern Sri Lanka are facing increasing difficulties. People complain that the security forces are refusing travel permits even to those who submit adequate evidence on the purpose of travel. Mannar government secretariat officers have urged the Army commander to appoint a committee to study the problems faced by the passengers.
Mannar farmers say they have not received fertilisers despite applications and several discussions with Army officers. They fear that rice cultivation in Army-controlled areas will be badly affected in the coming months.