Jaffna prepares to celebrate New Year

The people of Jaffna await the traditional New Year with great expectations and better security, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri addressing the media said.

According to Maj. General Chandrasiri, essential food items are in plenty with a three month buffer stock available. He also pointed out that security has been strengthened and that life in the peninsula is returting to normal with the impact of the LTTE on the wane.

"Intelligence information obtained at grand level revealed that the LTTE had extended its network in the various spheres of the Jaffna Peninsula as a result of the CFA," he added.

He also emphasised that said the LTTE violated the Norwegian brokened Cease Fire Agreement and that as a result the people of Jaffna faced a food shortage with the subsequent A9 road having to be closed.

Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganeshan said the first shipment carrying essential food items arrived on August 24, 2006 and this was followed by many more shipments. He said already essential food items sufficient for three months have been stored in Jaffna. People are all set to celebrate the New Year in a big way, he said.