Defies LTTE boycott call:

Dharmasri Abeyrathne in Jaffna

Amidst 'The Voice of the Tigers' radio station airing repeated calls to boycott the event more than 100,000 people attended the carnival during the last three days organised jointly by the Army's 51st brigade and the Jaffna Traders Association .

In addition to musical shows and sports events, the carnival also included numerous outlets which provided consumers an opportunity to buy essential food items at concessionary prices. A number of other initiatives were also included to help students in the area where 21 computers were provided to students who obtained outstanding results at the recent GCE Ordinary Level examination. Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda who attended the event said the LTTE was trying to create dissension between the public and Security Forces by spreading false rumours.

He said the Security Forces' efforts under the directions of Major General G.A.Chandrasiri in the area was commendable. Their latest effort under trying conditions to provide suitable entertainment and facilities for the Jaffna population, denied to them under the tyranny of the LTTE, was a step forward in ushering greater normality in the area, the Minister said.

(Courtesy : Daily News )