SLA to intensify Pass system in Point Pedro

[TamilNet, Monday, 19 September 2005, 10:44 GMT]
Tension has built up again in the coastal area in Point Pedro district, over SLA’s new order to intensify the "Pass System," among Tamil fishermen. Sri Lanka Army (SLA) 524 Bridgade military officials in a meeting held Monday between 12 noon and 1 am at the brigade headquarters in Point Pedro presided by Col N. Ratnayake decided to reintroduce passes for Vadamaradchy fisherman through the fisheries Unions, SLA officials said.

The SLA officers decided at the end of an hour’s deliberations, to organise the "improved Pass System," through Fishing Societies in the Point Pedro coastal areas.

The Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Navy soldiers will insist on a photo-attached pass from every fisherman while engaged in fishing, sources added.

However, Fisheries Unions have informed that they will not agree to the pass system.

Fisheries Unions sources also alleged that the SLA soldiers have issued death threats to the Head of the Munai fisheries union.

A complaint has been registered with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (SLHRC), union officials added.