SLA strengthens security measures in Jaffna

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 29 November 2006, 01:25 GMT]
Key Sri Lanka Army (SLA) commanding officers were said to have visited Palaly Military base Tuesday morning, as SLA resumed reinforcing security arrangements in Jaffna peninsula, sources in Jaffna said.

Private air crafts flying between Ratmalana and Palaly, avoided using the regular air routes Tuesday, according to Valigamam north residents.

The SLA high command is allegedly considering terminating the private aircraft service as commanders fear that thsecurity of Palaly military base is likely to be compromised by the exposure to civilian travellers, sources close to the private aircraft companies said.

The recently resumed flights, however, have alleviated difficulties of civilians who have urgent needs to fly between Colombo and Jaffna, civil society sources said.

Meanwhile, sounds of shell and artillery fire were heard from the Thenmaradchi Forward Defence Lines throughout Monday night, according to residents of nearby villages.

Urumpirai residents reported that a shell fell within the populated area in Urumpirai, but fortunately did not explode.