RDS building dismantled to strengthen SLA new camp

[TamilNet, Sunday, 06 October 2002, 12:01 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) has dismantled the Rural Development Society (RDS) building at Kayankerni village in the Vakarai divisional secretary division and strengthened its new camp in the area with material removed from roof and other structures, residents complained Saturday. Kayankerni is about 37 km north of Batticaloa town.

SLA personnel, ignored protests by the villagers and RDS officials as they set about moving material from the RDS building to the new camp site. In addition the SLA personnel cut down several palmyra and coconut trees to Strengthen their forward defence lines and sentry points in the area, residents complained.

The SLA established its camp at the Kayankerni Government school in the village in 1990. After twelve years with the ceasefire came into operation and according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two warring parties the SLA shifted its camp from the school to a private building.