ITAK local heads abstain from conference, cite security reasons

[TamilNet, Saturday, 22 April 2006, 01:30 GMT]
Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of the Urban Council and four Pradesiya Sabahs controlled by the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchchi (ITAK) in the districts of Amparai and Trincomalee, citing security resons, did not attend the national level meeting, convened by Sri Lanka's President, for all heads and deputy heads of local government authorities elected in the elections held on March 30, sources said.

The was meeting held in the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall Friday morning.

Mr. S.Gowrimuhunthan, Trincomalee UC Chairman said he had replied to the invitation sent by the Local Government Ministry Secretary that he and his deputy were not in a position to attend the event due to the precarious security situation prevailing in their district, sources said.

Similarly, the heads and deputy heads of Verugal PS in Trincomalee district and PS of Alaiyadivembu, Thirukovil and Karaitivu in the Amparai district also did not participate in the conference, sources said.

Provincial Councils and Local Government Authorities Ministry Secretary had invited heads and deputy heads of all 266 local government institutions including municipal councils, urban councils and PS elected in the March 30 poll for this conference, sources said.