SLN strengthens Neduntheevu security

[TamilNet, Saturday, 02 June 2007, 12:52 GMT]
Following the pre-dawn attack by Liberation Tigers on the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) installations in Neduntheevu on 24 May, SLN has strengthened security in the island by instituting a new Identity Card system and erecting additional mini-camps in the islet, local residents said. SLN has directed all residents between the ages 15 and 60 to obtain new ID Cards from SLN offices in the islet.

Neduntheevu islet lies on the flight path of Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) planes between Colombo and Palalay. Strengthening security in the islet areas and Nedutheevu seas to establish a secure flight path has become an urgent priority for the SLAF.

Neduntheevu fishermen have also been directed to obtain new passes from the SLN offices located in Mavilithurai, Neduntheevu East, St.Anthony's camp and Neduntheevu Police station, before going out to sea again, fisheries sources in Jaffna said.

SLN has recommenced rebuilding of the Queen Tower camp, destroyed by the attack. Additional mini-camps are also being established in Periyathurai, Niluvi'lippillaiyar Koayilady, and Vihai Junction, residents said.

Meanwhile, SLN has barred non-residents from entering Mandaitheevu islet located close to the south of Jaffna Fort. Islanders were completely displaced during the SLA operation to break the siege on Jaffna Fort in 1990. Following the capture of Jaffna in 1996, the SLA allowed Mandaitheevu residents to resettle. However, SLN is currently not allowing the displaced residents to resettle back in Mandaitheevu, civil society sources said.

Chronology: