SLA blocks 200 people, key officials, from entering Vanni at Oamanthai

[TamilNet, Friday, 21 November 2008, 10:11 GMT]
Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in Oamanthai, while allowing 56 lorries carrying humanitarian supplies to enter Vanni, denied entry to more than 200 people including Ki'linochchi Regional Director of Health Services, Zonal Education Directors of Ki'linochchi and Mullaiththeevu, 15 school principals of both districts, Peoples’ Bank manager of Mullaiththeevu and four ambulances carrying 50 patients who were discharged from Vavuniyaa hospital after treatment to enter Vanni. When the stranded officials questioned if people are allowed to enter to Vavuniyaa this week as to why they were not allowed, the ICRC has informed the officials that they have not got clearance to be manned at Oamanthai.

Two education directors who were carrying the class I management exam papers to be held island wide on Saturday, informed the authorities in Vavuniyaa that if they were not allowed to enter Ki'linochchi and Mullaiththeevu districts, candidates would not be able to sit for the exams tomorrow.

Also if the bank manager is unable to enter salaries of the Government service employees would not be paid on Monday. It is reported that the cash flow is very poor.

Meanwhile, 56 Lorries carrying food and other items, 44 vehicles of the World Food Programme carrying 430 metric tons of food items and 12 in Government Agents' convoy carrying 125 metric tons, were allowed to enter Vanni, Friday morning.

When the officials were stranded at the Oamanthai checkpoint inquired from the SLA on why the entry is denied they were informed that 'today is a day that there is no civilian movement to Vanni.'

However, several civilians and three ambulances carrying 25 patients including 19 children from Tharmapuram in Ki'linochchi district have been allowed to enter Vavuniyaa this week.