Jaffna church service for Vanni

[TamilNet, Sunday, 01 August 1999, 19:08 GMT]
The government should not be allowed to use food as a weapon of war, said Father Selvarajah at a service following a prayer fast at St. Mary's church in Jaffna today.

"The very basic human rights of the Vanni people are being rejected by the government. Necessary food for children is not available, one kilograms of sugar costs 100 rupees in Vanni, kerosine costs from 250 to 300 rupees. People in Vanni can't even get a Panadol in the pharmacies. Asthma patients are suffering a lot. That the issue of a transport route is being overlooked by the government will bring a catastrophe in Vanni.", he said further.

Father Jeyaseelan, who also spoke, said that there was no freedom of movement in Jaffna out of a certain area.

He further said that there was an obligation to help those in the Vanni out of a duty to help those in trouble.

The service was held between 10 am to 12.00 noon.