Jaffna travel restriction relaxed -MoD

[TamilNet, Monday, 11 February 2002, 20:31 GMT]
The United National Front Government Monday announced that no approval from the Ministry of Defence will be required hereafter by Sri Lankan citizens to travelling to Jaffna. "However their identities should be proved at the point of embarking when they travel by air or ship at security force/check points established by the Government", the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a press statement released Monday.

The statement further states:

"Following guidelines as regards the air and sea passage to the North are to be adhered to with immediate effect. Requirement to obtain permission to proceed to Jaffna has been relaxed. Accordingly, (a) No approval from Ministry of Defence will be required hereafter by Sri Lankan citizens travelling to Jaffna. However, their identities should be proved at the point of embarking when they travel by air or ship at any Security Force/Police checkpoints established by the Government.

(b) All non- Sri Lankans should seek permission from the MOD to visit North. However, any non- Sri Lankan who is recommended in writing after scrutiny for travel to Jaffna by Sri Lankan Ambassador/High Commissioner abroad will be permitted access to the Jaffna without MOD approval.

(c) Any Diplomatic Officials, stationed in Sri Lanka will not require permission from MOD to travel to the North.

TRAVEL TO - UNCLEARED AREAS (under the control of LTTE)

(d) Any Sri Lankan, non-Sri Lankan, Diplomat or anyone visiting uncleared areas (that are under the control of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) will do so at his/her own risk. "