SLA dismisses A9 reports

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 25 September 2002, 11:40 GMT]
The Sri Lanka army Wednesday dismissed reports in sections of the Tamil press that the A9 would be open 24 hours on all days of the week for public traffic. Sri Lanka Ministry of Defence officials said that they are working on having the road open round the clock on all days of the week. The Liberation Tigers say that limits on the traffic flow through the A9 should be removed.

The Jaffna Tamil daily Uthayan reported on Monday that the A9 would be open 24 hours on all days of the week from 25 September.

The following is the full text of the SLA release:

“Attention of the Ministry of Defence is drawn to media reports appeared regarding round the clock opening of the A-9 Road, effective from 25 September 2002.

“These reports are untrue and baseless. However, for the convenience of the public, the entry/exit points at Muhamalai and Omanthai will remain open for passage as follows:

“Monday to Saturday: From 7.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.

“These entry/exit points at Muhamalai and Omanthai will however be kept closed only on Sundays. These entry/exit points on A-9 Road will remain further open on all other public holidays except Sundays.

“All parties will be kept duly informed if the road closure or opening at these entry/exit points is deemed necessary, other than the specified days and timings stated above.”