Jaffna products reach Colombo

In a clear sign of growing North-South commerce 28 lorry loads of northern produce, including two freezer truck loads of famed crabs and prawns were dispatched to Colombo from there early this week.

Jaffna Government Agent K. Ganesh revealed last night that because of the growing demand they have now decided to keep the road open for private goods convoys every other day compared to every ten days earlier.

As the A-9 was opened to north-south private trade from last week the first convoy of 34 trucks that went to Jaffna from South on their return journey has brought back a wide variety of goods including fish, palmyrah products, red onions, tobacco, green chillies and even 31000 empty bottles, according to the GA.

With the arrival of fresh goods from the South by road at close intervals, the prices of many items like fruits are said to be coming down in Jaffna and the lifting of restrictions on fishing too is said to be having a beneficial effect on the price of fish there.
Meanwhile, the government wanting to resettle IDPs in their former places of residence within 180 days, has ordered the army to expedite the de-mining activities and it has also informed GAs of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi to be ready to resume their functions at any time.

Kilinochchi GA N. Devanayam told The Nation that a technical team would be visiting Kilinochchi next week to assess the repairs needed for his building and those of the AGAs in the district. And once those repairs are completed under the 180 day programme they would take up their duties in the district.

The GA’s building in the heart of Kilinochchi on the A-9 route, he said had not suffered any serious damage and with minor repairs they can resume work there.

Devanayam said he and Mullaitivu GA Ms Imelda Sukumar, continues to function from Vavuniya in the meantime.
Ms Sukumar said also said they are already working on the governments “Uturu Wasanthaya” programme to rebuild the north. She too said that most of their offices can be put back to use with few repairs.

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