
New Army Camp in Chithambara College Grounds, People Protest against another Ceasefire Violation
The Sri Lanka Army has begun construction of a new camp in the grounds of Chithambara College in Valvettithurai. The playground of this college has been taken over by the SLA for the construction of the new camp. The Tamil people of the region and students staged a massive protest on 1 June 2003, at this latest blatant ceasefire violation. All schools and businesses closed down for the day as people poured onto VVT-Keerimalai road adjacent to the school to voice their displeasure. The traffic was at complete standstill.
Large numbers of police and SLA personnel were brought into the area by the SLA. However, people went ahead with their protest disregarding their presence. It was notable that a Tamil National Alliance MP, Mr. Sivajilingam also participated in the protest action. The commanding officer of the 124th brigade of the SLA, Brigadier B. Ratnayake informed the protesters that the SLA was using government owned land and that they were within their rights to take action against anyone protesting against the activities of the SLA.
01 June 2003
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