|
Large crowds thronged the Duraiappa stadium in Jaffna during the
last three days for the "Jaffna-reawakening" carnival, despite a
call by the LTTE to boycott the event. Amidst 'The Voice of the
Tigers' radio station airing repeated calls to boycott the event
more than 100,000 people attended the carnival during the last
three days organised jointly by the Army's 51st brigade and the
Jaffna Traders Association .
In addition to musical shows and sports events, the carnival
also included numerous outlets which provided consumers an
opportunity to buy essential food items at concessionary prices.
A number of other initiatives were also included to help
students in the area where 21 computers were provided to
students who obtained outstanding results at the recent GCE
Ordinary Level examination.
Social Services and Social Welfare Minister Douglas Devananda
who attended the event said the LTTE was trying to create
dissension between the public and Security Forces by spreading
false rumours. He said the Security Forces' efforts under the
directions of Major General G.A.Chandrasiri in the area were
commendable. Their latest effort under trying conditions to
provide suitable entertainment and facilities for the Jaffna
population, denied to them under the tyranny of the LTTE, was a
step forward in ushering greater normality in the area, the
Minister said.
|