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Checkpoint at Muhamalai to facilitate A9 opening up to Jaffna

by Ranil Wijayapala

The fully opening of the Jaffna-Kandy A9 highway will be facilitated with the establishment of a security checkpoint structure at Muhamalai, the southern most entry point from the Government controlled areas to LTTE controlled areas in the peninsula.

Defence Secretary Austin Fernando told the Daily News yesterday that matters have already been finalised regarding this checkpoint.

He said the Ministry is expecting the Treasury to release funds needed for the construction of a structure at Muhamalai to facilitate the civilians crossing over between the Government controlled areas and the LTTE held areas on the A9 highway.

The Jaffna-Kandy highway was opened for civilians up to Kilinochchi with the opening of the entry point at Omanthai on February 15 and the fully opening of the road is scheduled after 30 days from the 'D' day of the Ceasefire Agreement.

More than 50 private bus operators have registered with the National Transport Commission to obtain permits to commence bus services between Colombo and Jaffna expecting the opening of the road soon.

Mr. Fernando also said that the Ministry is also expecting World Bank funding through the UNDP to facilitate de-mining process in the North. According to this program the UNDP is expected to hire people to work in association with the Security Forces.

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