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by Uditha Kumarasinghe

Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees Minister Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena said that he will make a request from the Peace Secretariat to coordinate with the LTTE and the ICRC through the Norwegians to open the A-9 road on Saturday and Sunday as well for public transport.

He said according to the Ceasefire Agreement signed between the Government and the LTTE, the A-9 road is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for public transport.

Travellers who face difficulties due to the closure of the road on weekends have requested the relevant authorities to open the highway on Saturdays and Sundays for their benefit, the Minister told the Daily News yesterday.

"At present, the area from Muhamalai to Elidumattuwan of the A-9 road is coordinated by the ICRC. Communications between the Armed Forces and the LTTE are coordinated by the ICRC. In this context, the intervention of the ICRC is more essential to open the A9 on weekends."

Minister Jayawardena said the opening of the A9 highway on weekends should be arranged through negotiations among the Government, the LTTE and the ICRC. "I will request the Peace Secretariat to bring this proposal to the LTTE through the Norwegians."

Arrangements have also been made to commence bus services on the A-9 road. Initially, 140 private buses and 20 CTB buses are due to run on the A-9. This should also be commenced on the common understanding of all parties with the coordination of the Peace Secretariat, the Minister added.

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