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by Ranil Wijayapala

Sihala Urumaya activists returned without reaching the controversial Wan Ela camp in Manirasakulam, Trincomalee as they were stopped by the Security Forces and Police at the Surangal Army detachment last afternoon.

Military Spokesman Colonel Sumedha Perera told the Daily News that several hundred Sihala Urumaya activists reached Surangal Army detachment around 3 pm and they were on their way back after the situation was explained to them by the Security Forces.

"There was a small protest by them but there was no violent situation," he added. According to Defence sources, nearly 300 people including 200 Buddhist monks reached the Surangal Army detachment on their way to the controversial Wan Ela camp after arriving at Thampalagama on the Trincomalee road in the morning.

The Sihala Urumaya activists led by leader Thilak Karunaratne and National Organiser Champika Ranawaka reached Thampalagama in 12 buses and 12 other vehicles.

Sihala Urumaya General Secretary Thilak Karunaratne said they were returning after having a discussion with Security Forces at the Surangal Army detachment.

Sri Lanka Army 22 Division Commander Major General Sunil Tennekoon, 221 Commander Brigadier Zahir and Kantale SSP Daya Samarakoon were at the Surangal Army detachment to explain the situation.

However, Security Forces were on the alert and increased their presence in the area to face any situation. The road towards Wan Ela area was blocked. The Surangal Army detachment is located around 6 kilo meters ahead of the controversial LTTE camp and the Defence Ministry gave a warning on Monday that the Sihala Urumaya march will not be allowed beyond Surangal Army camp.

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