Tsunami relief and Eastern scene

Representatives of the worst affected fishing village of Navaladi, complained to the Minister for Rehabilitation M. Amirali that even after the passage of more than four months, the main road from the Dutch Bar leading to the end of Navaladi had not been restored.

This was stated by the President of the Navaladi Welfare Society Siva and Secretary Sellamanicam at a tsunami review meeting held at the Batticaloa Kachcheri.

The authorities they claimed seemed, for reasons unknown, to delay the completion of this vital road, which alone would be the lifeline of escape for the hard hit refugees should another tsunami attack overwhelm them. When some officer made some excuse of the problem of gravel the Minister asked him without making excuses, to speedily complete the work, and if the Police interfered in the transport of gravel, he would look into this matter. Complaints were made of the Grama Sevaka of the Navaladi area, where Sellamanicam stated that frequent request for the transfer of this GS fell on deaf ears.

The delay in completing this road, affected the transport of building materials, and the advent of refrigerated vans coming from Colombo to transport the huge haul of fish once fishing recommenced.

It was pointed out that certain officials were discouraging several refugees who were wishing to return to Navaladi and were willing to comply with the buffer zone restrictions.

Among those present were Segu Dawood MP and Miss S. Taangeswery MP Canagasabai, MP where the latter appealed that instead of fishermen being given small canoes, boats should be given instead.