Citizens Committees in Kayts

COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Navy has set up Citizens Committee Meetings in Kayts with the intention of providing a platform for the people in the area to voice their concerns, the Peace Secretariat said yesterday.

The inaugural meeting held on the 23rd of May 2006 was well attended by over 750 citizens of Kayts, Pungudathive and Mandathive. These meetings have proved to be a confidence building measure among civilians regarding their safety, and also as a means of obtaining assistance to get on with their normal day to day life. Modalities were also worked out to help civilians return to their homes at the earliest. This has resulted in a number of families returning to their homes on their own.

During the Citizens Committee Meetings it was evident that the majority of civilians were appreciative of the role played by the Sri Lanka Navy as well as by Government officials.

They were especially full of praise for the prompt action taken by the Sri Lanka Navy to control the fires on May 13, which prevented many properties being destroyed The Kayts Island has been subjected to increased LTTE terrorist attacks since December 2005, where many incidents of claymore attacks on the Navy and killing of civilians took place.