All set for Deepavali

COLOMBO: Hindus islandwide will celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, today.

The Government has taken all measures to send essential supplies to Jaffna and other areas so that the people can celebrate the festival without any hassle.

Private traders from Colombo who have set up temporary stalls in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Batticaloa are reporting brisk sales of cloths and other items. All four towns were packed with Deepavali shoppers.

The Government has ensured a continuous supply of essential items including food and medicine to Jaffna despite the torrential rains currently experienced in the peninsula and the targeting of food convoys by the LTTE. The LTTE tried to blow up two ships carrying 6,000 MT of essentials to Jaffna last week but sailors thwarted the attempt. These goods have now been distributed via the cooperatives in the peninsula. The UN-backed food convoys to the Wanni are also organised on a weekly basis.

Navy spokesman Commander D.K.P. Dassanayake said the motive behind this LTTE attack targeting food vessels was to create a shortage of essential food items during the Deepavali season in the peninsula and attempt to seek the attention of the international community to pressurize the Government to halt the military offensives against the terrorists who are on the verge of losing their main bastion, Kilinochchi.

“The Navy not only thwarted the move of the LTTE but also ensured that the Jaffna civilians celebrate Deepavali without any hindrance,” Commander Dassanayake said.

All Government Agents in the North and the East have assured that there is no shortage of essential items or foodstuff in their areas.

Security Forces have taken additional measures to bolster security in these areas.