Govt considering relaxing travel restrictions

Wasantha Ramanayake

The Government was considering the relaxation of restrictions for Jaffna residents to travel to Colombo, the Attorney General submitted to the Supreme Court yesterday.

State Counsel Rajeeva Goonethilake on behalf of the Attorney General made the submission when the rights application filed by former Jaffna District Parliamentarian A. Vinayagamoorthi was mentioned before Court yesterday.

The Bench comprised Chief Justice Asoka de Silva, Justice Shirani Thilakarathne and Justice Chandra Ekanayake.

Petitioner A. Vinayagamoorthi appearing in person submitted that new regulations dated August 1, 2008 required Jaffna residents to obtain clearance from the Army as well as the permission of the owner of the place where the person would stay during his or her visit to Colombo.

He submitted that the new regulations had inconvenienced people who need urgent medical treatment. He also submitted that residents of the Eastern Province do not need such requirements.

The case would be mentioned on November 3.