From the Tamil Press

M.P. Muttiah

Bookings for CTB buses to Jaffna have increased. Over 500 passengers had booked seats early yesterday. Board's Deputy General Manager L. Bamunukula Arachchi said 12 buses left for Jaffna.

Minister Ameer Ali said Batticaloa District votes would ensure President Mahinda Rajapaksa's victory. The All Ceylon Muslim Congress (ACMC) had decided to support the President at the Presidential Election. ACMC has already commenced its campaign.

Uva Provincial Council former Deputy Chairman K. Visvanathan said the upcountry people will support President Mahinda Rajapaksa for ending terrorism. He said people's free movement had been ensured. In the past, plantation youths were arrested in Colombo and the suburbs. Now they face no such problems.

TMVP members canvassing for President Mahinda Rajapaksa were attacked in Tambiluvil. The pajero in which they travelled had been burnt.

Three were seriously injured. One had been admitted to the Akkaraipattu Base Hospital. Meanwhile, the SLFP office and cutouts had been under attack in Tambiluvil. Police are investigating.

Heavy rains in Jaffna continued for the fourth day. Low-lying areas have been flooded. Hundreds of families left their homes and are staying in schools and community centres.

Courtesy: Virakesari, Thinakaran, Thinakkural and Sudar Oli