Thursday , 10 January 2013
Military is interfering in civil administration activities in the Jaffna peninsula. Similar to civil officials, military are engaged in collecting information, which I observed during my journey to Jaffna peninsula in the coastal line areas was said by French Ambassador Christine Robin.
She queried from Jaffna Additional Government Agent when she met her, why military is interfering in civil administration?
French Ambassador visited Jaffna district yesterday Wednesday, had discussions with various sectors.
Yesterday evening she met Additional Government Agent Mrs.Rubini Varathalingam at the Jaffna District Secretariat.
Additional Government Agent regarding Ambassador's visit said, Ambassador explored the development activities which are advanced in the Jaffna district.
I informed the Ambassador about the progress now in road and other infrastructures in the Jaffna peninsula, comparing to past.
Ambassador questioned me, why the fishing sector’s target level in year 1983 has now decreased?
I notified about the violations from the foreign fishermen and use of illegal fishing equipment has diminished, and now there is progress in the fishing sector.
French Ambassador discussed about young women affected by war and the details. I also brought to her attention about the paucity of water which occurs during dry season.
Finally she queried about the military interference regarding civil administration issues.
She said she was traveling through the Jaffna peninsula coastal areas, and had observed military engaged in collecting information, posing as civil officials.
Ambassador questioned why military is still interfering in civil administration.
I said, during catastrophe period, according to administration codes, military can join and operate with the civil administration for which there is stipulation. They have collected information about the rain impacts, which I informed her.
A situation has risen in the north, of not able to advance political activities freely. Meetings cannot be held by gathering public.
Continuous obstructions are placed for the freedom of expression to the northern Tamil people. People are scared to reveal their opinions freely.
Jaffna Archbishop Thomas Soundaranayam brought this to the attention of French Ambassador who had visited Jaffna yesterday.
French Ambassador Christine Robin is on two days visit to Jaffna yesterday met Jaffna Archbishop Thomas Soundaranayam at 10.30 a.m at the Archbishop palace and discussed for about one hour.
Jaffna Bishop after discussion gave his comments to the media said, the objective of French Ambassador's visit to Jaffna is to explore the current situation directly.
She queried about the present feelings of Tamil people, after three years of end of war, and what is people’s expectation? Regarding the livelihood activities of people, French Ambassador queried.
Tamil people after war came to an end expected a permanent political settlement. But still a political settlement is not met, even three years have gone. Sri Lanka government had not taken any measures to process activities to grant a settlement.
Northern provincial council election is not still scheduled. Government is postponing.
Regarding the Tamil peoples livelihood conditions, the farmers are facing difficulties to market their produces. Fishermen are engaged in fishing activities but they are affected by the illegal intrudes by the Indian fishermen.
Concerning these issues, both country governments were many times made aware, but actions are not taken. Our sea resources are continuously getting obliterated.
Industries does not exist here, hence job opportunities are dearth.
French Ambassador questioned me, why activities can be organized to merge the two races.
In reply I said, there is a situation prevailing here of not able to process activities freely. There is lack of clearance to gather people and hold meetings. Freedom for expression for the public is affected. Many obstacles are placed against this freedom.
