Mr. Tilak Marapone,
Minister of Defence,
Colombo,
Sri Lanka.
Dear Mr. Marapone,
A very grave situation of civil unrest is gaining momentum in Jaffna
following your government's decision to relocate the present brigade
headquarters located at the Gnanam and Subash Hotels to a vast stretch of
territory in the Jaffna municipal area consisting of lands belonging to the
former town hall, Jaffna municipal council offices, rest house, police
department incorporating the Jaffna fort and surrounding areas. The civil
and political organisations of Jaffna are alarmed and concerned over the
scale and magnitude of the relocation programme in the heart of old Jaffna
city in close proximity of two important reputable schools, Jaffna public
library, Thuriappah stadium and the new court complex to be constructed in
that area.
While we appreciate the decision of the Sri Lanka Army to vacate the Subash
and Gnanam Hotels, we are totally opposed to the reoccupation of lands in
the Jaffna municipal area and the setting up of a large military complex in
the heart of the city. Our delegation at the Hakone talks registered its
displeasure and warned the government of massive public protests. On behalf
of the people of Jaffna, we urge you to reconsider your decision and find an
alternative location outside the Jaffna municipal environment in
consultation with the LTTE.
With regards,
Yours sincerely,
S.P. Tamilchelvan,
Head of the Political Section,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
