Hartal in Vavuniya

(May 26, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Normalcy in Vavuniya town came to a complete standstill due to a Hartal (agitation campaign) in the region to mark the protest against the deaths of 16 civilians including 5 children who were caught in a claymore mine explosion last Friday in Killinochchi, civilian sources in the area said.

In the morning streets were reported to be empty with transport coming to a complete standstill, shops being closed down and children refraining from attending school.

Sources in the area said LTTE activist had distributed leaflets stating that all activity in the region should be brought to a standstill.

However SSP Vavuniya Bernard Silva told Timesonline that the situation had been brought under control by noon.
- Sri Lanka Guardian