Thirty-five private lorries enter Jaffna along A-9

(June 17, Jaffna, Sri Lanka Guardian) Heralding a new era of North-South relations and a blueprint for the future of civil transport sector, twenty-five private lorries with consumer commodities, bound for Jaffna crossed Omanthai Wednesday (17) afternoon along the Kandy-Jaffna (A-9) Highway. The Army provided security to the convoy.

In addition, ten more lorries, acquired under the government’s ongoing “Uthuru Wasanthaya” project by the Army also joined the convoy at Omanthai this morning (17) to proceed to Jaffna.

Today’s opening of the A-9 Highway for private transporters of essentials to the Jaffna peninsula came about for the first time after several years, which in turn would inevitably bring down the prices of commodities in the north.

Twelve of those private lorries left Omanthai this morning (17) after necessary security arrangements were in place. The government’s convoy of ten lorries also joined them. Thirteen more lorries that left Anuradhapura Wednesday (17) mid-noon were expected to proceed directly to Jaffna across Omanthai after a couple of hours.

Those private traders, belonging to Jaffna Traders Association, Star Freight Company Ltd, Point Pedro Traders, P. Parameshwaran Traders Ltd, Shivaram Traders Ltd, Millers Distributors, Arpico Ltd, City Wine Stores, Madushan Stores, Abans Ltd, Singer Ltd, W. Mendis Company Ltd, S Eshwaran Bavan Ltd, Vinnie Stores Ltd, P. Traders, DSI Company Ltd and Prabhath & Brothers Ltd were carrying potatoes, sugar, dhal, flour, oil, spices, medicine, cement, onions, etc. In addition, a few lorries contained hardware, roofing sheets, plastic and wooden furniture. Essential Services Commissioner General S.B. Divarathne has organized a part of the fleet in the food convoy.

After re-opening of the Highway, about 300 private lorries have got their registration with government authorities for transport of essential items to the north. Soon after this facilitation, the government expects to allow public transport along the road during day time once complete safety from LTTE landmines and other security concerns are ensured by the Army and Security Forces.

-Source: Sri Lanka Army

-Sri Lanka Guardian