President sends delegation to probe Pesalai incident

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa dispatched a top level delegation to Mannar to inquire into the Pesalai incident and resolve matters arising from incidents that had taken place in the past few days.

The top delegation comprised Ministers Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, Felix Perera and Rishard Badurdeen, Basil Rajapaksa, Senior Advisor to the President and Rear Admiral Sarath Rathnakeerthi.

The team after having studied the situation and held discussions with the relevant groups had acted swiftly to bring back normality to the Mannar district.

After discussions with leaders of the fishing community and State officials, the team allowed fishing in areas other than Pallimune and Pesalai and lifted the ban on fishing in the seas.

The Mannar fishermen expressed their gratitude to the President for lifting the ban in operation since the Ceasefire Agreement and giving them the licence to engage in fishing.

Each family was paid Rs. 50,000 as compensation to members killed by LTTE atrocities. Dry ration was also provided. The fishermen said they were relieved by the President's quick action and they could hope for a better future.

Although the special team visited families sheltering at the Church at Pesalai, they could not proceed with the intended meeting as there was shooting by the LTTE directed at the naval crew.

The LTTE had fired to prevent the families telling the truth to the visiting delegation.
