Transport of goods through A9 route to Jaffna risky

Commissioner General of Essential Services, S. B. Divaratne, informed Jaffna Government Agent (GA) and the representatives of the Traders’ Union in Jaffna that goods will not be transported through A9 route and that the ship services involved in this task would continue uninterrupted, sources in Jaffna said. This ruling comes as the government is working hard on plans to bring goods in 19 lorries by private traders next week, the sources added.

Goods were brought to Jaffna peninsula in 22 lorries along A9 land route with much difficulty on 11 March and local agricultural and fish products were taken to Colombo after a few days in 9 lorries.

The government had made much publicity of this as an accomplishment but transport through A9 route had not continued as it was insecure and risky.

Defence Ministry sources in Jaffna and representatives of the Traders’ Union say that transport of goods through A9 route is not immediately possible.

Efforts are being made by the government to transport goods through A9 route to Jaffna by traders registered with the Commissioner of Essential Services to bring relief food and building materials including cement in 19 lorries.

But the Commissioner of Essential Services has informed that the above mentioned goods will only be taken in ships to Jaffna.