The Ministry of Defence is awaiting a report from the Navy about the feasibility of allowing the LTTE to carry out civilian political activities near high security zones of the armed forces in the strategically sensitive island region off the Jaffna mainland. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri has undertaken to provide a detailed report on this highly sensitive issue, the Sunday Observer learns.

The move follows LTTE requests that its cadres, which now have access to other areas of the Peninsula and the rest of the North-East, be allowed some access to the islands adjoining the Peninsulas west coast.

These islands are part of the Navys high security zone which in the past helped naval units monitor and intercept enemy movements through the narrow waterways neighbouring Jaffna city. Since the ceasefire came into effect the LTTE has been pressing for permission to access the island communities. Economic Reform, Science and Technology Minister Milinda Moragoda last Friday toured the Jaffna Peninsula and naval installations in this sensitive region to access the feasibility of allowing a certain relaxation of security restrictions without endangering the Navys strategic needs.

He was accompanied by Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri, Ministry sources said. The Minister paid special attention to the operations of the Navy in the new conditions of the ceasefire. At a special conference with naval officers at the Karainagar Elara Naval Base, Mr. Moragoda was briefed on Navy procedures in dealing with possible ceasefire violations at sea. The recent incidents off the coast of Vakarai and Iranativu received special attention.