(by Sunil Jayasiri)

In a major step on the road to peace, the A-9 Kandy-Jaffna highway from Omanthai to Kilinochchi, and Uyilankulam on Mannar road, were re-opened by the government and the LTTE yesterday after 12 years.

Thousands of civilians gathered at Omanthai for a ceremony to mark the occasion along with Ministers Milinda Moragoda and R.A.D Sirisena, Army Commander Lionel Balagalle, Vavuniya District Secretary K. Ganesh and others.

A ceremony to mark the opening of the Mannar-Uyilankulam road was also held yesterday afternoon at the 8 th mile post. The road was opened by Minister Moragoda.

An army spokesman said the opening of the Uyilankulam road stretched towards Mannar would pave the way for thousands of people who travel to Mannar from areas around Pooneryn.

With the opening of A-9 highway, the Pirmananaalankulam entry point was closed for civilians and vehicle traffic from yesterday and the road through Piramanaalankulam – Madhu to the Wanni was also closed.