Report from Dr. Rev. Jeynesan June 2006
Correspodance from Dr. Rev. Jeynesan June 2006Dear Trevor,
Greetings from St. John’s Centre.
I have come back to Batticaloa after my trips to Canada and USA. I am grateful to our Lord for all his mercies.
I am thankful to David and the team for all their good work even in my absence.
I thought it is proper that I send you a mail about the present political situation of our region.
After the pressure mine exploitation which killed 67 people in Kepitipolawa in Trincomalee district all the INGO’s and local NGO’s have stopped all their relief works and have vacated the places and gone to Colombo because of fear and the advice of their own Governments.
This is the time people needs support. So we continue with our relief efforts without interruption.
After the explosion at Kepitipolawa, which killed many civilians, as retaliation the Sri Lankan forces bombed again in Sampur Muttur and Kilinochchy areas. Whenever some incidents take place wherever in Sri Lanka the air force attack Muttur and Kilinochi. This has resulted in increasing the refuge population. Strategically Trincomalee is an important place because of the geographical nature, Navy and Army bases and the gateway
between North and East provinces.
In Mannar 2 days ago, there was confrontation between the Srilankan Navy and the LTTE sea tigers.17 navy personal were killed 3 of their gunboats were destroyed. LTTE also lost their boats and Srilankan government claims that they have killed 22 LTTE cardres. After this, many coastal villagers, mainly fishermen displaced and went in to a church at Uddapu. As retaliation, Navy personal went to the church and thrown a grenade through the window in to the church and indiscriminately fired this resulted in injuring 62 people and killing 5 of them. 40 fishing boats and nets were
burnt. About 12,000 people vacated and now moved to Mannar town.
In Batticaloa 3 youth were killed by un-identified gunmen. Within last 2 days, armed groups abducted more than 200 children in the night in white unnumbered vans. This includes boys and girls from 10 years to 25 years of age. We were told they have been taken by force for arms training. There is wide spread fear in this region. Some parents have sent their children in to forest areas for shelter and safety. We feel that we are also helpless at this time.
Because of land mines, claymore mines, pressure mines everywhere the NGOs stopped all their movements.
Trains are not running. Busses are limited. No night travel in the entire North East. Many new checkpoints are being established. Every person and vehicles are stopped and searched. Many are arrested on suspicion.
I must say all our peace initiatives are failed. But I have not given up hope even in this hopeless situation.
Our orphanages, Daycare centers, Vocational training Centers, Nutritional Feeding Centers, Trauma Counseling, Widows empowerment projects and Tsunami relief and rehabilitation programmes are continuing with ups and downs. We also have much drawbacks and pressures on us. I am grateful to our dedicated staff and their willingness to take risk. We are in constant touch with all of them.
We are grateful to you and to your organization for all your support and prayers particularly at this hour of crisis. We are also planning and preparing our self to meet any worst situation in case of any emergency.
Again, let us join hands and have trust in God and to be obedient to Him. He is our Lord and He will give us strength and wisdom to meet any crisis. I will keep in touch with you.
Your prayers and assistance are much appreciated.
With Peace and Prayers,
Dr. Rev. Jeyanesan.