(Media Communiqué)
The Civil Affairs and Public Relations office in Jaffna, in cooperation with the Psychological Operations Unit under the Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J), has introduced a new scheme to enlighten members of the public entering Jaffna on the northern cultural ethos and values, very much sensitive to the life patterns in Jaffna.
This novel awareness programme, put into practice at Elephant Pass (EPS), the gateway to Jaffna peninsula by way of distribution of leaflets and interactive sessions, if requested, was necessitated after several instances of improper behaviour on the part of southern tourists entering Jaffna, were brought to the notice of the Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe.
Visitors arriving in Jaffna on holiday or pilgrimage or otherwise, in some instances for the first time in life or after absence of about 30 or many years due to LTTE violence, unmindful of northerners’ social, cultural or religious concerns, conduct themselves as they wished, irrespective of administrative measures or restrictions in place in relation to respective places of tourist interest.
The leaflet distributed at Elephant Pass outlines guidelines, needed to be practised in relation to cultural and social concerns during stay in Jaffna and offers a detailed map with access routes to places of historic, religious, cultural and tourist interest.
Task Force 7 soldiers serving Elephant Pass distribute those handbills free of charge and provide an interactive lecture session, if the visitors so desire.
The leaflet also enlightens the visitors about LTTE laid minefields, mine-threatened areas, and importance of environment conservation, road traffic systems and traditions, which are strongly adhered to and well treasured by the masses in Jaffna. (Ends)
