Reports say that although checkpoints in Colombo have been removed, the number has increased in Jaffna and search operations have been intensified. All restrictions on fishing continue, despite the new government’s announcement that some have been removed.
The fuel shortage also continues and prices remain high. Although the supply of 12,000 litres of kerosene to each cooperative stores has been recommended by senior military officers, local Army officers have reduced it to less than 4,000 litres. Prices of essential commodities, such as rice and wheat flour have risen many times the prices in Colombo. A shortage of wheat flour has affected bread supply in the peninsula.
Heavy rains in mid-December flooded some refugee camps in southern Thenmaratchy and north-eastern Vadamaratchy areas of Jaffna. Over 1,500 refugees in camps at Nagarkovil, Chavakachcheri and Palai were forced to seek shelter in school buildings.
Reports say that following the rains, malaria and typhoid are on the increase. According to the Jaffna Health Department, injections for typhoid and malathion insecticide for malarial prevention are in short supply. Hospitals are finding it extremely difficult to perform diagnostic tests because of an acute shortage of chemicals.
In a clash on 9 December between the LTTE and the Army at Eluthumadduval, ten miles east of Chavakachcheri, a soldier was killed and four were wounded. The Army arrested four people at Puthur in Jaffna town in mid-December, suspected of LTTE links, including Palmyrah Development Board officer K Muruganandam.