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Free flow of essential items and construction items to the North and East [Wednesday , June 21, 2006- 9.00 GMT]
The Government has adopted measures to ensure the free flow of essential items and construction material from the South to the North and the East. This is in response to concerns expressed by the civil society and the business community in the North and the East on the restrictions relating to the flow of goods, particularly cement and steel to the North and East. In February 2002 the A9 highway was reopened and an embargo on a wide range of finished goods and raw materials was lifted, which contributed significantly to the revival of trade and commerce in the conflict areas in the North and East. According to a Peace Secretariat release, while addressing legitimate security concerns the Government is committed to ensuring that trade activities in the North and East continue unimpeded. To ensure this balance guidelines were issued, which according to the release “the flow of essentials, fuel and construction materials had vastly improved without compromising on legitimate security imperative.” The Government is also studying other ways to expedite the flow of essential items through the Entry- Exit points at Omanthai and Muhamalai. Proposals for advanced technological equipment at the checkpoints to scan goods are being considered. Guidelines: All restrictions on the movement of construction materials (i.e. cement and steel) will be in conformity with the Ceasefire Agreement, while there will be no restrictions of the flow of essentials. Licensing procedures and granting of permits will be streamlined and monitored by the Government Agents of the respective Districts based on the actual needs of the business sector and end-users. Accordingly: Government Agents/District Secretary of the area should ascertain the actual requirement of cement and iron for the Districts and inform the same to the focal point at area level with a copy to the Ministry of Defence and issue a permit/license for transportation in agreement with focal point. Area focal point will inform and coordinate the transportation of requested material to relevant areas. Area focal point will monitor the transportation of material through entry-exit points and any issue will be brought to the attention of the Ministry level focal. Gas should provide proof (eg. photographs) of constructions in their areas to prove that materials are being used for intended purposes. Gas should not issue permit/license in bulk form without justification.
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