Defence Ministry orders clearing of all pavements

The Ministry of Defence has directed the Highways authorities to clear all pavements of hawkers and unauthorized structures in towns bordering major highways by August 1.
This is in view of substantiated fears that the LTTE could use such pavements and unauthorized structures to mount attacks, authoritative sources said.

Minister of Highways T. B. Ekanayake a study of LTTE attacks in major towns had revealed this.

All Provincial Councils and local bodies have been instructed to follow the directive, he said.

The directive applies to all major towns bordering ‘A’ and ‘B’ highways. It would also be a boon to pedestrians, he said.