Information on whether there are regular or cellular telephone services in the Jaffna Peninsula and the date of interruption if there are no services [LKA17292.E]

According to the director of the Tamil Eelam Society of Toronto, there were telephone services in the Jaffna Peninsula prior to the outbreak of the ongoing civil war (5 May 1994). The director, who does not know the exact date of the interruption of these services, adds that while there are no longer civilian telephone services in the peninsula, there are still services for army installations.

A professor of political science specializing in Sri Lankan political issues at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton believes that because of the civil war telephone services in the Jaffna Peninsula may not be functioning (5 May 1994).

The attachment from The Christian Science Monitor maintains that "[i]n Jaffna, telephone lines have been cut by government bombing" (6 May 1991).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 6 May 1991. Sheila Tefft. "Tamil Rebels Launch Offensive Against Sri Lankan Army Post." (NEXIS)

Professor of political science specializing in Sri Lankan political issues, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton. 5 May 1994. Telephone interview.

Tamil Eelam Society of Toronto. 5 May 1994. Telephone interview with director.

Attachment

The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 6 May 1991. Sheila Tefft. "Tamil Rebels Launch Offensive Against Sri Lankan Army Post." (NEXIS)