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Pongu Thamil: Cultural or political?
The Government has been called to determine on the controversial issue of public servants taking part in organising activities connected with 'Pongu Thamil' celebrations conducted by pro-LTTE groups in military- controlled areas in the north and east.

The issue has been taken up separately by the Scandinavian monitors with Defence Secretary Austin Fernando and Vavuniya's Government Agent with the Ministry of Public Administration.

The Defence Secretary has decided to call for a meeting between the army, the LTTE and the monitors in Vavuniya early next week to discuss the issue. SLMM Chief Tryggve Tellefssen on Friday took up the issue with Mr. Fernando after organisers of the Pongu-Thamil celebrations in Vavuniya complained to the monitors about the army blocking public servants taking part in helping to organise the event due to be held later next month.

Meanwhile Vavuniya's GA has asked the Public Administration ministry to determine whether public servants taking part in the Pongu Thamil celebrations organised by front groups of the Tamil guerrillas was a violation of the public service regulations.

Mr. Ganesh has placed the responsibility on the Ministry after Vavuniya, Commander Susil Chandrapala last week sought the clarification of the the GA about government servants taking part in the Pongu Thamil organising activities.

The GA has said the occasion was a cultural event and he believes taking part in organising it was not a violation of the Administrative Regulations. The Pongu Thamil celebrations, identified as a Tamil cultural reawakening programme are known to be organised by front groups of the LTTE.

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