TamilNet blocking continues

The obstruction of the TamilNet website www.tamilnet.com allegedly through Sri Lanka Telecom proxies almost a week ago continues amidst greater confusion.

Senior officials of Sri Lanka Telecom the largest internet service provider - of which 49% is owned by the Government - avoided commenting on this issue.

Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) Director General Kanchana Ratwattte said he knew nothing of the blocking of the TamilNet and added TRC was not informed of such a blocking.

Media Centre for National Security Director General Lakshman Hulugalla said the Government was not involved at all and still maintained that position.“When it comes to defence websites the Government is well equipped with its own websites.

“For us TamilNet is not important and there is no need for us to block it,” he said adding that the Government believes it was due to a technical problem.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Rauff Hakeem was not in the country to comment on the matter. When contacted Ministry Secretary M. Imtiyaz said the matter would be taken up as soon as the minister returns to the country.