Tourist influx to Jaffna

by Ananth PALAKIDNAR

A large number of local tourists, especially Buddhist pilgrims, are currently in the Jaffna peninsula, informed sources said.

Following the opening of the A-9 highway, which links the Jaffna peninsula with the rest of the country, vehicles in their hundreds are reaching the North daily, according to sources.Most Southerners are on a pilgrimage to the historic Nagavihara in Nagadeepa, sources added.The Nagavihara in Jaffna has arranged facilities for the pilgrims to stay at the Buddhist pilgrim centre in Jaffna.

The local tourists are staying at various small hotels and guest houses, where the charges are reasonable, sources said.As it is the festive season, payment-hawkers from the Southern region have also flocked into the peninsula.

For the first time in many years, a smooth interaction is taking place between Jaffna and the Southern region of the country, sources said.

Southerners currently travelling in Jaffna are moving around freely, sources said.