Verugal Divisional Secretariat reopens after three-day strike

The Verugal Divisional Secretariat, which had ground to a halt following a strike by its staff, finally reopened its doors to the public today (17).

The closure was a protest against a rather harrowing incident on 13, where a group of individuals held the Divisional Secretary, Mohamed Anas, and his entire staff captive for several hours.

The tension reportedly stemmed from disputes over the distribution of flood relief—because apparently, the best way to get help is to kidnap the people providing it.

Trincomalee District Secretary W.G. Mahesh Hemantha Kumara, who was also briefly caught up in the blockade while trying to mediate last week, visited the office today to oversee the reopening.

He assured the staff that their safety is now guaranteed and instructed them to resume their duties immediately.

To ensure there's no encore performance of last week's drama, police protection has been stationed at the premises.

While one group was busy locking doors, another set of villagers gathered in front of the office today to sing a different tune.

They held a demonstration in support of the officials, condemning the hostage situation and pledging their full cooperation to the Divisional Secretary’s ongoing relief programmes.

With the office back in business, disaster relief services—which had been stalled mid-flood—are finally moving again.