Sri Lanka, Aug. 18 -- A 'hartal' called in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, demanding justice for the recent death of a 32-year-old man in Mullaitivu and based on several other demands, has reportedly been unsuccessful.

Although several political groups, including the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), had called for the hartal, our correspondent reported that government institutions and schools in the Northern Province were functioning as usual.

While some trade associations had expressed support for the hartal, a number of other trade associations issued statements saying they would not support it.

Meanwhile, in certain areas of the Batticaloa District today (18), many business establishments, public markets, private institutions...