Mr. Hagrup Haukland, Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, has issued the following statement regarding the killings in the East.

SLMM perceives the recent killings in the eastern parts of the country as a direct threat to the CFA and the Peace Process, and we condemn these barbaric and cowardly acts in the strongest possible terms. The violence has raised serious fears and created uncertainty, not only in the East, but also in the whole of Sri Lanka, and is preventing Sri Lankans from living a peaceful life.

SLMM monitors are currently making inquiries into all the incidents. However, it is important to underline that the SLMM is tasked to monitor and assist the Parties in implementing the Ceasefire Agreement. SLMM is not here to conduct police investigations. Such work falls outside of our mandate, which is spelled out in the CFA. We, thus, encourage and sincerely hope that the Police will be able to shed light and bring the perpetrators to justice.

We urge the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE, not to let these acts of violence damage the Ceasefire Agreement. We strongly recommend that both sides unite in an effort to do all in their power to prevent these senseless attacks. SLMM will continue to do everything possible to assist the two Parties to stop these atrocious and violent attacks.

Ms. Helen Olafsdottir
Press and Information Officer
SLMM HQ, 399 Galle Road
Colombo 03
Tel: 573630
Fax 573721