Addressing the diplomatic community in Colombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, 14 th August, Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara noted that on the basis of the investigations, the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar clearly had the hallmarks of the LTTE. In this context the Foreign Secretary went on to welcome the accurate characterization of the assassination as a “truly vicious terrorist act” by many distinguished international statesmen, in their messages of condolence on behalf of their respective governments.

The Foreign Secretary stressed that the need of the hour is to now follow up on the recognition of the nature of the act, by taking practical and effective measures as required by international law, for the prevention and suppression of terrorism. These measures could include sanctioning and internationally isolating the responsible entities and individuals, and engaging in international law enforcement cooperation against their terrorist activities.

Secretary General of the Peace Secretariat Jayantha Dhanapala noted that in the light of the assassination, there would have to be a serious review of the certain policies and procedures followed upto now in relation to the peace process. At the same time, notwithstanding this act of grave provocation, the government would continue to adhere to the ceasefire. Mr. Dhanapala hoped that the international community, including in particular those nations and entities that had served as the co-chairs of the 2003 Tokyo Pledging Conference, would recognize their special responsibility to take action in the wake of the assassination of 12 th August.

As for the people of Sri Lanka, their commitment to continue the peace process remains manifest, and was exemplified by their determined refusal to be provoked by this heinous and murderous act of terror.

Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando briefed the diplomatic community on the status of the ongoing investigations and stated that all the indicators evidenced so far pointed towards the complicity of the LTTE. The nature of the weapon involved and its sophisticated handling, plus the careful and patient stalking of the intended victim, were all hallmarks of the modus operandi of the LTTE.

The Secretary to the Treasury Dr P. B. Jayasundara, the Secretary to the Industries Ministry Dr U. Vidanapathirana and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry joined in the briefing. The briefing concluded with the IGP inviting the diplomatic missions to be in contact with the Police Department, so that they could keep themselves posted of further progress in the investigation.