The Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the killing of six Army personnel in a claymore mine attack at Kondavil in Jaffna at around 1 p.m. today. At the time of the attack, the Army personnel were distributing food rations and mail to Army detachments and sentry points in Jaffna. It is clear that this is a pre-planned terrorist attack carried out on Army personnel engaged in non-offensive routine activities.

The attack has been carried out in blatant violation of the provisions of the ceasefire agreement.

At a time when the new President has extended an invitation for the resumption of peace talks, such provocative acts by the LTTE demonstrate a lack of sincerity towards negotiations and a political settlement.

The government calls on the international community to condemn such terrorist acts which place obstacles in the way of furthering the peace process.

Today's claymore mine attack comes in the wake of over six incidents of shooting at army checkpoints, and grenade throwing at army posts within the past twenty-four hours. There is a clear increase in the continuing attacks on army positions in violation of the Ceasefire Agreement.

The Secretary, Ministry of Defence has already met the Head of the SLMM to express the government's deep concern in this regard and to call for future measures on preventing recurrence of similar incidents.

The Government intends to take all necessary steps to prevent any killings of this nature in the future.

Whilst the Government expresses its sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased Army personnel and civilians, His Excellency the President will appoint a three-member committee to submit a report on the situation in Jaffna .