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The Cease-fire violations, human rights and Muslim affairs were the matters discussed at a meeting held between representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission on the 28th of February 2003. The meeting was held at the Divisional Secretary’s office in Vavunativu, Batticaloa district. The leaders of the Parties’ delegations were Mr. Austin Fernando, Secretary of Defence and Col. Karuna, LTTE Eastern Commander. Major General Trond Furuhovde, Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), chaired the meeting. A representative of the UNICEF was also present in the meeting.

The Parties were open and focused during discussions. Among the recommendations made to the coming Peace Talks in Japan between the 18th and 21st of March, were the following:

The Parties consider it necessary to create an economical strategic document in order to outline the development of effective financial system in order to facilitate investments and project development in the North and the East.

The Parties fully endorse the planned workshop arranged by the UNICEF in Kilinochchi for the development of a plan of action for children affected by armed conflict and proposed a follow-up workshop to be held in Kokkadicholai.

The SLMM will facilitate, chair and record the meetings between the LTTE and the Muslim community agreed in the fifth round of Peace Talks in Berlin in order to commence the meetings before the next round in Japan. Government Agencies will also attend the meetings.

This meeting was the second one in a series of monthly meetings to reinforce respect for the Ceasefire Agreement, as decided upon at the fourth session of peace talks in Thailand 6th–9th January 2003. The leaders of the delegations and the Head of SLMM will report on the progress made and any outstanding problems to the next peace talks to be held in Japan between the 18th-21st of March 2003.