The situation in Ampara is quiet after a spate of violence following a clash between LTTE supporters and the STF in the east of Sri Lanka. The clash occurred in Thirrukkovil, south of Akkaraipattu, in the Police Divison of Ampara on 9th October. The funerals of the seven persons who lost their lives during the clash took place in the afternoon today (11th October) in the presence of a gathering including several members of Parliament and representatives of the LTTE. It has been confirmed that one of the dead was Mr Vijayaraj Jayaprakash, an LTTE cadre who had been arrested on the 13th of January this year and released by the High Court , Ampara, on 30th April.
Meanwhile, in the Police Division of Trincomalee the situation became tense due to clashes between the Sinhala and Tamil communities, leading to burning of tyres and blockage of roads. In Abhayapura, in the Police Division of Trincomalee, the Police tear –gassed demonstrators and while the mob was running, a grenade had exploded resulting in the death of three people. The Government imposed a curfew in the Police Division of Trincomalee this morning until 6.00 am tomorrow (12th October) to prevent escalation of violence. The Government has given instructions to the Police to strictly enforce the curfew to ensure that the situation returns to normalcy.
The Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), Major General Trond Furuhovde, visited Ampara today and met with representatives of the STF and LTTE. He is scheduled to proceed to Trincomalee tomorrow.
SCOPP Communications Unit
Violations Committed
by the GOSL - 351
