The Government of Sri Lanka, at the highest levels, has repeatedly called upon the LTTE, through the Norwegian facilitators and the SLMM, to restore the water supply to over 15,000 families in the Trincomalee District who have been deprived of water since the LTTE forcibly closed the Mawilaru Anicut on Thursday 20 July 2006. The Government of Sri Lanka has also vigorously raised the matter with the diplomatic community and international organizations.

There is agreement that the denial of water to civilians by the LTTE is a blatant contravention of all norms of civilized behavior and established international standards.

The foundation of the international humanitarian law system which reflects long established standards and practices is the principle that persons not actively engaged in warfare should be treated humanely.

The actions of the LTTE in denying water to the civilian populations of Seruwila, Muttur and Ichalampattu are a contravention of these established international standards. These standards apply whether the armed conflict is international or internal.

International principles and standards have been established for the purpose of regulating behaviour in civil conflict mainly for the purpose of protecting civilian populations. The International Court of Justice has upheld that these standards reflect elementary considerations of humanity and apply to any armed conflict, including internal conflicts.

The application of these basic rules of behaviour, to any armed conflict, is confirmed by two UN General Assembly resolutions on “ Respect of human rights in armed conflict”. Resolution 2444 was unanimously adopted in 1968 by the General Assembly “ recognizing the necessity of applying basic humanitarian principles in all armed conflicts. Resolution 2675 was similarly adopted in 1970 on “ basic principles for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts.” These resolutions reflect the common standards to which all humanity subscribes.

The government’s subsequent actions were designed essentially to restore the water supply to the affected 15,000 families.