A powerful landmine killed 7 civilians on Saturday (May 29) while they were on a sight-seeing trip at the Wilpattu National Park. The victims comprised 6 wild life enthusiasts from Colombo, including a writer and Gratien Award winner, and a wildlife guide. Two of the victims were Tamil businessmen from Colombo.

It may be noted that the Wilpattu National Park which was shut down in the late 80s due to the heightened military situation prevailing at that time was re-opened after the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 2002. Further, increased LTTE movements on sea as well as land in the area had been observed for some time, including an incident on 5th May, 2006 when the Sri Lanka Navy engaged LTTE gun boats in the Kudiramalai Point area. During this engagement the Sri Lanka Air Force had been called to destroy a LTTE truck mounted with heavy guns which had been sighted on land. This incident had occurred just 12 km east of the area in the Wilpattu Park where the huge explosion took place last Saturday. LTTE’s involvement in the landmine explosion that claimed the lives of innocent civilians is therefore clearly evident. A complaint has been lodged with the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) and the monitors have visited the site.

The landmine explosion which claimed the lives of innocent civilians, is yet another act of terrorism by the LTTE which deserves unreserved condemnation.