The GOSL strongly condemns the killing of Mr. Kandasamy Iyer Balanadarajah, Media Secretary of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), and co-funder of the Eelam Revolutionary Organisation of Students (EROS), the latest in a spate of brutal killings that continue to be perpetrated in Colombo and the Eastern Province.

Those killed include journalist, academics and activists, who are targeted as a consequence of their political affiliation. In addition, an abortive assassination attempt on Minister Douglas Devananda was also carried out by a suicide bomber on 7 July 2004 in Colombo. The EPDP of which MR. Balandarajah was a member, has been particularly targeted during the last month. Among members of the EPDP killed recently are

10 August – Mr. Athmalingam Ramani, Deputy Organiser, EPDP Trincomalee

10 August – Mr. Seenithambi Yogarajah, EPDP Supporter in Kalavanchikkudi

21 July -- Mr. Vallautham Raveendran, Chairman Alaiyadyvenbu Pradeshiya Sabha and Deputy Organiser, EPDP Ampara District.

The nature of the killings and the persons targeted suggest involvement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in these incidents.

The GOSL is concerned that these incidents are being perpetrated with disregard to the provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement, and contrary to the spirit of building an environment for peace.

The Government will assert its authority firmly and fairly in order to uphold law and order, maintain the Ceasefire agreement and observe the civilized standards our people deserve and expect.

Sgd. Kanthi Wijetunge
Director of Government Information
Government Information Department
63, Kirulapana Avenue
Colombo 05