Release date:  10 May 2004
Release time: Immediate

KILLING OF MEMBERS OF LTTE & GOVERNMENT FORCES- A SERIOUS THREAT TO THE CEASEFIRE AND THE PEACE PROCESS

Referring to the recent killings in the Eastern Areas of Sri Lanka, namely the killing of 7 LTTE cadres in Batticaloa area on the 25th of April 04, killing of one person in the area South of Arayampathy on the 2nd of May 04, killing of 2 LTTE cadres in Thannamunai area on the 6th of May 04, killing of one person (claimed to be a former Karuna Faction cadres) in Pattinippuram village on the 8th of May, and killing of one SLA soldier in Batticaloa on the 9th of May 04, Major General Trond Furuhovde, the Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission has issued the following statement:
 

“SLMM is highly worried about the killings appearing to be a continuing trend, thus representing a serious threat to the Ceasefire and to the Peace Process.
These criminal acts are undoubtedly direct attacks on the foundations and the development of democracy and prosperity in Sri Lanka, and have no place in a civilized society. Furthermore, such killings, especially when they appear to be systematic, create oppression, spread fear and mistrust and are also undermining the mutual trust between the Parties and the peoples of Sri Lanka. It is therefore of the utmost importance to stop the killings immediately.
 

I must also underline that the killings are not only inhuman crimes against the individuals and their families, but also attacks against the whole population of Sri Lanka. When the society comes under such savage attacks, the people of Sri Lanka and both Parties have to unite in fighting the evil forces that instigate such terror and horror.
 

These criminal acts not only violate the Ceasefire Agreement, but also go far beyond, and should be viewed in that light.

It should also be noted that it is a serious crime to provide any kind of support—including covering up – to the perpetrators.

 

Finally I find these killings to be disgusting atrocities, and therefore urge the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, to unite their efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, and implement measures to prevent such infamy acts to happen again.”
 

Released by:
SLMM HQ
Colombo