Release date: 28 February 2003
Release time: Immediate

CEASE-FIRE VIOLATIONS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND MUSLIM AFFAIRS DISCUSSED IN THE EAST

The Cease-fire violations, human rights and Muslim affairs were the matters discussed at a meeting held between representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission on the 28th of February 2003. The meeting was held at the Divisional Secretary’s office in Vavunativu, Batticaloa district. The leaders of the Parties’ delegations were Mr. Austin Fernando, Secretary of Defence and Col. Karuna, LTTE Eastern Commander. Major General Trond Furuhovde, Head of Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), chaired the meeting. A representative of the UNICEF was also present in the meeting.

The Parties were open and focused during discussions. Among the recommendations made to the coming Peace Talks in Japan between the 18th and 21st of March, were the following:

The Parties consider it necessary to create an economical strategic document in order to outline the development of effective financial system in order to facilitate investments and project development in the North and the East.

The Parties fully endorse the planned workshop arranged by the UNICEF in Kilinochchi for the development of a plan of action for children affected by armed conflict and proposed a follow-up workshop to be held in Kokkadicholai.

The SLMM will facilitate, chair and record the meetings between the LTTE and the Muslim community agreed in the fifth round of Peace Talks in Berlin in order to commence the meetings before the next round in Japan. Government Agencies will also attend the meetings.

This meeting was the second one in a series of monthly meetings to reinforce respect for the Ceasefire Agreement, as decided upon at the fourth session of peace talks in Thailand 6th–9th January 2003. The leaders of the delegations and the Head of SLMM will report on the progress made and any outstanding problems to the next peace talks to be held in Japan between the 18th-21st of March 2003.

Released By
SLMM HQ
Colombo

Ref: SLMM HQ/28th Feb2003/MED/6024

The Road to Reconciliation, 2010

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Speech by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha at the BizPact Investment Forum, Public Library Jaffna, January 6^th 2010.
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(January 21, 2011)

The process of resettlement is proceeding apace now, with well over 120,000 persons having gone back to locations in the Northern Province. Of these the more complex returns were to areas previously under the control of the LTTE in sections of Mannar and Vavuniya and in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
Civil Military Liaison - The key to social progress
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In the long hard haul that the process of resettlement has entailed, perhaps the most remarkable factor is the role played by the military. After the enormous effort involved in defeating the LTTE, there was no respite for the soldiers. Instead they have continued to work at a level of intensity that is sadly not recognized.
Overcoming constrictions and tyranny - The oppression of the LTTE in Mullaitivu
(January 21, 2011)

One reason why I suspect reconciliation will be easier in Sri Lanka than in many places that have suffered conflict is the level of suffering inflicted by the LTTE on the Tamil people. There was also an extraordinary hierarchical system, which gave great advantages to the privileged whilst the others had to serve them unquestioningly.
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(January 21, 2011)

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(January 21, 2011)

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Release date: 28 February 2003Release time: Immediate

CEASE-FIRE VIOLATIONS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND MUSLIM AFFAIRS DISCUSSED IN THE EAST

The Road to Reconciliation, 2010

Disclaimer

Release date: 28 February 2003
Release time: Immediate