Addressing the Media Briefing today (02), Defence Spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that the SLMM has closed down 07 offices in conflict areas and have returned to Colombo. Subsequently, the Peace Secretariat had called for an explanation from them. The Defence Spokesman dealt with the following.
SLMM Action
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) suddenly closed down 07 of their offices in the conflict areas and returned to Colombo, without any intimation to the government.
The Defence Spokesman emphasized that the SLMM's act contravenes the provision of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA). He expressed surprise that the SLMM did not have the common courtesy to inform the government of their decision. The provisions in the CFA are laid down the procedure of how a party could deviate from the MOU. The provisions of the CFA clearly indicate that both parties are responsible for the safety of SLMM members. They explained that their duty was to inquire into minor incidents like cattle-lifting and not inquire into major incidents. On the contrary, the SLMM rushed to Sencholai scene which was highlighted as a major incident. SLMM act has to be condemned in terms of the provisions of the CFA and in terms of natural justice and common courtesy. Further, they admitted that they did not follow the normal procedure. The SLMM has said that claymore mine and landmine explosions are a threat to their lives. It is the LTTE that specializes in those weapons. So the implication is that they left because of the escalation of violence by the LTTE. The unfortunate result is that the SLMM created a conducive and advantageous environment for child recruitment. The intelligence sources say mass scale child recruitment has begun. The government will apprise the Co-Chairs of this development and its repercussions.
Jordan Ship
The government will facilitate the rescue of the ship. A terrorist organization, for that matter, any organization has no authority to negotiate with a foreign government. It is a clear case of sea piracy. We are awaiting the response from insurance companies and the moment we receive it we will take appropriate action.
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe
Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said today (02 January) morning tiger terrorists attacked Army camp at 5.45 a.m. and 6.45 a.m. The Army retaliated but no casualties have been reported at 9.30 a.m. in Vavuniya, a claymore mine exploded, injuring two Policemen. He said about 30,000 displaced persons have escaped from un-cleared areas to Valaichchennai. Between 8000-9000 refugees are yet to enter the cleared areas but the LTTE cadres are preventing them. In Thoppigala, the LTTE has increased their strength. On January 01, LTTE fired mortars and artillery from Thoppigala. The Security Forces have consolidated their positions in Trincomalee South. In Jaffna, the use of mobile telephones is allowed: From today, 24 hour electricity supply is provided. Civilian aircraft are flying to Jaffna.
Resettlement
Very soon the Security Forces will facilitate resettlement of displaced families who opt to return home.
Court Martial
One Military Officer out of the three arrested is being court martialled and if found guilty will be given the maximum punishment. The CID and military authorities are investigating the cases of other two officers.
Group Captain Ajantha de Silva
Group Captain Ajantha de Silva, said Sri Lanka Air Force made two air strikes, one on a sea tiger base off Mannar at 9.30 a.m. causing heavy damages. The LTTE communication channels reveal they have requested medical supplies and vehicles. The other air strike was on a tiger camp in Panichchankerni at 10.20 a.m. Both were targets identified accurately.
Mr. Laxman Hulugalla, Director General, MCNS also participated.
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