5 Oct 2007

Government Spokesman Honourable Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told a Media briefing held at the Media Center for National Security (MCNS) this morning that the Sri Lankan Government will accept the apology tendered by the Foreign Ministry of Iceland regarding an official of Iceland visiting the LTTE areas with the SLMM. The official had Diplomatic status but in this instance entered the LTTE areas while holding a tourist visa with the connivance of the SLMM and met LTTE representatives and even meeting VIP’s. Earlier there was the instance of Hansson Bauer who stepped beyond his mandate regarding his duties by meeting a LTTE leader and misused the immunity granted to the Diplomatic Corps. The Hon. Minister made it very clear to the media that this latest breach of trust by the SLMM is viewed by the Government with serious concern and misgivings considering the prevailing situation.

The lapse on the part of the SLMM however is more serious concern as this is not the first instance of the SLMM violating the Agreement regarding their duties. Explanations and apologies in those instances have been accepted but the SLMM in this instance has visited the LTTE areas with this “visitor” from Iceland to meet LTTE representatives without authority from the Government. This is a very serious breach of the Agreement which has been signed by the SLMM and the Sri Lankan Government is compelled to take serious note and appropriate action regarding this lapse will be taken as it is prejudicial to the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. The question also arises whether after this incident the SLMM can be trusted in the future to perform their duties impartially.

The Hon. Minister referred to the publicity given recently which has now abated to the so called “abductions” and the purportedly “missing” and “abductions” resulting thereafter due to demands for ransom of businessmen especially from the Muslim community. These reports with vested interests which were given wide publicity created the wrong impression and tarnished the “IMAGE” amongst the people of Sri Lanka as well as among the International community. These allegations seemed well orchestrated supported by anti – Government elements. The Government quickly resorted to investigate into the truth and appointed a one man commission, a retired Judge Mr. Mahanama Tillekeratne to investigate into the allegations. Investigations however revealed that of the nearly 1700 cases investigated a total of 1490 who were allegedly abducted were found to living safely in their homes. Other cases are still being investigated.

However, the publicity had created much adverse reaction and suspicion regarding the Human Rights record in Sri Lanka that fears were expressed that the matter of abductions will be placed in the Agenda of the UN Sessions which was completed in Geneva. Fears were also expressed that the UN will pass strictures on Sri Lanka regarding Human Rights. The Honourable Minister for Human Rights Mr Mahinda Samarasinghe and his team answered the critics regarding allegations convincing the Human Rights representatives . To the surprise of those interested parties including those which sponsored these allegations, the International community including India, South Africa, USA and many other countries instead of passing strictures praised the Human Rights record of Sri Lanka. They supported Sri Lanka’s effort to eliminate the LTTE terrorism as they were aware of their ruthless nature which they considered as one of the most if not the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world.

At Nikaweratiya yesterday (04), President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated at the Vap Magul ceremony that various governments had for the last 25 years attempted to deal with the LTTE either by a Military solution or by engaging in a negotiated settlement to bring peace to Sri Lanka. The president stated that all attempts at negotiations since 1985 had little or no success. In the last 18 nearly months, he had always clearly stated that the 'doors are always open for negotiations” which efforts the LTTE has always sabotaged. However after utmost restraint he had to adopt a policy of “liberating the people” who were in the grip of LTTE harassment, unable to lead their lives in peace and living in constant fear of their children being forcibly conscripted by the LTTE for armed combat against the Security Forces .This policy has been a success . Whilst the President has reiterated that the path to a negotiated peaceful settlement is open to the LTTE the Security Forces have since Mavil aru in July 2006 liberated the entire Eastern province including Sampur, Mutur, Vakarai, Thoppigala, and the entire coast belt from Talaimannar down to Puttalam including adjacent areas as Silavaturai, Arippu, Adampan, Mullikulam, Kondachchi, Marichchakadchi, Nanattan , Mantai and Mannar island. The President hopes the LTTE will decide as otherwise he will not wait another 30 years to resolve the crisis . His only option will be to liberate the people from the grip of LTTE terrorism.

The Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told the media that the people have responded admirably to the Security Forces, the Police and law enforcement authorities as the Civil Defence Force and government officials who have helped them to live in peace. The civilians have provided information regarding LTTE arms, ammunition, explosives dumps and even regarding their movements and hideouts. To mention a few, since the 28th of September civilians have provided information which has led to the recovery of five LTTE suicide jackets, in the Valikaman area and another suicide kit in Tinnaveli . The vigilance of the Security Forces, Police and other authorities has also shown remarkable alertness which has led to prevent many disasters. He stated that the Army had all supplied all requirements of the displaced persons in Silavathurai, Nanattan areas including food and essential items, medical facilities, water and even school books. A committee under the Senior Army Officer with representatives from the Police, the Divisional Secretary, Grama Niladharis, ensured that the houses of displaced people were locked and sealed while they are accommodated in three refugee centers in the Nanattan , Silvathurai areas. They were glad to see their houses intact and safe when they were taken around to visit their homes.

DIG Jayanatha Wickremaratne told the media that limited operations with information from suspects and from civilians have helped the police to recover 360 Kg of C 4 explosives in the Modera police area and also from Kadiranawatte are a variety of sophisticated radar and radar equipment was recovered by the TID investigators which indicated LTTE efforts to conduct a large scale coordinated military type operation in Colombo. These recoveries must be taken in the light of threats from the Killinochchi LTTE spokesman who has threatened many times to cause havoc in Colombo as well as destroying economic targets. The Special task force (STF) arrested NINE LTTE child soldiers from Sangamankande, Batticaloa aged 14, 15, 15, 16 years who were forcibly conscripted by the LTTE this year. This is despite the guarantees given to UN organizations by the LTTE hierarchy to refrain form conscripting child soldiers. They have not only proved themselves liars but also have mocked at International UN Resolutions against Child conscriptions.

During the past week, a total of 72 LTTE cadres have been killed and many more injured. Nine soldiers were killed and 18 were wounded in the same period.