In the Cease Fire Agreement the Parties agreed to set up an international monitoring mission named Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM). Its main task is to conduct international verification through on-site monitoring of the fulfillment of the commitments entered into in the Cease Fire Agreement.

It is important to underline that SLMM has no executive power. Its main task is therefore to inquire into any instance of violation of the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Both Parties have agreed full co-operation to rectify any matter of conflict caused by their respective sides. Furthermore, SLMM has no responsibilities regarding the Parties’ enforcement of law and order.

Based on the Cease Fire Agreement, SLMM was established, and by the end of March 02 some 23 monitors from Finland, Norway and Sweden were deployed to SLMM HQ in Colombo, and to SLMM District Offices in Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara. One SLMM Liaison Team was deployed to LTTE HQ in Kilinochchi.

One of SLMM’s operational principles is to be accessible for officials from both Parties, and for ordinary people at the local level as well. Each SLMM District Office has therefore established a Local Monitoring Committee, consisting of five members; 2 from LTTE, 2 from GOSL and 1 from SLMM who is the chairman.

The Committees’ main tasks are to inquire into incidents and complaints related to the implementation of the Cease Fire Agreement, seeking to resolve any dispute or complaint in a peaceful way.

It is also important to be aware of that any complaint will be recorded and processed by the Local Monitoring Committee. The complainants are treated discreetly and confidentially.