The 27th December attack on the Security Forces on Jaffna Peninsula was yet another attack, not only on the Security Forces, but also on the Cease Fire Agreement and the Peace Process as a whole. I condemn this attack as well as all other attacks in a long line that has left no ethnic, political or religious group unaffected. These attacks, and the violence erupting in connection to various demonstrations, must come to an immediate end.

It was with great dismay I learned about the vicious attack on a convoy carrying personnel from the Sri Lankan Navy on Mannar Island on 23 December 2005, and I condemn it in the strongest possible way.
-Hagrup Haukland, Head of SLMM

The recent escalation of violence on Jaffna Peninsula is of great concern to everyone, and the SLMM strongly condemns the cowardly attacks that have resulted in the deaths of several SLA-soldiers and Tamil civilians. In addition, many people have been injured. However, the violence has not escalated out of control as of yet. In this respect, the SLMM commends the Security Forces for reacting with restraint in a very difficult security situation.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission warns that violence may lead to escalation and appeals the GOSL, the LTTE and to all community leaders to bring an end to the disorder.

The SLMM condemns the killing of the senior officer of the Military Intelligence Corps, Lt. Col. Meedin, which took place on Saturday night. Our sympathies are with the family of the deceased.

Mr. Hagrup Haukland, Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, has issued the following statement regarding the assassination of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar:

SLMM finds it necessary to rectify false reports in relation to the shooting incident that took place in Trincomalee Bay on 5 April 2005.

Mr. Hagrup Haukland, Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, has issued the following statement regarding the killings in the East:

Today, the 22nd February marks the 3rd anniversary of the Cease Fire. I would like to use this opportunity to commend the Sri Lanka Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s pure willingness to act with restraint in situations that could have escalated. SLMM can confirm, as a matter of fact, that there have been no clashes between the Parties’ military forces after the signing of the CFA.

Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jan Petersen, has appointed former SLMM Chief of Staff, Hagrup Haukland, as temporary Head of Mission.