06/01/07 (a) - Concern about claymore attacks

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is deeply concerned about the recent increase in claymore attacks, creating a serious threat not only to the targets, but also to the civilian population. There has been a sharp increase in the number of claymore attacks in the Vavuniya district in particular, some of which caused fatal injuries.

On 03 January 2007, SLMM monitors went to two of the locations where claymore attacks have recently taken place, in order to inquire into the incidents. One of the locations was Cheddikulam, the other Kirapamaduva. In Cheddikulam two policemen were killed and one injured in the attack. The claymore was placed on the roadside of a busy road which is used by many civilans. In Kirapamaduva one SLA soldier was killed, two police officers were seriously injured and one LTTE cadre was killed in the attack. Another claymore had been found and defused by SLA soldiers.

The SLMM reminds the Parties that the CFA still remains in force and that the CFA Article 1.2 which requires a total cessation of all military action.
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The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) in 2002; an agreement imposing clear obligations to both Parties.

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission was by the CFA set up to inquire into any instance of violation of the terms and conditions of the CFA. The SLMM remains firmly committed to fulfil its mission by continuously adapting to the altering situation in Sri Lanka, within the mandate given in the Ceasefire Agreement.

SLMM 06 January 2007