Monitoring the Sri Lankan
Ceasefire Agreement 2002-2008
 
 
 

06/01/07 (c) - Illupaikadavi Air Strike

On 2 January 2007 the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted an air strike in Illupaikadavi, north of Mannar.

On 4 January 2007 the SLMM directed monitors to inquire into the Illupaikadavi incident. The monitors inspected the scene of the impact, talked with witnesses and visited injured individuals at the Divicin hospital in Malamkiv and the Killinochchi hospital. 

The number of casualties exceeded 50 civilian persons. 15 individuals were killed and more than 35 wounded, many severely. Most of the victims were children and young women.

In the Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam, the two parties agree that they “shall in accordance with international law abstain from hostile acts against the civilian population” (CFA, Article 2.1). 

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) is deeply concerned about the increased violence and the rising number of civilian casualties.

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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 fulfill its mission by continuously adapting to the altering situation in Sri Lanka, within the mandate given in the Ceasefire Agreement.