Letter from Sri Lanka Deputy Defence Minister to LTTE Leader, 22 November 1994

தமிழ்த் தேசியம்

"To us all towns are one, all men our kin.
Life's good comes not from others' gift, nor ill
Man's pains and pains' relief are from within.
Thus have we seen in visions of the wise !."
- Tamil Poem in Purananuru, circa 500 B.C

Chandrika - LTTE Talks: 1994/95

Dear Mr. Pirabaharan,

I write with reference to your letter dated 20th November 1994.

I was very much perturbed to learn of the incident of 7th November at Nedunkerni as described by you in your letter.

A message had been received from Mr. Tamil Selvan on 18th November through ICRC to Secretary/Defence, quote

"Thursday 17.11.94 in the morning, two members of the LTTE were ambushed by the Sri Lanka Army near Koddakernal, Mullaitivu District.

During the incident, a senior member of the LTTE, Lt. Col. Malli, was killed. His body was mutilated by the SLA patrol and his head cut off. The SLA patrol left the place and took the head with them.

The LTTE is quote furious and sad unquote about this incident and has two very urgent requests:

1. The head of Mr. Malli should be returned immediately for decent burial:

2. Some explanation should be given.

Mr. Tamil Selvan is expecting a reply through ICRC before the end of the afternoon, Friday 18.11.94 "unquote.

"Reference you FAX dated 18.11.1994 transmitting the information receivedfrom Mr. Tamil Selvan, Head of the political wing of the LTTE.

Deeply concerned to learn of this barbaric act. Have instructed Brigade Commander to inquire and report on this incident.

The head, if located early, could be returned. Otherwise ashes would be returned unquote.

I am informed that the head referred to in your letter had been in an advanced state of decomposition and as such was duly cremated.

Discussions are now in progress to hand over the ashes to ICRC at Vavuniya.

On receipt of message referred to above, Secretary/Defence has taken immediate action to set up a military court of inquiry under the Army Act to inquire into this incident. The court is proceeding with the inquiry. On the findings of this court appropriate action would be taken.

I consider it judicious to keep this communication confidential for the time being.

Anuruddha Ratwatte
Minister of Irrigation
Power & Energy and
Deputy Minister of Defence