SLMM Clarification –
regarding SLMM press release of 29 April

2 May 2006

After consulting with the Sri Lankan Government the SLMM has decided to make the following statement:

With reference to a press release sent out by the SLMM on 29 April 2006 we would like to clarify the issue regarding our concerns over certain unexplained violent deaths of civilians.

SLMM monitors on the ground have expressed some concerns over the last few weeks and months regarding the behaviour of some on the ground that might have been directly or indirectly involved in clandestine activities against civilians.

It was not the SLMM’s intension to generalise or pass judgements on the Sri Lankan armed forces and police. The Sri Lankan Government has conveyed to us that they are not aware of any such activities within their ranks. We believe that the Sri Lankan Government is sincere in this respect and are committed to prevent any such clandestine activities from taking place.

Should any such cases arise again the SLMM will bring such cases immediately to the attention of the Sri Lankan Government for their action.