TRO condemns the grenade attacks on the three international non-governmental organizations, Non Violent Peace Force (NVPF), ZOA, and InterSOS, the Trincomalee District on 22/5/06 as well as the killing of the Norwegian Refugee Council employee, Mr. Jeyaruban Gnanapragasam on 15/5/06. TRO extends it deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Gnanapragasam.

TRO is disturbed by these events and the continuing degradation of the security situation in the NorthEast. The security of humanitarian workers engaged in relief work with tsunami and war affected populations in the NorthEast must be ensured.
When taken in the wider context, these incidents together with the abduction of the TRO employees on 29 & 30 January, are bound to have a serious impact on the humanitarian work being performed by international and local NGOs. This will only serve to further exacerbate the appalling living conditions that the people of the NorthEast are subjected to.
TRO joins the humanitarian agencies and the international community’s request to the Government of Sri Lanka to fully investigate this violence and ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers.

TRO would also urge the “National Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka” to publish the results of their investigation into the abductions of the TRO employees.

For More Information:
V. Sivanadiyar
TRO President

077 981 4856