SLA, LTTE discuss Trincomalee ground situation

[TamilNet, Monday, 09 May 2005, 16:30 GMT]
Officials of the Sri Lanka Government security forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Trincomalee district met for discussions on the ground situation and to review complaints made by both parties to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) over recent firing incidents, sources said. The hour long meeting was held at the SLMM Trincomalee office in the presence of Mr.Jan Ledang, Trincomalee head of the SLMM.

Embargo on cement, diesel, petrol and other materials to LTTE controlled areas by the SLA through its Kaddaiparichchan army camp, also was discussed at the meeting, sources said.

Major General Balasuriya, General Officer Commanding of the Trincomalee district, led the SLA delegation, with Brigadier Udumalgalla accompanying him. Mr.H.N.B.Ambanwela, Senior Superintendent of Police led the police delegation.

Trincomalee district political head Mr.S.Elilan led the LTTE delegation. Mr.Sivakumar, Trincomalee town head also attended the discussion with Mr.Elilan, sources said.

LTTE had made several complaints to the SLMM about army soldiers firing towards its sentry points in its controlled areas in Muttur east. SLA also made complaints of firing by LTTE towards their camps in Muttur area, sources said.

Both parties agreed during the discussion to take steps to avoid such incidents in future, SLMM sources said.

On the issue of embargo on cement and other materials, Major General Balasuriya is reported to have said he would see that petrol and diesel be allowed in small quantities. Transportation of these items in large quantity needed permission of the Government Agent, SLMM sources said.