Second LTTE convoy uses sea route

[TamilNet, Friday, 04 October 2002, 13:12 GMT]
A large number of Liberation Tigers, escorted by international ceasefire monitors, travelled Thursday from Mullaitivu to the eastern province along the sea route agreed by the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE two months ago. This is the second such convoy to use the route.

The contingent of up to 170 LTTE soldiers going home on leave were seen off from Mullaitivu at 7.45am by Lt Col Mangalesh, the Commander of Sea Tigers, and Lt Col Robert, Commander of Jeyanthan Unit which is based in Batticaloa-Ampara, TamilNet sources said.

Lt Col Seliyan, Deputy Commander of Sea Tigers, led the convoy of 4 boats carrying the 170 soldiers which disembarked in Eastern Province at 13:15. Four members of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) also travelled in the boats, the sources said.

On August 18, the first Sea Tiger convoy sailing from Mullaitivu under the working agreement between the Sri Lankan Navy and the Liberation Tigers brokered by international ceasefire monitors reached Vaakari with a large number of LTTE troops.

At the time, the Head of SLMM, Major General Trond Furuhovde, said the event has clearly demonstrated the Parties determination and willingness to find solutions on complicated matters. “The sea movement, as challenging it is, can form the very symbol of commitment and confidence of the Parties,” he said.

Related Articles:
18.08.02   Sea Tiger convoy sails under SLMM aegis