Archive for May, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The marine battle over “MV Pearl Cruise II” is over and the troop ship carrying 710 security personnnel has docked safely at Kankesanthurai (KKS) . The consequences of the attack launched by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) against the naval vessel are continuing still. One such result is the decision by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission to suspend all naval monitoring activity until further notice.
It all began when a naval flotilla escorting the personnel – carrier ship to KKS from Trincomalee came under heavy attack by a sea tigers unit. The sea battle resulted in the destruction of two “Dvoras” and the deaths of at least twenty – one persons from both the Navy and tigers.
The MV “Pearl cruise II” is a merchant vessel now used by the navy to transport men and materials by sea. The ship had started off from Trincomalee at dawn with 710 security personnel on board. These included a number of army and air force personnel in addition to navy sailors.
The bulk of the men were security personnel returning from home to duty. Most of them were in civilian dress and were unarmed. The “pearl cruise II ” was provided security by six Fast attack craft and one gun boat.
The LTTE through its alert intellige network became aware of the ” Pearl Cruise II” starting out from Trinco.On the morning of May 11th the LTTE had sent an urgent letter to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. The letter signed by Political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan was curt and precise.
” We have on several occasions verbally informed you to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels. We have also given this request in writing to you twice so far. This is the third request from us to you to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels. Sri Lankan Navy is entering the sea adjoining the land in our control and disrupting the fishing activities of the people. It is also disturbing the LTTE exercises in doing so. If Sri Lankan Navy disrupts our activities we will definitely retaliate. SLMM monitors are used by the Sri Lankan Navy as human shields in order to continue with these disruptions. We urge you for the last time not to be on board Sri Lankan Naval vessels until further notice from us. If you chose to ignore our warning and request, we are not responsible for the consequences. Please take this as the last warning to you to not board Sri Lankan Naval vessels” it said.
The LTTE had sent two letters in similiar vein to the SLMM. The third missive issued a last warning. Apparently the SLMM had no inkling of the serious intent behind that warning. Subsequent events were to prove that the letter sent on May 11th by the tigers had a definite purpose.
The naval flotilla was in Northern waters off the coast of Vadamaratchy East when a fleet of eighteen Sea tiger and black sea tiger boats started out from the Chundikkulam – Challai sea tiger base. They approached the naval convoy from the rear.
The sea tiger boats were equipped with 20 mm, 23 mm and .50 calibre guns. They also had powerful outboard motors affixed to the boats. This enabled them to move really fast. It is estimated that they were sailing at 30 – 35 knots top speed.
Two FAC ships and the gunboat were sailing ahead of the personnel carrier. Four “Dvoras” were following behind. The three vessels in front had gone too far ahead when the tigers struck .
The four Dvoras reportedly sped up and offered resistance to the LTTE. All four were modelled on Israeli proto-types and assembled in Colombo dockyards The vessels were P- 418, P – 420. P- 421, and P – 497 respectively.They were commanded by Lt Cmdr Edirisinghe (P – 418), Lt Cndr Wijewardene (P- 420), Lt. Walgampaya (P – 421 ) and Lt. Rathnatilleke (P – 497 ) respectively.
The “Pearl Cruise II” remained virtually isolated when the sea skirmish began. P – 418 and P – 420 were in the vanguard and bore the brunt of marine combat against the sea tigers.
The sea battle ensued at a point about 30 nautical miles to the South – East of Point Pedro. The time was around 4. 30 to 4.35 pm.
There were two Scandinavian ceasefire monitors accompanying the convoy. One was Ilkka Happlina the head of Trincomalee SLMM division who was on the “Pearl Cruise II”. The other was Jaffna SLMM division deputy head Lars Bleymann who was on the P – 421 Dvora. Both vessels were flying the SLMM flag to indicate that monitors were aboard.
Lars Bleymann had a satellite phone. He was in touch with SLMM headquarters relaying news of the attack. He was also worried about the safety of Happlina and himself.
Meanwhile some sea tiger boats tried to surround the lone personnel carrier vessel at mid sea. Though the tigers could have destroyed and sunk the ship the objective seemed to be that of seizing the vessel with its crew and passengers.A stand – off at sea was on.
The fact that the ship had a ceasefire monitor from Finland on board may also have contributed towards the tiger’s reluctance to attack the ship forcefully. Six of the LTTE boats were packed with explosives and manned by black sea tigers. Ramming the suicide boats into the ship would have been simple. Yet it was not done.
With the four Dvora fast attack craft vessels engaging the sea tigers at sea the tide turned. The passenger ferry was instructed to sail on through international waters towards Indian waters. The three vessels that had gone ahead were also asked to turn back and follow the passenger ferry. Two Dvoras on patrol in North – Western waters near Neduntheevu or Delft were also instructed to turn around to help their beleaguered comrades
The SLMM headquarters in Colombo was furious at the threat to its members. Oslo too was angered. Massive pressure was exerted on the LTTE in Kilinochchi and abroad. The tigers were pressurised to call off its boats and let the “Pearl Cruiser” proceed safely.
Ms Helen Olafsdottir, spokesperson of the monitoring mission told media later that they (SLMM) contacted the Kilinochchi-based LTTE leadership immediately after the Sea Tigers triggered the clash off the Mullaitivu coast.
“We urged them to cease the offensive and reminded them of the presence of Nordic naval monitors on board two vessels,” she said. “They asked us to get them out.”
Meanwhile the personnel carrier was moving away fast towards Indian waters. The “MV Pearl Cruise II” crossed the International Maritime Boundaty Line and reached Indian sanctuary.
At this point of time a desperate Government in Colombo contacted New Delhi urgently. Indian assistance was requested to rescue the ship from LTTE clutches and escort it to KKS or Trincomalee.
According to informed diplomatic sources India was prepared to provide security to Galle but not to Trinco or KKS due to the possibility of getting drawn into possible conflict. New Delhi while ready to help Colombo out was not ready to risk its personnel or get dragged into unnecessary confrontation with the LTTE.
India however said that if the LTTE entered Indian waters in pursuit of the passenger ferry their navy and possibly air force would retaliate against the tigers. Such an eventuality never arose because the LTTE never were in hot pursuit.
An Indian coast guard ship came close to the “MV Pearl Cruise II” ready to provide assistance and protection. Indian Navy and Air Force were also alerted but not deployed due to the tigers giving up pursuit.
It is possible that the LTTE did not pursue the ship due to several reasons. The tiger boats were engaged in combat. The LTTE had no intention of getting into Indian waters and possibly confront the Indian navy or coast guard. There was also the reluctance to attack a passenger ship with unarmed personnel and a truce monitor on board.
Later tiger political chief Thamilselvan was to tell SLMM head Ulf Henricsson in Kilinochchi that the LTTE had let the “MV Pearl cruise II” escape because a Scandinavian monitor was aboard.
India has been reticent about the role it played in the episode. Just as New Delhi contacted Colombo telephonically to urge protection of Tamil civilians in Trincomalee India was now playing a quiet role in protecting the unarmed security personnel.
When journalists contacted Indian Defence ministry sources for information about the incident no details were forthcoming. It was admitted “off the record” that a Sri Lankan ship in trouble had got into Indian waters and that an Indian coast guard ship had provided assistance. The Indian NDTV said later that the Lankan ship had been escorted safely by India to a Sri Lankan port.
Meanwhile the raging sea battle was ending after nearly 80 to 90 minutes. The Lankan air force too got into the act in the final phase by sending Mi 24 helicopter gunships. The Mi 24 copters were of little utilitarian value as it was now dusk and the battle virtually over. The LTTE boats were returning to base in Chundikulam – Chalai.
T he personnel carrier had reached international waters with an Indian coast guard vessel close by and a naval ship looming on the horizon. The Lankan air force helicopters were trying to inflict damage. Norway and the SLMM was exerting strong pressure. The tigers had put two Dvoras out of action. At least one tiger boat was hit. So the LTTE called off the sea – borne operation and withdrew.
The personnel carrier ship which reached Indian waters remained at sea for a while. Indian ships stood guard. Meanwhile Colombo had started reprisal bombing and shelling on LTTE controlled areas in the North and East. It appeared that tiger fighting was over for the day.
The SLMM also obtained guarantes from the LTTE that the “Pearl cruise II” will not be targetted when returning.According to informed diplomatic sources Indian ships provided “quiet cover” to the Lankan ship to reach Lankan waters off the Jaffna peninsula .
The personnel carrier first tried to reach Trincomalee during night but thereafter the ship proceeded towards KKS. The plans were changed because tigers had assured the SLMM that it would not be harmed.The “Pearl Cruise II” arrived at about 1, 30 pm on May 12th morning near KKS.
The navy suffered the destruction of one Dvora. P- 418 was sunk by the tigers. It is said that the vessel commanded by Prasanna Edirisinghe had put up a heroic fight. It was responsible for hitting a tiger boat and staving off the sea tigers for quite some time. This enabled the passenger ferry with 710 men to escape.
P- 418 had fifteen crew and another officer Lt. Ratnaike aboard in addition to Edirisenghe. All seventeen were killed. Six navy boats conducted searches and after 36 hours recovered seven bodies.
P – 420 commanded by Wijewardene was also badly damaged. At one point it was thiought that the boat was about to sink. An airborne “casevac” (Casualty evacuation) mission was undertaken near Point Pedro to rescue captain and crew. The Dvora however did not sink and was towed back to KKS. It is extensively damaged and would require much refurbishing to be “ship shape” again.
P – 497 was also damaged but remains sea worthy. P – 421 that had a monitor aboard has some minor damage. Two sailors on board were injured. The injuries on the other two ships are not known.
The LTTE says it has lost four tigers while two were injured. Three of the killed tigers were women . All four killed were promoted posthumously by the LTTE. Their rank, nom de guerre , real names and hometowns are -
1. Lt. Col Pulichelvi – Jenita Pushparaja – Point Pedro.
2. Lt. Col Anbuvili – Amuthasumana Nageswaran – Aaliyawalai.
3. Lt. Col . Kaviyalagi – Shanthini Pedurupillai – Manatkadu (vadamaratchy east)
4. Major. Mathiyalagan – Kanthan Jesurajah – Kayts
Given the ferocity of the sea battle it does seem unbelievable that the LTTE losses were so little. Yet the divers searching for navy bodies have found the rear section of a tiger boat. It had four powerful outboard motors affixed . Traces of any other tiger casualties – if any – are yet to be found.
The SLMM says the LTTE atacked the convoy without provocation. The tigers say the ship encroached on the waters where they were engaged in training exercises. With two monitors on board two vessels that came under attack the SLMM will naturally rely on their eye witness accounts than tiger explanations.
According to knowledgeable Tamil sources the LTTE was suspicious that the personnel carrier was coming towards the peninsula to enhance the security forces strength. With the security forces transporting men and material under curfew to Nagar Kovil frontline from Palaly the LTTE feared a massive onslaught on Vettilaikerny and then Elephant pass.
It was in a way a pre- emptive strike by the tigers rationalise these sources.Though the tigers could have sunk the passenger ferry through its suicide boats the LTTE had refrained from doing so to try and capture the troops alive and also because the Finnish monitor was aboard they say.
The Sri Lankan authorities are saying that about five to eight LTTE boats were destroyed and more than fifty tigers were killed. The count is based on the assumption that ten to fifteen tigers on each boat.
At the same time Colombo also says the boats surrounding the ships were all suicide boats and that the sunk Dvora was rammed into by a tiger boat. A suicide boat with packed explosives does not have more than two black tigers on board. So the arithmetic seems to be faulty.
It appears that many sections of the national and international media are accepting the “official” version from Colombo. News reports say that more than five tiger boats were destroyed and at least fifty LTTE men were killed. Some reports even speak about a “mass funeral”.
There is also a conscious effort by sections of the media to glorify the sacrifices made by the naval personnel in fighting the tigers. The heroism displayed by some if not all navy men deserve praise. The commander of P – 421 Lt. Walgampaya has been openly commended by the monitor aboard the vessel.
The LTTE despite its victory in the sea battle has lost badly in political terms. It stands accused of flagrantly violating the ceasefire. The USA and EU have condemned tiger recklesness.
The tigers have incurred the wrath of the SLMM. It’s actions has brought about shelling and bombing in the North – East for which no international condemnstion is forthcoming.
Meanwhile the LTTE is embrioled in controversy about its rights to sea. The SLMM has also suspended naval monitoring until further notice.
The LTTE may have won the sea battle but it is fast losing the propaganda war with actions such as these.
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May 14th, 2006
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have refused permission to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission to inspect the areas in the Northern mainland Wanni that were affected by the aerial bombardment on May 11th.
Two Israeli built K- fir jet bombers inflicted much of the damage on the 11th. More than 25 bombs were dropped in two sorties that began at 5. 40 pm and 6. 25 pm respectively.
The bombing was done in areas south of Kilinochchi, north of Mankulam and west of Mullaitheevu.
The bombs fell mainly in the Iranaimadhu and Udaiyarkattu regions. They also fell in the jungle areas in the Murigandi and Kokavil areas.
The Government claims that only the LTTE aviation facility in the Wanni was targetted. It also claims that the air strip in Iranaimadhu has sustained damage.
It is reprted that Udaiyarkattu has large cantonments housing tiger cadres.
This is said to be the reason for the LTTE refusing to let the SLMM inspect affected Wanni areas.
This is in contrast to the LTTE stance on the Muthur East bombings of April 25th where the tigers cooperated fully with the SLMM when inspecting damage.
The LTTE continues to be tight – lipped about the damage or non – damage to its installations or personnel. Daya master has said two civilians were seriously injured in the attack.
Meanwhile the “Sunday Times” has reported that the Wanni bombing was a “Lion response ” (Sinha niyawa) and not a “Dog response” (Balu niyawa ” by the Government.
It has also said that efforts by the military top brass to order a second aerial strike to teach the LTTE a lesson was turned down by President Mahinda Rajapakse because of Vesak.
The relevant extracts from the political column are given below
” Soon after fighting erupted the Operations Room at Navy Headquarters became a hive of activity. It was not only in terms of directing counter measures against the attackers but also other responses. Defence Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa was on hand. So was Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. They were discussing, among other matters, about a response. It was in Sinhala. Should it be “Balu Niyawa” or “Sinha Niyawa.”
In other words, the question was whether to respond like a dog or a lion. If a stone was hurled at a dog, it would run in the opposite direction. But if it was done to a lion, it would run in the direction from which the stone was hurled. They were unanimous that the reaction should be one like a lion. Air Force was ordered to carry out air attacks on selected Tiger guerrilla targets — for the first time in the four-year-long ceasefire. While helicopter gunships went to engage the Sea Tiger boats in battle, Kfir jets bombed the LTTE airstrip near Iranamadu.
That night armed forces top brass and senior defence officials met President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. They were unanimous in their view that there should be a limited attack on Friday to send a message to the LTTE. That was to make them know they cannot get away by staging violent attacks on the armed forces. The answer was a firm “no” from President Rajapaksa. He said on Vesak day there should be no such offensive action. However, he said if any attacks were carried out by Tiger guerrillas, the armed forces were free to defend and even hit back. ” - D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Realted:
- World pressure makes Colombo stop bombing and shelling
- Tensions rise as Muthur East gets shelling again
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May 13th, 2006
Police investigations into the suicide bomber attack in the military headquarters precincts on April 25th thay killed nine persons and seriously injured army commander Sarath Fonseka have discovered that the woman suspect who allegedly blew herself up came on that fateful day from a residence in Kaduwela a Colombo suburb.
Investigators say that the woman whose identity remains unknown was fair – complexioned with long hair tresses. She was about 5 feet 3 inches tall and aged between 35 to 40. She was wearing a green Salwar, black kameez and Yellow pasmina on the day she died. Her gold ear – rings were studded with star shaped red stones.
Police investigators now say that she had entered the Army HQ on that day without surrendering her national ID card. This had been made possible by a civilian clerk at the military hospital. Police allege that the man whose name they refused to reveal was the paramour of the woman suspect.
She had befriended him and was carrying on as his lover in order to get his assistance in getting through to the army HQ say Police. Among the man’s functions at the hospital was the arranging of medical appointments with doctors for prospective patients.
In the case of this woman her male friend had brought her to the hospital at least five times on previous occasions say Police. It was he who arranged for her to stay in Kaduwela and brought her to the HQ on that fateful day.
Asked whether the man had been arrested Police sources said cryptically that he had been killed in the explosion with the woman.
Police also said that the question of the woman being pregnant or not had not been proved yet.
Police had also checked out eight unclaimed national identity cards belonging to women and discovered that all of them were including a Tamil were alive.
Police have also released an artistic impression of the woman’s face and called for information from the public. - D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Related:
- No progress in Police probe into suicide attack
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May 13th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission will suspend all activity relating to naval monitoring with effect from May 14 th 2006 until further notice, it was announced yesterday.
SLMM chief Ulf Henricsson as well as its acting spokesperson Robert Nilffom told different sections of the media that naval monitoring had ceased and that it was only a temporary feature.
“Sea monitoring activities have temporary been stopped,”reported a website quoting Henricsson.The SLMM Chief, however, said suspension is temporary.
“We are adjusting ourselves and hope to come up with new safety regulations and some solutions hopefully by next week,” he said.
Nilffom told a newspaper that ” they were in the process of assessing the situation, particularly the risks involved and counter measures.” He emphasized that this would be temporary.
Consequent to this decision the Sri Lanka Navy’s Northern command was informed by the Jaffna based SLMM that it could not provide naval escort to the personnel carrier ship ” MV Pearl Cruise II” on its return to Trincomalee.
The navy had contacted the SLMM to finalise travel arrangements for the vessel to start out from Kankesanthurai with Scandinavian monitors aboard on its return journey to Trincomalee when they were informed of changed circumstances.
The ship with 710 security personnnel and one SLMM monitor on board was attacked by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on May 11th off the Vadamaratchy East coast in Jaffna peninsula. The ship after escaping to Indian waters had returned to KKS in the early hours of May 12th.
The SLMM decision to suspend sea monitoring was taken as a result of the earlier LTTE attack. The primary consideration it is learnt was the safety of SLMM members accompanying Sri Lankan naval ships.
The lives of two naval monitors were endangered due to the attack . One was Ilkka Haplina , head of the Trncomalee SLMM division who was on the “Pearl Cruise II”. The other was Lars Bleymann , deputy head of the SLMM Jaffna division who was on the “P 421″ Dvora fast attack craft providing security to the troop carrier.
Both vessels were flying the SLMM flag in addition to the Lankan flag to indicate that truce monitors were aboard. The SLMM was deeply troubled when the attack endangering the lives of monitors began.
Ms Helen Olafsdottir, spokesperson of the monitoring mission told media that they (SLMM) contacted the Kilinochchi-based LTTE leadership immediately after the Sea Tigers triggered the clash off the Mullaitivu coast.
“We urged them to cease the offensive and reminded them of the presence of Nordic naval monitors on board two vessels,” she said. “They asked us to get them out.”
Apart from the monitors’ safety the suspension of naval monitoring would also provide a respite for the SLMM to finalise certain decisions regarding the future.
Chief among them is the “problem” caused by the LTTE stance on naval monitoring. LTTE political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan in a meeting with SLMM chief Ulf Henricsson on May 12th at Kilinochchi was critical of the monitors over this issue.
The LTTE objected strongly to the SLMM position that the tigers had no rights to the sea and urged the monitors to revise this stance. The SLMM chief was asked to provide the basis on which this decision was made. The tigers also said that they would be travelling in the waters adjacent to the lands under their control regardless of any position taken by the SLMM.
Thamilselvan also charged that the SLMM was adopting double standards. “While SLMM monitors were accompanying the navy on naval vessels they were not doing so with LTTE sea tiger vessels” he said. “If the SLMM was not prepared to get aboard tiger boats then they should not get aboard navy ships too” Thamilselvan pointed out.
He said that the navy ships had been allowed to go “free” on Msy 11th only because monitors were on them. Thamilselvan said that the navy was using the SLMM as human shields while travelling in North – Eastern seas.Leniency on this count would not be shown next time he warned.
The tiger political chief had written three letters earlier to the SLMM demanding that monitors should not accompany the navy aboard naval vessels. Urging that the SLMM abide by this demand in the future Thamilselvan said this was the “final warning” on the issue.
The SLMM chief told Thamilselvan that he would get back to him after discussing with Norwegian facilitators and representatives of the SLMM. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are the five member nations of the SLMM.
It is learnt that all member countries of the SLMM are worried about the safety of their nationals in the aftermath of the “pearl Cruise” incident. Two of them in particular were mooting a full withdrawal from the SLMM but have now agreed to abide by decisions to be finalised in due course.
It is learnt that consultations between the monitors and facilitators will be held in Colombo and Oslo about the SLMM’s future course. A set of regulations are to be formulated on the question of naval monitoring. These new rules and procedures will be submitted to the Government of Sri Lanka as well as the tigers for approval and commitment to adhere to them.
If such consent is not forthcoming naval monitoring will remain suspended while the SLMM reviews the whole question of monitoring.
Meanwhile the SLMM has indicated to sections of the media that they are notin agreement with the LTTE position on naval monitoring and related issues. The “diplomatic silence” by Henricsson in the meeting with Thamilselvan cannot be construed as “acceptance” of the LTTE viewpoint said diplomatic sources.
The SLMM also stands by its stern condemnation of the LTTE for the sea attack and holds the tigers responsible pointed out these sources.
Related:- SLMM Chief on urgent trip to meet LTTE in Kilinochchi
- SLMM Chief Henricsson gets “earful” from Thamilselvan
- Indian help sought to escort ‘Pearl Cruiser’ safely to KKS
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May 13th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Speculation was rife in diplomatic and media circles that activities of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in the North – East may be suspended for an indefinite period due to rising levels of violence.
Chief among SLMM concerns is the possible threat to monitors serving in the North – East while engaged in field work.
A proposal is being mooted to put North – Eastern activity on hold for a while and functioning from Colombo.
“When the monitors came in they thought they were going to monitor a ceasefire but now they find they have to monitor an undeclared war” said a Western diplomat.
The recent letters exchanged between the LTTE and SLMM have raised more concern. Anxiety has arisen further after the meeting between the LTTE political commissar Thamilselvan and SLMM chief Henricsson in Kilinochchi. The tough warnings issued by the LTTE to the SLMM had hurt and angered some SLMM members.
It is learnt reliably that two of the five member states in the SLMM have opted to pull out completely from monitoring activities to safeguard the lives of their nationals involved in the exercise.
The five Countries involved are Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
Saner counsel has prevailed and the SLMM members were urged to be patient till all issues are discussed in detail with Norwgian facilitators. Consultations are to take place betwen the SLMM and Norway in Colombo and Oslo shortly.
Meanwhile the propsal to suspend North – Eastern activities by the SLMMis under active consideration.
It is suggested that such a bold step would help issue a “warning” to both parties. It would also provide a respite to the SLMM to assess the climate of violence till a firm decision is reached.
Political observers opine that if the SLMM does pull out permanently the LTTE may find itself facing an European Union ban. The EU was contemplating such a ban but could not do so due to lack of unanimity among its 25 members.
Three Scandinavian nations involved in monitoring the ceasefire in Sri Lanka refused to support the proposed ban. They felt that such a ban would hamper monitoring duties in Lanka.
If however the SLMM ceased functioning the EU ban could become a reality said observers.
A final decision on these matters is to be taken very soon it is learnt.
Related:
- SLMM Chief on urgent trip to meet LTTE in Kilinochchi
- Indian help sought to escort ‘Pearl Cruiser’ safely to KKS
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May 13th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) chief Lt. Gen Ulf Henricsson was in for an unpleasant surprise when he met Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan on May 12th in Kilinochchi. The soft – spoken, eversmiling Thamilselvan was in an angry mood. The be- spectacled Selvan had a litany of complaints to relate about SLMM conduct.It was quite an earful for Henricsson.
The meeting itself was held on the invitation of the LTTE. It was called by the tigers to discuss recent events in the North – East with particular emphasis on a statement made by the SLMM. The LTTE took umbrage over the SLMM condemning the tigers for the attack on a naval convoy off Jaffna peninsula’s Vadamaratchy east coast.The main rankling point was the SLMM saying the LTTE had no rights at sea.
This was what the SLMM said ” The sea surrounding Sri Lanka is a Government Controlled Area. This has been ruled so by the Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in line with international law. Non-state actors cannot rule open sea waters or airspace. The LTTE has therefore no rights at sea “.
The LTTE stance as articulated by Thamilselvan on the statement was that the SLMM had exceeded its brief in this. The SLMM was not required or expected to issue statements on matters like this. The SLMM ’s primary duty was to monitor the ceasefire. There were enough agencies like those of the UN and other human rights organizations to issue statements like this. The LTTE did not want the SLMM to do this.
After launching his tirade against the SLMM Thamilselvan also went on to outline other grievances and arguments. He contested the SLMM position by saying that the LTTE had acquired belligerent rights through years of combatting the Sri Lankan army and establishing control over specific territory for more than 15 years. As such the LTTE had de – facto rights over lands under its control, the seas adjacent to those lands and the airspace above.
The ceasefire had been formulated on that basis. The rights of the LTTE were accepted in that. The ceasefire was between two eqal parties. There was no differentiation between state and non – state actors or Government and Non – Governmental entities. Both the GOSL and LTTE were accepted and acknowledged as parties to the ceasefire. Both were on par.
This equality was based on the balance of power theory. This balance was the basis of the ceasefire. If one or the other side received additional weightage there would be imbalance. If the power balance shifted either way the ceasefire would be under threat. By undermining the LTTE as a “non – state actor” without equal rights the SLMM was undermining the LTTE and strengthening the GOSL in public perception. This was unacceptable to the LTTE. said Thamilselvan
Selvan pointed out that the SLMM was not there to minimise the LTTE role to that of a non – state actor. It was there only to help maintain the ceasefire between both parties. Both parties have to be treated on equal basis. The SLMM had erred gravely by not doing so. The SLMM statement had incurred the anger and resentment of not only the LTTE leadership but also of the Tamil people who were strongly supportive of the tigers said Thamilselvan.
He asked the SLMM chief to examine all previous references regarding the ceasefire by the facilitator Norway or his predecessors. At no stage had the LTTE been given lesser status to that of the GOSL. There was no comparison of rights entitled or not entitled to by a non – state actor. It was always a case of being even handed by referring to both sides as parties. Besides earlier SLMM heads had accepted the rights of the LTTE to exercise its naval wing in the sea. Never had the sea been declared off limits. To say so was to be impractical and unrealistic.
Thamilselvan then asked Henricsson point blank the reasons or basis on which the SLMM issued such a statement. It was ill – advised and unnecessary he said. The tiger political cmmissar asked the SLMM to provide an explanation for this stance. The SLMM chief responded diplomatically by saying that he would consult the facilitator Norway before providing an official explanation.
Thamilselvan said that the LTTE too had raised the issue with Oslo. Norwegian representatives would soon meet with the LTTE to discuss the matter. The LTTE would expect the SLMM explanation by that time he said.
The tiger political chief then said the SLMM was not perceived as being impartial in certain matters. The SLMM was travelling in Sri Lankan naval craft and providing “safe escort” but was not prepared to do so to the LTTE. If the SLMM could not travel on LTTE vessels then it should not travel on SL navy vessels too. By not maintaining equidistance the SLMM was adopting double standards Thamilselvan said.
He then accused the Sri Lankan government of preventing and restricting the movement of LTTE cadres and leaders. While the LTTE was being constricted the security forces were moving about without any problem. The LTTE would not allow this sutuation to prevail he said. If free movement was denied to the LTTE by the Govt then the tigers would deny the same to the GOSL. ” we wont let them have unfettered movement in the future if they continue this way” Thamilselvan said.
He then advised the SLMM not to travel aboard navy vessels. This was no threat but simply a warning. By travelling aboard naval craft without doing so with the LTTE the SLMM was being partial. The security forces were using the SLMM as human shields while attacking the LTTE. The tigers could have destroyed the “Pearl Cruise” Thamilselvan said. They did not do so because a SLMM monitor was on the ship. Such leniency would not be shown next time he said.
Thamilselvan also said that the GOSL had been bombing and shelling Tamil civilian areas with impunity. It was being described as limited strikes. If that position was accepted by the SLMM then the LTTE too would conduct “limited’ Strikes Thamilselvan said. If the GOSL could do it then the LTTE too can do it he said.
He also queried as to why the SLMM was so quick to issue statements against the LTTE while being slow to move against the GOSL. 160 Tamil civilians had been killed by security forces, paramilitaries and mobs since the Geneva talks. This was not being condemned forthrightly by the SLMM. Even after issuing a statement it had backtracked when the GOSL protested.
In Trincomalee innocent Tamil civilians were attacked in the full presence of the security forces. Nobody tried to stop it. The SLMM had refused to even come to the spot due to concern for their own safety. Such conduct has led to an erosion of confidence in the SLMM among Tamil people , Thamilselvan said.
The LTTE political commissar also asked the SLMM chief why the monitors could not stop or prevent the shelling and bombing of Tamil civilian areas. These go on for hours. This gives enough time for the SLMM to intervene and get it stopped. Instead the SLMM visits the affected areas days later and then issues a mild statement.
Thamilselvan also asked the SLMM chief to study the ceasefire agreement and see how it has been implemented. He asked the SLMM to compare how the CFA obligations had been discharged by the LTTE and how they had been discharged by the GOSL. This would show who was to blame. Thamilselvan said that the SLMM’s chief duty was to help implement the ceasefire. If the CFA was honoured fully then there would be no problem he said.
Instead of implementing the ceasefire or what was agreed to in Geneva there is no point in asking the LTTE to go for talks. The time for talking is over. What is necessary now is for action to follow up the talks. Thamilselvan said.
The tiger political chief also warned that patience was waning. If no concrete and positive action is taken the LTTE would have to review the situation and take meaningful decisions he warned.
After listening diligently to this earful the SLMM chief then assured the LTTE political commissar that he would get back to him with the SLMM response after consulting with Norwegian facilitators.
After returning to Colombo the SLMM chief observed to SLMM colleagues that he listened patiently to tHamilselvan despite having a contrary viewpoint.
Meanwhile Thamilselvan told the media in Kilinochchi that he talked tough to the SLMM in a manner that he had never done before and presented the LTTE perspective strongly.
Related:
- SLMM Chief on urgent trip to meet LTTE in Kilinochchi
- Indian help sought to escort ‘Pearl Cruiser’ safely to KKS
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Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
May 12th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Coastal areas of Muthur East that are controlled by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were targets of intensive atillery and shelling by land and sea again on May 11th. Virtually all the areas that were attacked on April 25th and 26th were attacked again. The small mercy being that aerial bombardment was not done this time.
[Sampoor Srimurugan Vidyalayam in Trincomalee, damaged from the April air attack]
There was a skirmish earlier on the 11th when four Naval boats accosted a flotilla of ten tiger boats on the waters of Kottiar bay. The tigers claimed they were engaged in training exercises as provided for by the ceasefire agreement. The Naby disputed the LTTE’ s right to do so. A Scandinavian monitor was on board of one naval ship.
The alltercation resulted in exchanges of fire. Both parties claim the other side fired first. In the brief firefight one Naval boat was slightly damaged. The fighting expanded with the navy camp at Kattaiparichan on the Muthur area firing at tiger positions in the Samppoor area. Parts of the naval installation in Vattam area of Kattaiparichan were also damaged. The skirmish which began at 1. 30 pm ended in about 20 minutes due to the intervention of the monitoring mission.
The next round began later in the evening at about 5. 00 pm. Several naval boats began shelling the coastal areas of Sampoor and other places in the Muthur East division. The shelling from sea continued till 6. 15 pm.The naval ships returned to Trincomalee.
But soon after began artillery fire from the Trincomalee harbour camp and the Monkey bridhe camp. The firing went on intermittently for several hours into the night. Nearly seventy – five shells were fired. Five deadly MBRL shells from Multi barrel rocket launchers were also fired.
The areas hit by shelling and artillery were Sampoor, Iralkuli, Kadatkaraichenai, Senaiyoor, Ilakkanthai etc that were damaged in April too. Many of the shells fell short of land into the sea. Since people who were displaced due to the April attacks are yet to return the shells which fell on land also did not do much damage to people it is learnt.
The exact casualty toll is yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile in Colombo it was admitted that the attack on Muthur was part of Government strategy to teach the LTTE a lesson.
Cabinet minsterDefence Affairs Spokesman and cabinet minister Minister Keheliya Rabukwella said that the Security Forces have launched limited and coordinated strikes on the identified LTTE targets to deter further attacks on the Security Forces,” .
The Minister refused to comment on how long the attacks will continue, but emphasised that a coordinated assault was made necessary by the sinking of two Navy gunboats by the sea Tigers earlier that evening.
“Operations will continue till the objective is achieved,” he said.
Related:
- SLMM Chief on urgent trip to meet LTTE in Kilinochchi
- Indian help sought to escort ‘Pearl Cruiser’ safely to KKS
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May 12th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
The marine battle over “MV Pearl Cruise II” is over and the troop ship carrying 710 security personnnel has docked safely at Kankesanthurai (KKS) . The consequences of the attack launched by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) against the naval vessel are continuing still. One such result is the decision by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission to suspend all naval monitoring activity until further notice.
It all began when a naval flotilla escorting the personnel – carrier ship to KKS from Trincomalee came under heavy attack by a sea tigers unit. The sea battle resulted in the destruction of two “Dvoras” and the deaths of at least twenty – one persons from both the Navy and tigers.
The MV “Pearl cruise II” is a merchant vessel now used by the navy to transport men and materials by sea. The ship had started off from Trincomalee at dawn with 710 security personnel on board. These included a number of army and air force personnel in addition to navy sailors.
The bulk of the men were security personnel returning from home to duty. Most of them were in civilian dress and were unarmed. The “pearl cruise II ” was provided security by six Fast attack craft and one gun boat.
The LTTE through its alert intellige network became aware of the ” Pearl Cruise II” starting out from Trinco.On the morning of May 11th the LTTE had sent an urgent letter to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission. The letter signed by Political commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan was curt and precise.
” We have on several occasions verbally informed you to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels. We have also given this request in writing to you twice so far. This is the third request from us to you to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels. Sri Lankan Navy is entering the sea adjoining the land in our control and disrupting the fishing activities of the people. It is also disturbing the LTTE exercises in doing so. If Sri Lankan Navy disrupts our activities we will definitely retaliate. SLMM monitors are used by the Sri Lankan Navy as human shields in order to continue with these disruptions. We urge you for the last time not to be on board Sri Lankan Naval vessels until further notice from us. If you chose to ignore our warning and request, we are not responsible for the consequences. Please take this as the last warning to you to not board Sri Lankan Naval vessels” it said.
The LTTE had sent two letters in similiar vein to the SLMM. The third missive issued a last warning. Apparently the SLMM had no inkling of the serious intent behind that warning. Subsequent events were to prove that the letter sent on May 11th by the tigers had a definite purpose.
The naval flotilla was in Northern waters off the coast of Vadamaratchy East when a fleet of eighteen Sea tiger and black sea tiger boats started out from the Chundikkulam – Challai sea tiger base. They approached the naval convoy from the rear.
The sea tiger boats were equipped with 20 mm, 23 mm and .50 calibre guns. They also had powerful outboard motors affixed to the boats. This enabled them to move really fast. It is estimated that they were sailing at 30 – 35 knots top speed.
Two FAC ships and the gunboat were sailing ahead of the personnel carrier. Four “Dvoras” were following behind. The three vessels in front had gone too far ahead when the tigers struck .
The four Dvoras reportedly sped up and offered resistance to the LTTE. All four were modelled on Israeli proto-types and assembled in Colombo dockyards The vessels were P- 418, P – 420. P- 421, and P – 497 respectively.They were commanded by Lt Cmdr Edirisinghe (P – 418), Lt Cndr Wijewardene (P- 420), Lt. Walgampaya (P – 421 ) and Lt. Rathnatilleke (P – 497 ) respectively.
The “Pearl Cruise II” remained virtually isolated when the sea skirmish began. P – 418 and P – 420 were in the vanguard and bore the brunt of marine combat against the sea tigers.
The sea battle ensued at a point about 30 nautical miles to the South – East of Point Pedro. The time was around 4. 30 to 4.35 pm.
There were two Scandinavian ceasefire monitors accompanying the convoy. One was Ilkka Happlina the head of Trincomalee SLMM division who was on the “Pearl Cruise II”. The other was Jaffna SLMM division deputy head Lars Bleymann who was on the P – 421 Dvora. Both vessels were flying the SLMM flag to indicate that monitors were aboard.
Lars Bleymann had a satellite phone. He was in touch with SLMM headquarters relaying news of the attack. He was also worried about the safety of Happlina and himself.
Meanwhile some sea tiger boats tried to surround the lone personnel carrier vessel at mid sea. Though the tigers could have destroyed and sunk the ship the objective seemed to be that of seizing the vessel with its crew and passengers.A stand – off at sea was on.
The fact that the ship had a ceasefire monitor from Finland on board may also have contributed towards the tiger’s reluctance to attack the ship forcefully. Six of the LTTE boats were packed with explosives and manned by black sea tigers. Ramming the suicide boats into the ship would have been simple. Yet it was not done.
With the four Dvora fast attack craft vessels engaging the sea tigers at sea the tide turned. The passenger ferry was instructed to sail on through international waters towards Indian waters. The three vessels that had gone ahead were also asked to turn back and follow the passenger ferry. Two Dvoras on patrol in North – Western waters near Neduntheevu or Delft were also instructed to turn around to help their beleaguered comrades
The SLMM headquarters in Colombo was furious at the threat to its members. Oslo too was angered. Massive pressure was exerted on the LTTE in Kilinochchi and abroad. The tigers were pressurised to call off its boats and let the “Pearl Cruiser” proceed safely.
Ms Helen Olafsdottir, spokesperson of the monitoring mission told media later that they (SLMM) contacted the Kilinochchi-based LTTE leadership immediately after the Sea Tigers triggered the clash off the Mullaitivu coast.
“We urged them to cease the offensive and reminded them of the presence of Nordic naval monitors on board two vessels,” she said. “They asked us to get them out.”
Meanwhile the personnel carrier was moving away fast towards Indian waters. The “MV Pearl Cruise II” crossed the International Maritime Boundaty Line and reached Indian sanctuary.
At this point of time a desperate Government in Colombo contacted New Delhi urgently. Indian assistance was requested to rescue the ship from LTTE clutches and escort it to KKS or Trincomalee.
According to informed diplomatic sources India was prepared to provide security to Galle but not to Trinco or KKS due to the possibility of getting drawn into possible conflict. New Delhi while ready to help Colombo out was not ready to risk its personnel or get dragged into unnecessary confrontation with the LTTE.
India however said that if the LTTE entered Indian waters in pursuit of the passenger ferry their navy and possibly air force would retaliate against the tigers. Such an eventuality never arose because the LTTE never were in hot pursuit.
An Indian coast guard ship came close to the “MV Pearl Cruise II” ready to provide assistance and protection. Indian Navy and Air Force were also alerted but not deployed due to the tigers giving up pursuit.
It is possible that the LTTE did not pursue the ship due to several reasons. The tiger boats were engaged in combat. The LTTE had no intention of getting into Indian waters and possibly confront the Indian navy or coast guard. There was also the reluctance to attack a passenger ship with unarmed personnel and a truce monitor on board.
Later tiger political chief Thamilselvan was to tell SLMM head Ulf Henricsson in Kilinochchi that the LTTE had let the “MV Pearl cruise II” escape because a Scandinavian monitor was aboard.
India has been reticent about the role it played in the episode. Just as New Delhi contacted Colombo telephonically to urge protection of Tamil civilians in Trincomalee India was now playing a quiet role in protecting the unarmed security personnel.
When journalists contacted Indian Defence ministry sources for information about the incident no details were forthcoming. It was admitted “off the record” that a Sri Lankan ship in trouble had got into Indian waters and that an Indian coast guard ship had provided assistance. The Indian NDTV said later that the Lankan ship had been escorted safely by India to a Sri Lankan port.
Meanwhile the raging sea battle was ending after nearly 80 to 90 minutes. The Lankan air force too got into the act in the final phase by sending Mi 24 helicopter gunships. The Mi 24 copters were of little utilitarian value as it was now dusk and the battle virtually over. The LTTE boats were returning to base in Chundikulam – Chalai.
T he personnel carrier had reached international waters with an Indian coast guard vessel close by and a naval ship looming on the horizon. The Lankan air force helicopters were trying to inflict damage. Norway and the SLMM was exerting strong pressure. The tigers had put two Dvoras out of action. At least one tiger boat was hit. So the LTTE called off the sea – borne operation and withdrew.
The personnel carrier ship which reached Indian waters remained at sea for a while. Indian ships stood guard. Meanwhile Colombo had started reprisal bombing and shelling on LTTE controlled areas in the North and East. It appeared that tiger fighting was over for the day.
The SLMM also obtained guarantes from the LTTE that the “Pearl cruise II” will not be targetted when returning.According to informed diplomatic sources Indian ships provided “quiet cover” to the Lankan ship to reach Lankan waters off the Jaffna peninsula .
The personnel carrier first tried to reach Trincomalee during night but thereafter the ship proceeded towards KKS. The plans were changed because tigers had assured the SLMM that it would not be harmed.The “Pearl Cruise II” arrived at about 1, 30 pm on May 12th morning near KKS.
The navy suffered the destruction of one Dvora. P- 418 was sunk by the tigers. It is said that the vessel commanded by Prasanna Edirisinghe had put up a heroic fight. It was responsible for hitting a tiger boat and staving off the sea tigers for quite some time. This enabled the passenger ferry with 710 men to escape.
P- 418 had fifteen crew and another officer Lt. Ratnaike aboard in addition to Edirisenghe. All seventeen were killed. Six navy boats conducted searches and after 36 hours recovered seven bodies.
P – 420 commanded by Wijewardene was also badly damaged. At one point it was thiought that the boat was about to sink. An airborne “casevac” (Casualty evacuation) mission was undertaken near Point Pedro to rescue captain and crew. The Dvora however did not sink and was towed back to KKS. It is extensively damaged and would require much refurbishing to be “ship shape” again.
P – 497 was also damaged but remains sea worthy. P – 421 that had a monitor aboard has some minor damage. Two sailors on board were injured. The injuries on the other two ships are not known.
The LTTE says it has lost four tigers while two were injured. Three of the killed tigers were women . All four killed were promoted posthumously by the LTTE. Their rank, nom de guerre , real names and hometowns are –
1. Lt. Col Pulichelvi – Jenita Pushparaja – Point Pedro.
2. Lt. Col Anbuvili – Amuthasumana Nageswaran – Aaliyawalai.
3. Lt. Col . Kaviyalagi – Shanthini Pedurupillai – Manatkadu (vadamaratchy east)
4. Major. Mathiyalagan – Kanthan Jesurajah – Kayts
Given the ferocity of the sea battle it does seem unbelievable that the LTTE losses were so little. Yet the divers searching for navy bodies have found the rear section of a tiger boat. It had four powerful outboard motors affixed . Traces of any other tiger casualties – if any – are yet to be found.
The SLMM says the LTTE atacked the convoy without provocation. The tigers say the ship encroached on the waters where they were engaged in training exercises. With two monitors on board two vessels that came under attack the SLMM will naturally rely on their eye witness accounts than tiger explanations.
According to knowledgeable Tamil sources the LTTE was suspicious that the personnel carrier was coming towards the peninsula to enhance the security forces strength. With the security forces transporting men and material under curfew to Nagar Kovil frontline from Palaly the LTTE feared a massive onslaught on Vettilaikerny and then Elephant pass.
It was in a way a pre- emptive strike by the tigers rationalise these sources.Though the tigers could have sunk the passenger ferry through its suicide boats the LTTE had refrained from doing so to try and capture the troops alive and also because the Finnish monitor was aboard they say.
The Sri Lankan authorities are saying that about five to eight LTTE boats were destroyed and more than fifty tigers were killed. The count is based on the assumption that ten to fifteen tigers on each boat.
At the same time Colombo also says the boats surrounding the ships were all suicide boats and that the sunk Dvora was rammed into by a tiger boat. A suicide boat with packed explosives does not have more than two black tigers on board. So the arithmetic seems to be faulty.
It appears that many sections of the national and international media are accepting the “official” version from Colombo. News reports say that more than five tiger boats were destroyed and at least fifty LTTE men were killed. Some reports even speak about a “mass funeral”.
There is also a conscious effort by sections of the media to glorify the sacrifices made by the naval personnel in fighting the tigers. The heroism displayed by some if not all navy men deserve praise. The commander of P – 421 Lt. Walgampaya has been openly commended by the monitor aboard the vessel.
The LTTE despite its victory in the sea battle has lost badly in political terms. It stands accused of flagrantly violating the ceasefire. The USA and EU have condemned tiger recklesness.
The tigers have incurred the wrath of the SLMM. It’s actions has brought about shelling and bombing in the North – East for which no international condemnstion is forthcoming.
Meanwhile the LTTE is embrioled in controversy about its rights to sea. The SLMM has also suspended naval monitoring until further notice.
The LTTE may have won the sea battle but it is fast losing the propaganda war with actions such as these.
- SLMM Chief on urgent trip to meet LTTE in Kilinochchi
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May 12th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
After nearly five years the Sri Lankan air force has bombed areas coming under Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Northern mainland of Wanni. The aerial bombardment on May 11th came in the wake of tiger attacks on Lankan navy ships and gun boats off the Northern coast.
Defence Affairs Spokesman and cabinet minister Minister Keheliya Rabukwella said that the Security Forces have launched limited and coordinated strikes on the identified LTTE targets to deter further attacks on the Security Forces,” .
The Minister refused to comment on how long the attacks will continue, but emphasised that a coordinated assault was made necessary by the sinking of two Navy gunboats by the sea Tigers earlier that evening.
“Operations will continue till the objective is achieved,” he said.
Two Israeli built K- firs and one Ukrainian Mig 27 aircraft engaged in the air strikes. In the first phase the three aircraft began bombardment at 5. 40 pm and continued for till 5. 55 pm. In the second phase the bombing began at 6. 25 pm and went on for twenty minutes.
The K- fir planes dropped six bombs each while the Mig dropped two during the first strike. The k-firs dropped eight each during the second strike with the Mig dropping four. The bombardment was over areas in the Kilinochchi , Vavuniya and Mullaitheevu districts.
Though the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) said that only selected LTTE targets were bombed reports from the Wanni said that many bombs had fallen in the jungle and watery areas.
The Air force did not target places in Kilinochchi town or Puthukkudiyiruppu where the LTTE has set up most of its political facilities and development oriented infrastructure.
The bombs fell in areas south of Kilinochchi , north of Mankulam and west of Mullaitheevu. Bombs fell in areas around Iranaimadhu tank where LTTE political adviser Anton Balasingham and spouse Adele Anne flew in and out on a sea plane from Maldives. The LTTE has reportedly constructed an air strip in the area. At least one bomb fell right in the middle of the tank sending up a gigantic spurt of water said Kilinochchi residents.
Bombs also fell in the areas around Murigandy, Vavunikkulam, Mallavi and Kokavil. Bombs also fell in the Thunukkaai area said Northern sources.
Though estimates of damage done by the bombardment is yet to be made informed Northern sources said that most of the bombs had fallen in jungle areas.
It is not known whether any tiger installations were hit or whether there were any LTTE casualties.
Two reasons for the quick and limited air attacks was fear of LTTE anti – aircraft missiles being activated and the advent of darkness. Bombin at night may not have given credibility to the GOSL claim that only selected targets were being hit through precision bombing.
Meanwhile a pro – tiger broadcasting service operating in the West announced that the LTTE anti – aircraft unit was getting its batteries and missiles ready for counter – attack when the Air Force ended its bombing spree.
The last time the Wanni was bombed by the Sri Lankan air force was on June 30th 2001. Colombo was reprimanded diplomatically by many countries for that action.
The Katunayake Air port was attacked three weeks and three days later by the LTTE on July 24th. A number of civilian and military aircraft were destroyed. There was very little criticism of the LTTE by the International community then.
Related:
- SLMM Chief on urgent trip to meet LTTE in Kilinochchi
- Indian help sought to escort ‘Pearl Cruiser’ safely to KKS
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May 11th, 2006
By D.B.S. Jeyaraj
Sri Lanka monitoring mission (SLMM) chief Lt. Gen . Ulf Henricsson will travel to Kilinochchi on May 12th to meet the hierarchy of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The urgent mission is being undertaken by the retired Swedish army general to discuss in detail some outstanding issues with the tiger leadership. Observers feel that the discussions will be of crucial importance in determining the future role of the SLMM in North – East Sri Lanka.
[Lt. Gen . Ulf Henricsson and other members of the SLMM in Kilinochchi on Friday, May 12 - Photo TamilNet]
Chief among the issues to be raised by Henricsson would be the safety of Scandinavian ceasefire monitors in functioning in North – Eastern Sri Lanka. Though CFA monitors have been at risk on several occasions in the past recent developments such as escalating conflict have increased their vulnerability. The physical safety of at least three monitors were imperilled on May 11th in incidents off the Northern and Eastern coasts.
The SLMM chief is expected to obtain clear cut guarantees at the highest level of LTTE leadership. Monitors from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland are serving as monitors currently. Though Henricsson wants to meet LTTE chief Velupillai Pirapakaran and Sea Tigers special commander Col. Soosai personally it is not known whether he would be able to do so.
There are some other issues too that have soured relations between the LTTE and SLMM. The tigers and monitors were at loggerheads with each other over the fiasco regarding sea transport for Eastern tiger commanders to travel to the North for consultations regarding Geneva talks. When the LTTE cited naval presence as reason for not proceeding with the arrangements Gen. Henricsson issued a statement saying the tigers had agreed to such provisions. This led to acrimonious discussion between both.
The LTTE was also annoyed by what it saw as backtracking by the SLMM over incidents of violence against civilians by security personnel and Tamil armed groups. Initially the LTTE was pleased by the SLMM statement which attributed partial responsibility to the Govt security forces and Govt aligned armed elements.Subsequently after protests by the Government the SLMM issued a clarification that toned down its earlier criticism. It was now the LTTE turn to protest at what it saw as retraction by the SLMM.
The LTTE has also been critical of some statements made by SLMM media spokesperson Helen Olafsdottir that were one – sided in the view of the tigers.
Gen. Henricsson will definitely address the contradictory perceptions between the SLMM and LTTE over certain aspects of the ceasefire agreement. Conflict between both viewpoints has increased over the question of movement by sea. The SLMM issued a harsh statement after the sea battles of May 11th which criticised the tigers vehemently.
[Sea tigers on ship in Kallapadu, Mullaithivu coast on Martyr's day 2005]
The SLMM statement was as follows –
” The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have committed gross violations of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) in recent days by moving at sea with the aim of provoking the Sri Lankan navy and now finally embarking on an offensive operation against the navy sinking one vessel and putting SLMM monitors in grave danger.
The sea surrounding the Sri Lanka is a Government Controlled Area. This has been ruled so by the Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in line with international law. Non-state actors cannot rule open sea waters or airspace. The LTTE has therefore no rights at sea.
The LTTE has made, what the SLMM feels are threats to our monitors warning them not to participate in partrols in Navy vessels. The SLMM takes these threats very seriously and would like to remind the LTTE of its responsibility as an equal partner to the Ceasefire Agreement to do everything in its power not to jeopardise the monitors’s safety.
We therefore demand that the LTTE immediately ceases all activities and operations at sea as they are a serious violation of the CFA. This sort of reckless behaviour can only lead to a dangerous escalation resulting in growing hostilities and jeopardising any possibility for future peace talks.
We would also like to urge the Government of Sri Lanka not to be pushed by these provocative acts and to show as much restraint as possible.”.
The SLMM statement was picked up by the local and foreign media. News reports that appeared observed that the SLMM had been sharply critical of the LTTE.
The LTTE took offence at the SLMM statement. Political Commissar Suppiah Paramu Thamilselvan wrote a stern letter to the SLMM and released it to the media. The letter read as follows -
11 May 2006
Major General Henricsson
Head of Mission
SLMM
Subject: Sea incident and the bombing of Vanni on 11 May 2006
It is a simple truth that any military CFA is based on a balance of power and in order to maintain the CFA that military balance of power must remain. Sea Tigers existed prior to CFA and it contributed to the balance of power that resulted in the CFA. Sea Tigers used the seas adjacent to our areas of control.
This fact was confirmed by the SLMM in its Press Release on 25 April 2003 where it said:
“When the Ceasefire Agreement was signed on the 22nd of Feb 02, the LTTE fighting formations, including the Sea Tigers, existed. Consequently, the LTTE Sea Tigers exists as a De Facto Naval Unit…Balance of power is one of the basic elements for the present Ceasefire. Hence, to maintain their Forces‚ capabilities both Parties must have the right to carry out training and exercise in designated areas.”
LTTE has since been warning the SLMM, on several occasions, verbally and in writing, that it will move Sea Tiger Naval vessels, armed or otherwise, in the seas adjacent to the land areas under LTTE control. We have repeatedly informed the SLMM that we will retaliate if SLN vessels intercept us. For this reason we have warned and requested the SLMM Naval Monitors to refrain from boarding SLN vessels. The three letters sent to SLMM are included below.
It was in this background, we were exercising in the seas adjacent to our land areas on 11 May 2006, when SLN vessels attempted to interfere with our movements and attacked us. As we have warned we retaliated.
In this unprovoked attack on the Sea Tiger vessels by SLN, four of our fighters lost their lives and two of our fighters are injured.
SLMM Press Release on 11 May 2006 relating to this incident said, “The sea surrounding Sri Lanka is a Government Controlled Area. This has been ruled so by the Head of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in line with international law. Non-state actors cannot rule open sea waters or airspace. The LTTE has therefore no rights at sea.”
We like to point out to you that you are contradicting your own earlier statement that Sea Tigers are part of the balance of power and therefore must have the right to carry out training and exercises.
In spite of this and in spite of our warning, the SLMM has put its naval monitors at risk to provide protection to SLN vessels. At the same time, the SLMM has not provided protection to our fighters and our naval vessels. Even worse, the SLMM has ruled this incident a CFA violation against us.
Following this incident, Sri Lankan Air Force has bombed Vanni region. Sri Lankan armed forces have also carried out blind shelling and artillary attacks on heavily populated areas in the Sampur region of Trincomalee. These attacks are serious CFA violations. Yet, the SLMM has not condemned these attacks for the serious CFA violations that they are.
We are shocked and disappointed by the partiality demonstrated by the SLMM.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
S.P.Tamilselvan. Head of the Political Wing.
-
The LTTE also took umbrage over allegations made by the SLMM that earlier letters sent by the LTTE about the issue of ceasefire monitors boarding Sri Lankan navy vessels was tantamount to intimidatory threats. SP Thamilselvan attached copies of earlier letters as annexures to his letter. One of them had been sent earlier on May 11th morning.The annexures were also released to the media by the LTTE. The three letters are given below -
First letter sent on 18th April:
Re: SLMM Naval Monitors on board Sri Lankan Naval Vessels
In recent times Sri Lankan Naval vessels boats have carried out several attacks on areas in our control along the Northeast coast. There were two such very serious attacks along the Trincomalee coastal areas. Cannons fired from Sri Lankan naval vessels have fell on civilian homes and work places along the Northeast coast. We have sent several complaints to you about these attacks.
Sri Lankan naval vessels have come very near the shores of our sea area and have fired at our Sea tiger Naval bases. In this context, situation may arise when we will be forced to return fire. Also, given the failure to arrange internal transport of our members, we may also be forced to use our own naval vessels for the transport of our members. If Sri Lankan naval vessels attempt to attack us we will be forced to take defensive action.
We are totally committed to the protection and safety of all SLMM members working in the Northeast. Therefore, given the above scenario, we request you to avoid boarding Sri Lankan naval vessels immediately on receiving this letter. Please inform all your Naval Monitors as soon as you have received this letter to stop boarding Sri Lankan naval vessels. We regret to state that if any SLMM members are hurt while in Sri Lankan naval vessels we cannot be held responsible for it.
-
Second letter sent on 10 May
Re: SLMM Naval Monitors in Sri Lankan Naval Vessels
We refer to your letter dated 18 April 2006, in response to our earlier letter where we requested SLMM monitors to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels for the sake of the safety and security of the SLMM monitors.
We thank you for this reply dated 18 April.
We believe it is our responsibility to inform you of the threat to your safety and security, which we have done. It is of course your decision to act on that advice and we respect that.
We, however, wish to reiterate that we cannot be held responsible for any harm to SLMM monitors while on board a Sri Lankan Naval vessel.
Third letter sent on 11 May 2006
Subject: SLMM Monitors on board Sri Lankan Naval Vessels
We have on several occasions verbally informed you to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels. We have also given this request in writing to you twice so far. This is the third request from us to you to refrain from boarding Sri Lankan Naval vessels.
Sri Lankan Navy is entering the sea adjoining the land in our control and disrupting the fishing activities of the people. It is also disturbing the LTTE exercises in doing so. If Sri Lankan Navy disrupts our activities we will definitely retaliate.
SLMM monitors are used by the Sri Lankan Navy as human shields in order to continue with these disruptions.
We urge you for the last time not to be on board Sri Lankan Naval vessels until further notice from us. If you chose to ignore our warning and request, we are not responsible for the consequences.
Please take this as the last warning to you to not board Sri Lankan Naval vessels.
-Given the troubled state of relations between the SLMM and LTTE the discussions between Gen. Henricsson and the tiger leadership will be of crucial importance in determining the future role of the monitors in Sri Lanka.
[General Trond Furuhovde]
Meanwhile LTTE chief Velupillai Pirapakaran has issued a statement expressing his condolences over the death of retired Norwegian general Trond Furuhovde in Oslo. Gen. Furuhovde was the first SLMM head and also served as monitoring mission chief for a second stint. The tiger cheif has greatly appreciated Gen. Furuhovde’s services in his statement.
Related:
- Sri Lankan Air Force bombards Tiger territory
- Indian help sought to escort ‘Pearl Cruiser’ safely to KKS
transCurrents feedback : editor@transcurrents.com
Contact DBS Jeyaraj : djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com
May 11th, 2006
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