LTTE violates ‘ Days of Tranquillity’
[21 Dec 2000]

The LTTE has violated a UNICEF brokered ‘ Days of Tranquillity’ with the government to cease offensive operations on December 1^st and 2^nd  to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Polio Immunisation Programme.     

The LTTE on purpose violated the agreement and destroyed the tranquillity in the area by killing two civilians. According to security sources both days were marked with violence.

A foreign Ministry press release issued yesterday states: “ In response to a request from UNICEF and as a demonstration of continued commitment of the GOSL to eradicate polio, two ‘days of tranquillity’ arranged by UNICEF, was agreed by the government of Sri Lanka in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Polio Immunisation Programme carried out by UNICEF on 01 and 02 of December 2000. UNICEF informed the government of Sri Lanka that the LTTE had also agreed to this arrangement.”

The statement further said that they deplore the outrages conduct of the LTTE which has once again demonstrated its scant respect for solemn commitments and the humanitarian concerns of the people of the North and East y violating its undertaking to a UN agency.  

The government of Sri Lanka wishes to say that the actions of the LTTE has also proved ,once again , the callous disregard with which it treats even an issue such as vaccination of children. The LTTE has not only engaged in sporadic firing during the days of tranquillity but has also gone to the extent of assassinating innocent civilians, during the period in which tranquillity was to be observed.

The statement further stated that the government of Sri Lanka wishes to salute the exemplary restraint shown by our security forces in resisting grave provocations to return fire, there by thwarting attempts by the LTTE to jeopardise the smooth conduct of the immunisation programme.

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