Tamil and Muslim people used to complain continuously against the LTTE to the SLMM says former member of SLMM

Ceasefire Agreement only in letters - former member of SLMM

Cease Fire Agreement in Sri Lanka is now only in letters, it is not effective, said Micco Klimetti (aged 53) from Finland and a former member of SLMM, during an interview with an international media recently.

He further commented that Tamil and Muslim people do not want war. General masses, particularly those affected by internal conflicts and war are eagerly awaiting for a permanent peace. Peace loving people are suppressed by both the Government forces and the LTTE and are facing pressures and challenges to exist. A normal person is tied up by every corner. Majority of the people, I saw in Amparai are poor. They do not have any thing and they are struggling for their daily bread.

Tamil and Muslim people used to complain continuously against the LTTE to the SLMM when I was serving in Amparai. But we could not do anything substantially. Our hands were tied when they make these complaints. We were there only to observe ceasefire. Most of the complaints were that the LTTE had abducted their youth – male and female- from different places. People approach us pleading for the release of their children and beg with tears for our help.

But we were helpless. We could only make investigations and prepare reports. Actually speaking cease fire in Sri Lanka is ceased.

If there is to be a permanent peace in Sri Lanka the existing CFA, which was signed on 29th February 2002 should be torn off and a new Cease Fire Agreement must be signed.

India, the immediate neighbour of Sri Lanka must once again intervene and play a significant role in bringing an everlasting peace in the country, he defined.