SLMM says both parties are engaged in provocative actions

The Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) said the monitors don’t even have to visit the places of attacks to rule that air attacks were against the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA).

Refusing to re-open the strategically important Kandy-Jaffna highroad is also a blatant violation, the SLMM said.

LTTE violations

“It (A9) is a very important component of the CFA. So for SLMM it is very simple this road should be open,” SLMM spokesperson Helen Maria Olofdottir told the BBC.

When they decided to talk in February, then they could stop the violence just like turning off a tap   Helen Maria Olofdottir

It is however “encouraging” that the reports that government is considering opening the highroad provided LTTE stops violence, she added.

The SLMM also noted that the LTTE has violated the CFA by launching claymore mine attacks against government troops, she said.

Sri Lanka Air Force jets bombed rebel-stronghold of Kilinochchi for the first time since the truce agreed on Thursday.

Lack of willingness

If both the parties going to continue with violence against each other it will be disastrous for Sri Lanka, the SLMM warned.

“Peace is just around the corner, if both parties just want it,” Olofdottir added.

It is the lack of willingness from the parties to stop violence that drags the problem forward, she said.

"When they decided to talk in February, then they could stop the violence just like turning off a tap".