Rt. Revd. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo in a statement on the fate and freedom of civilians caught up in the war, unreservedly condemned the two recent incidents of violence unleashed against innocent and defenceless civilians by the LTTE.

“The LTTE must immediately stop this ruthless suppression of Tamil civilians,” the statement said.

As the war intensifies the LTTE becomes even more desperate and the chances of civilians casualties will keep increasing, the Bishop said. He has outlined four realities that all Sri Lankans should strive to ensure at this moment.

The full text:

“Two recent incidents of violence unleashed against innocent and defenceless Tamil civilians by the LTTE must be condemned unreservedly by peace loving Sri Lankans of all communities.

The suicide bomb attack at a checkpoint at Suthantirapuram killed 10 civilians and 20 soldiers engaged in receiving Tamil civilians who had crossed over and injured many more. The deliberate firing at civilians crossing over from uncleared areas killed 19 and injured 69. 

Many of those affected in both incidents were helpless children and many of the injured are said to be in a very critical condition. 

These utterly senseless acts are clearly meant to intimidate the very people the LTTE claim it wants to liberate and are a brazen violation of the civilians’ right to movement and life.

The LTTE must immediately stop this ruthless suppression of Tamil civilians.