Army Commander Lt. Gen. Lionel Balagalle (right) points in the direction of the A9 (Kandy-Jaffna) highway Southwards as he raises questions from Major General Sisira Wijesuriya, Security Forces Commander, Jaffna. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rohan de S. Daluwatte (Second from left) and Lt. Gen. Balagalle flew to the North last Wednesday to check on Army preparations for the opening of the highway. This picture was taken near the defence lies at Muhamalai, on the isthmus that links the Jaffna peninsula and mainland Sri Lanka where Security Forces and rebel defence lines face each other..

If a series of events were to bring relations between the Government and Tiger guerrillas to a flash point this week, matters arising from them, interestingly enough, showed greater interaction between the two sides.

Five weeks into the ceasefire, enforcement of some provisions in the agreement turned out to be a thorny, if not embarrassing issue for the United Front Government. So much so, it took an unprecedented step - directing the "Peace Secretariat" in the Prime Minister's office, to carry out the dissemination of all official news relating to the military, police and the peace process.

Until now, the task has been carried out by the Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence. Its daily news releases to the local and foreign media was the only official source for day to day developments, particularly in the once volatile north and east. With no hostilities, these news releases focused almost entirely on activities of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) - conscription of children, extortion of money, attempts to smuggle in military hardware, recruitment of cadres among them. They were compiled from reports sent by the area military command.

More recently, instances of ceasefire violations have been documented. If it gave Sri Lankans and the world outside a picture of what was going on, for many western governments, it formed the main basis to monitor issues related to
peace talks and release public statements.

The news releases were prepared by the Directorate of Media, in the Operational Headquarters (Ministry Defence), headed by veteran infantryman, Brigadier Sanath Karunaratne. They were personally approved by Defence Secretary Austin Fernando before the Government Information Department was called upon to release them. For almost a week now, the Department of Information has not circulated the Op Hq (MoD) news releases.

Then came the ruling that Bernard Gunatilleke, head of the "Peace Secretariat," should personally approve the news releases. It is his Secretariat that will give the Information Department what should be circulated to the media. The good side of this move, the Government believes, is that there will be one official voice reporting on the peace process. Moreover, such a control, it is claimed, will eliminate the dissemination of information that is harmful or counter productive to the peace process.

It will, however, deny the Sri Lankan public and the world at large, knowledge of how the Ceasefire Agreement, a vital component in the peace process, is working. The accuracy of facts relating to the catalogue of guerrilla activity, particularly ceasefire violations contained in the news releases, have not been challenged in the past weeks and months, though some of the contents, inevitably, turned out to be embarrassing to the government.

Whilst the Information Department blackout of Op Hq (MoD) news releases were in force, some developments in the east brought Government-LTTE relations to a flash point. A string of incidents raise questions on the validity of restrictions, or subtle censoring, on official reportage. On March 27, Tiger guerrilla cadres placed road blocks at Kinnaiyadi on the Valaichchenai-Batticaloa main road. The Army's 23 Division commanded by Major General Sunil Tennekoon, forwarded to Army Headquarters on March 27 a report from 233 Brigade under his control. This is what it said:

"Three LTTE cadres who had entered the controlled area with a hand held radio, a GPS and cyanide capsules were arrested by security forces personnel deployed in Kinnaiyadi. Later on the instigation of the LTTE, students and the general public had conducted a protest demanding the release of the LTTE cadres. In order to avoid a conflict situation the three LTTE cadres had been released by the security forces…"
A later report, also from Major Genral Tennekoon to Army Headquarters (March 28) said:

"It was reported 03 X LTTE cadres attired in civilian clothes had blocked the MSR (Main Supply Route) by placing stones and logs on the middle of the road. Thereafter, those LTTE cadres had stopped the buses plying on the road and had checked the identity cards of the civilians. On receipt of this information, a foot patrol was sent from the Kumburumoolai detachment to the scene and on seeing the troops approaching the said LTTE cadres had taken to their heels. The troops had immediately cleared the obstacles and opened the road for traffic. Troops had also recovered 01 X small bottle of petrol which had been left behind."

More details of the incident came in a report Major General Sunil Tennekoon, GOC 23 Division sent the "Peace Secretariat" in the Prime Minister's office. He protested over a ceasefire violation. Excerpts from his report: "At approximately 1030 hrs on 27 March 2002, security force personnel deployed at Kinnaiyadi, arrested three LTTE cadres within the cleared area, approx 100 metres from the camp. One of these cadres, who was riding a motor cycle (Honda CD 125 bearing no. 160 - 2842) had been identified as 'THARAN' a LTTE intelligence cadre who was in-charge of 46 area (BCO North) namely Valaichchenai, Kiran and Sittandi.

"At the time of arrest, these three cadres were in the possession of a hand held radio and a global positioning system. It was also observed that all three cadres were seen wearing cyanide capsules around their necks. "At the same time another LTTE cadre, who was also spotted in the vicinity had pulled out a cyanide capsule and put it in his mouth and threatened to swallow it, if he was to be arrested and made good his escape from the clutches of the security force personnel.

"However, this cadre had immediately organised and instigated the school children of Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Kinnaiyadi, which is adjacent to the camp, to come out in protest against the arrest of the LTTE cadres. At this stage the school children had all got out of the school premises and conducted a protest against the arrest on the instructions of the LTTE cadre who escaped.

"By this time, on the instructions of the HQ 233 Brigade, the three LTTE cadres, who were to be handed over to the Valaichchenai Police, since they had violated the MoU (Section 1.7 of Article 01) for having entered the cleared area with military equipment and (Section 1.12 of Article 01) for having come into the cleared area without permission were released. Hence, whilst two of the LTTE cadres had boarded the "Unicorn" vehicle, the other cadre namely 'THIRAN' had said that he would ride his bike to the Police Station. But due to the presence of the school children, who by this time had surrounded the vehicle, the LTTE cadres could not be moved out of the area.
"In the meantime, the LTTE cadre who escaped had also organised the villagers in Kinnaiyadi and the adjacent villages to congregate at the place of the incident and to protest against the arrest, with a view of getting the three LTTE cadres released.
"Finally, it was observed that there was a gathering of about 1500 people who surrounded the scene of the incident and thus prevented the 'Unicorn' vehicle to proceed to the Valaichchenai Police.

"A soldier who was carrying a camera at the site was manhandled and received minor scratch marks on his neck when some LTTE cadres had pounced on him and removed his camera and later destroyed it by smashing it against the kovil wall.
"The Police too who arrived at the scene from the Valaichchenai Police Station, were helpless in controlling the large and boisterous crowd that was present. It was also observed that some of the youth who had congregated at the scene were in the possession of stones, which they at times, threatened to throw at the security force vehicles parked at the scene.

"Therefore, due to the unruly situation and in the best interest of maintaining the peace, it was decided to release the three LTTE cadres after they had handed over their military equipment and had their statements recorded by the Police.
"However, the LTTE cadres had refused to hand over the radio set and give any statements to the Police but had consented to hand over the global positioning system to the security forces and had done so.

"Therefore, on orders of this HQ the three LTTE cadres were released and advised to get back into the un-cleared areas and not to visit the cleared areas without proper authority and permission and thereby the situation was defused and the large crowd present was dispersed around 1400 hours.

'At the conclusion of the protest campaign, it was observed that a cameraman was photographing the security force personnel who were present at the site and when he was called upon to identify himself he had pulled out an identity card issued to him by the 'THINAKADIR' newspaper, which cited him as one of their reporters.
"The security force personnel who were involved in the incident acted with a high degree of patience and restraint and averted a major confrontation in the best interests of the MoU. It was commendable the way the troops performed their duties without getting excited, panicking or firing and not getting themselves involved in any violent activity, although they were provoked right along.

"This trend undoubtedly disturbs the efforts made by the Government to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict and unless nipped in the bud at the very early stages, could pose as a major problem in the maintenance of law and order especially in the cleared areas and the areas controlled by the Government of Sri Lanka."
But the pro-LTTE Tamilnet, a widely accessed website world-wide, related another story. The highlights:

" People in the village of Kinnaiyadi, 32 kilometres north of Batticaloa, smashed up a camera belonging to the Sri Lanka Army intelligence and refused to let the SLA interrogate three members of the Liberation Tigers who had visited the area Wednesday. The SLA unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate with the Kinnaiyadi villagers to convince them that the three members of the LTTE would be released after being questioned briefly in the local Army camp. The SLA then gave safe passage to the three across the lagoon to the region controlled by the LTTE.

"The SLA arrested three members of the Liberation Tigers who were on a visit to the area under the terms of the cease-fire agreement, Wednesday in Sungaankerni, near Kinnaiyadi. A large crowd gathered when the SLA was taking the three to the Kinnayiadi military camp. The crowd, which was swelling in strength, refused to let the SLA to take the arrested Tigers into the camp.

"Meanwhile, students from schools in nearby Valaichchenai also arrived in their numbers in Kinnaiyadi to join the villagers who had surrounded the SLA unit that had arrested the Tigers. "During the argument and negotiations between the villagers of Kinnaiyadi and the SLA, operatives of the SLA's military intelligence (MI) unit tried to photograph the three Liberation Tigers. But the incensed crowd set up upon the MI operatives and smashed up their camera…."

The Army soon learnt the reasons for the guerrillas placing a road block - they were checking for bundles of EPDP's (Eelam People's Democratic Party) newspaper Thinamurasu that were being transported to the area in buses. There had been critical reports on the LTTE in the Colombo based newspaper. The bus was late on that day and the LTTE could not carry out the task. From this event, one can see the difference that would arise if the actual events are not officially reported. As is clear, the LTTE, which has continued to have a lead over the Government in propaganda activity connected with the peace process, will be at a much greater advantage.

A more disturbing development came on March 30. The 23 Division sent the following report to Army Headquarters: March 30 at 1800 hrs: GENERAL AREA MEEYANKULAM "Troops deployed on picket duties between 126 mile post and Meeyankulam observed a large number of LTTE cadres (approx. 200-300) in uniform with weapons (light machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, grenade launchers and multi purpose machine guns) moving from south to north via the Main Supply Route.
"Initially troops had attempted to prevent the crossing and Officer Commanding, Army Camp Meeyankulam too rushed to the crossing site and endeavoured to prevent the crossing. However, the LTTE did not respond to efforts made by the troops to prevent the crossing. The leader had identified himself as Lieutenant Colonel Weerasingham and had said that they will not take instructions from Officers in the rank of Captain and if at all a Colonel should speak to him.

"Majority of them have been newly trained recruits in the age group between 12 years to 16 years. During the conversation between the LTTE and the troops they had revealed that they will be attending a function at Kadiraweli and will be back after 48 hours. The troops had observed that LTTE had videoed the incident as four of them were carrying video cameras." The guerrillas succeeded in brushing past the Army and continuing their journey. Maj. Gen. Tennekoon complained again to the "Peace Secretariat" in the Prime Minister's office about a ceasefire violation. He gave more details of the incident in his report. Here are excerpts:

"Troops deployed along the MSR ( Main Supply Route) for route picket duties observed a group of terrorists approaching the Main Supply Route from South to North from general area MUKARAL junction at 1800 hours. Troops at the aforesaid picket immediately informed the Officer Commanding at MEEYANKULAM (MYK) detachment, regarding the terrorist movement as they presumed that a large group of terrorists attempting to cross the Main Supply Route. Majority of them were dressed in uniforms and carrying weapons. Initially picket troops attempted to prevent the crossing by showing their presence along the Main Supply Route.

"However terrorists continued to approach the Main Supply Route in large numbers. Officer Commanding Meeyankulam detachment moved to the aforesaid location with his troops and informed the leader, who identified himself as Lt. Col. Weerasingham, that this is a violation of MoU and had instructed them to return to their bases as that was the only option available to him at that point of time as by that time troops have observed more than 200 terrorists in the vicinity and majority of them were armed with weapons including LMGs (Light Machine Guns), RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenades), grenade launchers, MPMGs (Multi Purpose Machine Guns) and some of them were carrying communication equipment.

By this time terrorists have established a tactical deployment by positioning their cut off groups to prevent reinforcements coming into the crossing site. Terrorists were aiming their weapons at own troops including RPGs towards the Army tractor. Subsequently one of the terrorist leaders had instructed them to aim off the RPGs aimed at the Army tractor. Specific instructions were given to the Officer Commanding to handle the situation tactfully and diplomatically patiently keeping in mind the relevant articles of the MoU.

"Terrorist leader had refused to listen to the OC (Officer Commanding), saying that he will not take instructions or listen to captains and if at all officers of the rank of Colonel should speak to him. However, OC had attempted to convince the leader that the attempted crossing is a gross violation of the relevant articles of the MoU and therefore to return to their base. Terrorist leader had totally rejected instructions given by the OC and by force they have continued their crossing. Approximately 200 to 300 terrorists have crossed the MSR from south to north. The leader has informed the officer that they have received instructions from their leaders to carry out the movement. Also has said that even the hierarchy of LTTE are aware of their action and it is not a violation of the MoU.

"During the dialogue between the troops and terrorists, it had been revealed that the majority of terrorists are newly passed out recruits between the age of 12 years and 16 years, and they have been instructed to attend a function at Kadiraweli. Terrorists also had informed that they will be returning to their base at south of the MSR (main supply route) after 48 hours and their movement will be notified, to the Army in advance.

"When troops attempted to prevent the crossing some of them even had physically pushed away some of our troops and continued their movement. However, the troops in the scene acted with patience in the best interest of the MoU. Troops did not resort to any violent activity. The manner in which the situation was handled is praiseworthy, which prevented a major confrontation.

"The previous incident occurred on 27 March 2002 at Kinnaiyadi and aforesaid crossing clearly indicates concentrated efforts of the LTTE to provoke troops and force them to react in order to create an incident which may be ultimately blamed on the security forces personnel which may also tarnish the image and discredit the Sri Lanka Army. Therefore it would be appreciated, if timely action is taken to pre-empt LTTE's intention of provoking troops for their advantage; which may hinder the ongoing peace process."

As claimed, did the guerrillas proceed towards Kadiraweli for a function ? Or was it a failed attempt to accompany LTTE's Military Wing leader, Karuna, to the Wanni for a meeting with their leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran and Chief Negotiator, Anton Balasingham ? The question came to the fore since there was no large scale function planned for in Kadiraweli.

By the next day (Monday, April 1), it became clear Karuna did want to move to Wanni for a meeting with his leaders. The Norwegians passed down an LTTE request to the peace secretariat for safe passage to Wanni by sea route. The go ahead was given. On Tuesday (April 2) night, Karuna moved by sea from Vakarai (north of Batticaloa) to a Sea Tiger base in Chalai (north of Mullaitivu). There were tense movements when Sea Tiger boats escorting Karuna reported Naval patrols moving in the close vicinity. They feared they were being trailed. It later turned out that they were Navy patrols in the region deployed on other tasks.

Karuna was due to return to Vakarai last night on the same "safe passage" facility. This time the LTTE asked the peace secretariat through Norwegian mediators for permission for Karikalan, the Political Wing leader in the east, to travel by the same boat to Wanni. That too was for a meeting with the LTTE leaders. Permission was granted.

The drama of the "guerrilla crossing" continued last Wednesday (April 3).Two guerrillas, Reggie and Jim Kelly, walked into the Army detachment at Meeyankulam to tell the Officer Commanding that some 600 guerrillas now planned to return to Batticaloa area. Alarm bells began to ring in the defence establishment. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Rohan de S. Daluwatte and Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Lionel Balagalle, were away in the North inspecting preparations on the security forces side for the scheduled opening on the A-9 Kandy-Jaffna highway tomorrow. News reached Lt. Gen. Balagalle that a tense situation was developing with a large group of guerrillas threatening to cross over. They were to do so wearing uniform and carrying weapons.
He is learnt to have telephoned Defence Secretary Austin Fernando, to apprise him of the position. For hours thereafter, Mr. Fernando and Major Gen. Tennekoon (GOC) had been in contact over the telephone. The Defence Secretary had insisted that the guerrillas cannot be allowed to move in uniform, that too with weapons in terms of the Ceasefire Agreement. Monitors in Batticaloa were apprised of the situation and his position had eventually prevailed. That assertion by Mr. Fernando had made clear the Government wanted to strictly abide by the Ceasefire Agreement though some monitors were in favour of allowing the guerrillas to move in their uniforms without weapons. The weapons were to be later transported to them in a vehicle though this did not materialise.

At least one monitor was to argue the guerillas could move freely since there were no defence lines in the East to separate Army and guerrilla positions. Defence Secretary Austin Fernando, Army sources in Batticaloa said, countered this by telling the monitor on the telephone, if this was true, then the Army too could move to guerilla held areas. The guerrillas were ordered by their Beirut base near Batticaloa not to make the move. Army radio intercepts confirmed the position and the matter has ended there, at least for the time being.

Meanwhile, the Government made unsuccessful attempts to advance the opening of the A-9 highway to yesterday (Saturday) after some senior security officials pointed out that Monday, tomorrow, was inauspicious. The move did not meet LTTE approval. Now, tomorrow's opening has also been shelved due to disagreement over procedural issues and a new date is to be determined.

In the wake of the latest developments in the east, it would be inimical to Government's own interests, not to mention the nation's own, to clamp down on the dissemination of official information relating to the military and the peace process. The Government would forfeit the right to argue its own case with known facts should there be problems which are inevitable in the long drawn out peace process.

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