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Tellefsen wants SLMM flag at all times
Navy Commander Daya Sandagiri has referred to the Ministry of Defence a directive by Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission Chief Tryggve Tellefsen, that Naval craft fly the SLMM flag at all times when monitors are on board.

Until now the practice for the Navy has been to fly the SLMM flag only when Naval craft with monitors on board moved into areas considered conflict zones and not routine patrols.

The new directive from Maj. Gen. (retd.) Tellefsen is contained in a letter he sent to Peace Secretariat Chief Bernard Goonetilleke.

This is what he says: "Pursuant to the intentions and modalities of the Ceasefire Agreement and Status of Mission Agreement (SOMA) the SLMM flag must be visibly flown on Sri Lanka Navy vessels at all times, while an SLMM monitor is on board that vessel. During dark hours the SLMM flag will be illuminated when required.

"This letter should be reviewed in lieu of the agreed arrangements concerning SLMM presence on SLN vessels and the safety and security of SLMM monitors," Maj. Gen. (retd.) Tellefsen has said.

Copies of the letter have been sent to Defence Secretary Austin Fernando and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Sandagiri.

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