Sri Lanka announces ceasefire against LTTE

Sri Lankan government said that since combat operations had reached conclusion, the security forces have been asked to end the use of of heavy caliber guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian causalities

CJ: abhishekb

Mon, Apr 27, 2009 13:30:20 IST

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Sri Lanka News :

UNRELENTING INTERNATIONAL pressure over the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in the war ravaged northern territory has forced Sri Lankan government to announce a temporary truce against the Tamil Tigers.

The government has also said that there will be no artillery shelling in the LTTE held area for the time being, to ensure minimum loss of life to the civilians caught in the war.

A statement issued by Sri Lankan government said that since combat operations had reached conclusion, the security forces have been asked to end the use of of heavy caliber guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian causalities.

“Our security forces will confine their attempts to rescuing civilians who are held hostage and give foremost priority to saving civilians,” the statement read.

The ceasefire comes days after number of countries led by United States had asked the Sri Lankan government to halt war and ensure the rescue of civilians.

Top UN humanitarian official John Holmes had also arrived in the island nation on Saturday, to mobilise opinion against further continuance of war, which has brought unmitigated disaster to the ethnic Tamils in the country.

Although the Sri Lankan army was totally against any ceasefire against the Tamil Tigers but the situation became complicated after LTTE announced a unilateral ceasefire, forcing the government to act on the international pressure.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, DMK Chief Minister M Karunanidhi decided to end his political fast amidst reports of ceasefire in the island nation.

Karunanidhi claimed that he had received assurance from Union home minister that the issues related to ethnic Tamils in Sri Lanka will be given top priority.

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