CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS CONDEMN ALL ACTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CIVILIANS

9 June 2008, Colombo, Sri Lanka: As members of Sri Lankan civil society, we are shocked by the continuing disrespect for human life that has increasingly become a part of our everyday lives throughout the island. We vehemently condemn all acts of violence, especially those that target unarmed civilians.

The first week of June alone witnessed several bomb attacks on public transport and public thoroughfares that have resulted in the death of 32 persons, including children:
On June 6, at least 21 were people killed, including 7 women, and more than 50 people were injured when a claymore mine exploded targeting a civilian bus in Katubedda, Moratuwa.
On June 6, an explosion in Polgolla, Kandy led to the death of 2 civilians and the injury of 12 others.
On June 5, a claymore exploded between Moonrumurippu and Paalaippaani, in LTTE-controlled Mannar targeting a tractor reportedly carrying IDPs, killing 2 civilians.
On June 4, a bomb exploded on a railway track, in Deihwela injuring 18 civilians.
On June 2, a claymore exploded in Puttur, LTTE-controlled Wanni targeting civilians travelling in a van reportedly travelling to Naakathampiraan Temple, leading to the death of 6 civilians, including 2 women and 2 children and the injury of 6 other civilians.

In addition there are reports of acts of violence targeting civilians from other areas in the country.
On June 5, a Tamil businessmen R.A. Ravichandran was shot dead in Dambulla.
On June 4, M. Hussein was reported missing from Puttalam.
On June 1, the body of Farook Mohammed Kuthoos was found in Kathankudy.

These acts of violence are a part of a wider pattern of violations within the affected communities and the areas concerned. During early June, Batticaloa experienced a spate of attacks including killings, disappearances, assaults and abductions of Muslims and Tamils. These incidents have been reported from the Kathankudy and Eravur areas in Batticaloa which have experienced increased insecurity, fear and tension since late May.

Each of these attacks and violations adds another layer of suffering to the lives of ordinary people in the country. The victims join the ranks of countless others who have been killed, disappeared, maimed and subjected to numerous other violations as a result of this brutal civil war. The climate of mutual mistrust and fear continues to grow, making daily life for all communities, especially those in the conflict-affected areas, more difficult and dangerous.

These cowardly acts of violence reinforce the cycle of terror and the culture of impunity. Those who perpetuate these acts of violence enjoy impunity, because the climate of war and inherent flaws within the system do not allow for investigations and justice.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have been affected by this violence.
We call on all armed actors, especially the Government, the LTTE and the TMVP to ensure that attacks on civilians will be brought to a halt. These attacks are violations not just of international humanitarian law but also of basic human norms.
We call on all Sri Lankans to condemn all acts of violence against all civilians, to respect the sanctity of life and to bring pressure on the Government, the LTTE, political actors and other relevant actors to return to a sustainable peace process.

It is only through bringing about an end to the conflict that we can guarantee that the rights and lives of all Sri Lankans are fully protected.