SLMM Naval Monitors will from now on, as a general rule, stay onboard the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) vessels and not join the SLN inspection team when entering an intercepted vessel. These operating procedures have been established following the recent Iranativu incident where two SLMM Monitors where held onboard a LTTE vessel against their will. These New Operating Procedures are aimed at ensuring the safety of SLMM Naval Monitors. However, under special circumstances, and if deemed necessary, the monitors involved may enter the intercepted vessel.

Other arrangements are that SLMM Naval Monitors will be thoroughly briefed by SLN on the safety arrangements and safety routines onboard the SLN vessel, before departure. Secondly, the SLN vessel will fly the SLMM flag, illuminated when required. And thirdly; If needed, the SLMM Naval Monitors will be granted access to the vessel’s communication systems for making direct contact with SLMM Headquarters and/or SLMM District Offices.

Both Parties have been informed about these New Operating Procedures of SLMM Naval Monitoring. SLMM will continue the monitoring of activities at sea to its best ability. The reason for this decision is the importance of monitoring the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement, also at sea. These New Operating Procedures will not have a direct effect on SLMM’s involvement in the possible forthcoming Sea Movements of LTTE from LTTE controlled areas in the North to LTTE areas on the East coast, that are still under discussion.

SLMM has four Naval Monitors operating from the harbors of Jaffna and Trincomalee. These Monitors regularly accompany The Sri Lanka Navy on their patrols at sea, both during daytime and nighttime, in the coastal waters of Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.

Released By
SLMM HQ
Colombo

SLMM HQ, 399 Galle road. Colombo-3. Tel: +94 (0) 1 573 630. Fax: - 573 721
Mr. Teitur Torkelsson. GSM: +94 (0) 77 712 080
Press & Information Officer (PIO) of SLMM
Teitur.Torkelsson@mfa.no

Ref: SLMM HQ/26th July 2002/MED/6009