Shaky Truce In Sri Lanka

The 2002 ceasefire deal between Sri Lanka and Tamil Tiger rebels is nearing collapse, as violence continues to escalate in the disputed northern and eastern areas.

Both the Tamil rebels and the government forces are warning that war may resume, unless an agreement is reached soon. More than 100 people have been killed since early December, mostly in attacks on the military. Tigers deny responsibility, but few in Sri Lanka seem to believe them.

"We are seeing a war already," said defence analyst Iqbal Athas in the Daily Times report. "It's an undeclared war. We are seeing the loss of two to three people a day."

Norwegian peacekeepers secured a ceasefire agreement three years ago, when the Tigers agreed to drop their demand for outright independence. They were, however, allowed to rule a de factor state that has Kilinochchi as its unofficial capital.

Since 2003 the situation has hit an all-time low with a fresh wave of attacks and finger-pointing becoming the key tactics on both sides. Tamil civilians have reported numerous cases of abuse and rape by the military, while the military have blamed the rebels for breaking the truce first.

The Daily Times reports that the Sri Lankan forces are ready to dispel any rebel attacks, particularly in Jaffna – the heart of the ancient Tamil civilisation currently under government control of about 40, 000 troops. The Tigers, who are a Hindu minority, are believed to number up to 20, 000.

The Norwegian envoy Eric Solheim, due to arrive in Sri Lanka this week, is facing a difficult task of reviving the talks. Separate meetings are likely to be held, given that the two sides can not even agree on the venue for the negotiations.

The two-decade war has claimed some 65, 000 lives and forced hundreds to flee into neighbouring India. The Tamil minority have been fighting for an independent state in Sri Lanka since 1983.