The UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Neil Buhne has stated that he is unable to confirm the veracity of the figures of civilian casualties since 20th January 2009 in the conflict area of Mullaitivu District, contained in an official report issued by his Office recently. He made this disclosure at a meeting yesterday (24th March 2009) with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rohitha Bogollagama held at the Foreign Ministry, in response to a query from the Minister.

The LTTE poses the most serious obstacle preventing the evacuation of civilians, who are confined to the safe zone in the narrow coastal strip in the Mullaitivu district. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, referring to the dialogue with India and the US in this regard, explained that the Government of Sri Lanka is at present unable to avail itself of the offers of assistance to evacuate the civilians, made by these countries due to the LTTE’s fierce resistance in releasing the people, since the civilians have been forcibly held against their will as human shields to protect key LTTE terrorist leaders and their families. The Foreign Minister explained the Government position to the British Shadow Defence Secretary, Dr. Liam Fox who called on him yesterday (12 March 2009) in Colombo. Dr. Fox is currently on a brief visit to Sri Lanka, during which he is scheduled to hold talks with key Government leaders including President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as well as meet leaders of political parties.

“ A day that is sacred to Muslims all over the world was marred by a cowardly suicide bomb attack yesterday near the Godapitiya Jumma Mosque in Akuressa in Matara district, targeting the National Milad-un-Nabi festival held under State patronage to celebrate the Birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The Government of Sri Lanka strongly condemns this ruthless act of terrorism “ said Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama while briefing the Heads of Mission of Islamic Countries based in Colombo, today (11th March 2009) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Government of Sri Lanka strongly condemns the artillery shelling by the LTTE today (9th March 2009) of a ship carrying urgent supplies of food and other essential items to the civilians who are being held hostage by the LTTE in the narrow coastal strip, north of Mullaitivu.

The Government of Sri Lanka vehemently condemns the brutal terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka Cricket team in Lahore today (03 March 2009), in which 6 members of the team were injured and 5 Pakistani policemen killed.