LTTE RELEASES SIXTEEN MORE WAR PRISONERS.

All Sixteen war prisoners who went on a fast unto death were released by the LTTE on 16th and 17th March as a humanitarian gesture, following a directive by LTTE leader V. Pirabakaran.

Two of the prisoners Dissanayake (28) of Amparai and C. P. De Tissera Kanthalal (27) of Kegalle were released on 16th by head of the LTTE political section Thamilchelvan and handed over to Anglican Archbishop Kenneth Fernando in the presence of ICRC representatives.

The prisoners had undertaken a fast unto-death demanding that the Chandrika government should arrange for their release.

Among those present on the both occasions were Jaffna Government Agent Ponnampalam, "Ravaya" Editor Victor Ivan, "Sunday Observer" Editor Ajith Samaranayake, "The Island" Columnist "Taraki", journalist Ratne Weeraratne, BBC "Thamiloasai" correspondent Ananthi Suriyapragasam and Tamil Eelam Police Chief Nadesan.

Speaking on the earlier occasion, Mr.Thamilchelvan said the government had not contacted the LTTE on the issue of the release of the prisoners, although wide publicity had been given to the deteriorating health conditions of the fasting prisoners nor had the government undertaken any steps respected the right of anyone to undertake a fast unto death but obviously the government was not impressed. Archbishop Fernando to whom the two prisoners were handed over expressed pleasure on the release of the two men. He said the LTTE had once again shown their commitment to the peace process through this humanitarian gesture.

The released prisoners thanked the LTTE for the humanitarian gesture.

The following are the names of the prisoners released on the 18th March: P. D. Thilakaratne (Kegalle), R.A. Upali Nisanka (Amparai), J. R.Jeevakaratne (Trincomalee), Nimal Ratne Sri Jayawardene (Trincomalee), Upul Ananda Samathilaka (Kegalle), M. W. Priyantha (Matara), Nandana Samarasiri (Amparai), Karunaratne (Badulla), T.M.Tamara (Amparai), H. M. Priyaratne (Kurunegala), M. M. Rajaratne (Trincomalee), R. M. Qnurakantha (Amparai), Tharmaratne (Amparai) and W.M. Upali from the army (Galle).

Political Committee,
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam

(The English translation of the LTTE statement is released by LTTE International Secretariat, London. Tel. /Fax: 081 470 8593 )