Speaking to Sandasaya spokesperson the Sri Lankan Monitering Mission (SLMM) Helen Olafsdottir said”we could confirm that there is an air strip as we have observed it from the air “

Responding to a question regarding light aircrafts she said “we can’t comment on that because we have not been able to conduct our own investigations on the ground”

Olafsdottir added that she is hopeful that the LTTE will have to eventually provide access to the monitoring mission to conduct investigations.

Asked if she was aware of the Sri lankan governments efforts to persuade the international community to intervene in resolving the problem Olafsdottir said that she was not aware of any of those efforts.

The LTTE says that it acquired air capability before signing the cease fire agreement.

Foriegin Minister Lakshman Kadiragamar speaking in London to the BBC said that the LTTE has acquired air capability after the cease fire and this is a clear violation of the agreement.