SLMM says the attack was a gross violation of the CFA signed in 2002

SLMM spokeswoman Helen Maria Olafdottir told BBC Sandeshaya (Sinhala service) that the LTTE has violated article 1.2 which states “neither party shall engage in any offensive military operation”.

The SLMM has also stated that the Tamil tigers have violated spirit of the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA) signed in February 2002.

The LTTE initially refused but later admitted firing at the Sri Lanka navy boat on Tuesday.

LTTE admits firing

LTTE's head of Trincomalee district political wing Elilan told BBC's Tamil service on Tuesday that rebels returned fire only after they were fired at by the naval boat which came up to 200 metres of the coast.

We found it necessary to say that the navy boat under any circumstances had not fired at any time towards the localities of the LTTE Helen Olafsdottir

“We found it necessary to say that the navy boat under any circumstances had not fired at any time towards the localities of the LTTE”, Olafsdottir said on Friday.

Asked what happens next after the ruling, the SLMM said the monitors would take the matter seriously and ask an explanation from the Tigers’ leaders in Killinochchi.

“Of course you have to bear in mind that there are certain limitations what SLMM can do after that. Our role is to register violations and rule them”.

No control over sea

The LTTE also claimed that Sri Lanka navy should have informed them had they wanted to patrol in an area under rebel-control.

“We have to also bear in mind that the LTTE does not control sea water according to the agreement”, Olafsdottir told the BBC on Tuesday.

She also refused Tamil Tigers' claim that the boat came up to 200 metres of the coast.

The SLMM says, however, they do not believe the incident would lead to any escalation of violations.