It is the LTTE, says the government

“We are not in a position to accept the denial of the killing by the LTTE” says the government.

Speaking at a press briefing cabinet spokesman Nimal Siripala de Silva said " This is a violation of the ceasefire, a definite setback for the process and according to the information available at the moment it’s the LTTE”.

The cabinet spokesman informed the media that the President has taken steps to declare a state of emergency and uphold the ceasefire agreement.

Setback to peace process

Jayantha Dhanapla, Director General of the peace secretariat commenting on how the slaying will affect the peace process said “this is definitely a set back for the resumption of talks.”

State funeral will be held on Monday at the Independence Square

Inspector General of Police(IGP), Chandra Fernando Said that the LTTE has been conducting surveillance on kadirgamers activities for the last five years and two suspects who were videoing the surroundings of the late minister were arrested ten days ago.”

Elaborating on investigations The IGP said I sniper had shot from an adjoining house where a couple lived. On the second story of the house the assassin had set up a telescopic gun in a toilet.

Day of National Mourning

Although the ministerial security division had warned the minister to use his official residence he preferred to use his private residence to relax said the IGP.

Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka has been appointed head of the committee that is arranging a state funeral.

The State funeral of the late Minister of Foreign Affairs will be held on Monday (15th August) at 3 pm at the Independence Square, Colombo.

Monday 15th August has been declared a Day of National Mourning.

The remains of the late Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar will lie in state from 2 pm 13th Saturday till 2 pm on Monday 15th August at his official residence 117 Wijerama Mawatha Colombo 7.