In a statement the minister of foreign affairs Alexander Downer requested both parties "to work towards the implementation of the letter and spirit of the Ceasefire Agreement".

Raising concerns about "persistent violations of the Ceasefire Agreement," it has condemned the Tamil Tigers for attacks in early December which killed fourteen members of the Sri Lanka Army.

"Australia welcomes the restraint shown by the Government of Sri Lanka in not retaliating against these provocations," says the Australian minister.

It also has condemned the recent killings of civilians in eastern coastal areas of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan security forces have been accused of killing five students by shooting in Trincomalee , although the army deny any involvement and the government has announced an inquiry into the deaths.