Sri Lanka has released 10 LTTE suspects and announced a four-day ceasefire to mark the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Commanders of the armed forces have been ordered to halt offensive operations against the LTTE from midnight on Thursday till 6.00 a.m. on April 17, a defence ministry statement said.
"It has also been decided to release 10 LTTE cadres presently under arrest," the ministry said. Among the 10 names listed were two members of the majority Sinhalese community. Official sources said it was possible that the two Sinhalese were held in custody for supporting the rebels indirectly. The Tiger rebels have been observing a one-sided ceasefire since December 24, but the government has refused to reciprocate it. The LTTE wants the government to lift a ban on them, ease economic sanctions and reciprocate the truce. Bureau Report