12 April, 2006 - Published 14:59 GMT

SLMM cautious on Geneva talks

The international truce monitors have expressed concern that the violence in Trincomalee may halt next week's talks between the government and the Tamil Tigers.

The Sri Lanka Monitorin Mission (SLMM) said it has received information that angry crowds have been looting the shops in the town.

“Yes we must remain hopeful the talks would go ahead but the picture is bleak,” SLMM spokesperson Helen Olofdotir told BBC Tamil Service.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Rohan Abeywardhana told BBC Sandeshaya that 14 people including 2 security personnel were killed in a bomb blast near the vegetable market.

The town is calm after the police imposed curfew, he added.

More than 40 injured in the blast according to police.

Angry crowds have set fire to shops and cars after the blast in Trincomalee Central Road.

“I think the people are very discouraged by the level of violence today,” Olofdotir added.

The spokeswoman said the monitors would receive detailed reports on Thursday.