22 May, 2006 - Published 17:46 GMT

SLMM asks for more monitors

The Norwegian-led truce monitors in Sri Lanka say they need more personnel to cope with the increasing number of incidents between the government and the Tamil Tigers.

Helen Olafsdottir, spokeswoman for the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM), told BBC Sandeshaya that the current number of 60 was fine to begin with, but was now not enough.

She said that they needed at least 15 more monitors, and possibly as many as 25 extra ones.

She said the idea is to be able to continue to operate, but to maximise the security of the monitors.

The head of the SLMM, Ulf Henricsson, is currently visiting Norway to discuss the role of the monitors.

The SLMM was set up following the ceasefire agreement between the government and Tamil Tigers in 2002.