Tamil Tigers stage protest in eastern Sri Lanka town

The civilian life in the eastern port town of Trincomalee was affected Wednesday as the Tamil Tigers called a day of protest in the area, residents said.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had called what is known as a general shut down to demand the removal of a Buddha statue erected in the multi ethnic town in May.

The dispute over the statue led to days of violence during May even forcing curfews.

Residents said the Tamils stayed away from offices, schools and trade while the Sinhalese went about their business as usual.

All government offices, banks and businesses belonging to the Tamils and Muslims remained shut.

Although there was no breach of security was reported additional security forces were deployed in the area, officials said.

The protest came a day after Sri Lanka's international donor community had warned that both the Tigers and the government must adhere to the Norwegian brokered ceasefire and work towards a peaceful negotiation to the conflict that had claimed over 64,000 lives since 1983.

Source: Xinhua