The 'peace' in Sri Lanka hasheld out for four years - though a string of killings, including some highprofile political assassinations, continued recruitment and training ofLiberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, the abduction and forciblerecruitment of children by the rebel group, a continuous arms buildup, and awide range of activities manifestly inconsistent with the idea of peace havepersisted without interruption throughout this 'peace'. The sheer relief ofhaving avoided open and large-scale warfare, however, has encouraged both theSri Lankan government and the 'international community' to look the other way,or merely register formal protests, even while the LTTE continues to consolidateits military and political power in its areas of domination.