Allow free movement to the civilians in 48 hours- President urges LTTE

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka has urged the LTTE to allow the civilians held as a human shield in Wanni to go for their safety. In statement issued yesterday (Jan 29) he further assures safer passage to a security environment.

The statement in full:

My Government, since its election, has always been concerned about the welfare of all citizens of Sri Lanka and their economic and social progress. The welfare of the citizens of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, especially of those in areas dominated by the LTTE, has been of even greater concern to my Government. As a result, my Government has always been committed to usher peace in those regions so that all people of Sri Lanka, especially those in the North and the East will have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and choose their leaders freely through elections to realise their political aspirations within the democratic framework that has flourished in Sri Lanka for long years.

However, all efforts for finding solutions peacefully for outstanding issues in the North and the East were repudiated by the LTTE and I was compelled to take measures to combat the terrorism unleashed by the LTTE on the people of Sri Lanka. In the efforts to eradicate terrorism and in the humanitarian operations to free civilians from suffering and insecurity, the Government and the Security Forces have been conscious of the welfare of civilians, their lives and property at all times.

In addition, as a democratically elected Government with a clear mandate from the people, we have always been determined to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and to find solutions to all problems within a democratic framework while uniting all the people of Sri Lanka.

In this context, the Security Forces have been successful in conducting their mandated operations to achieve these objectives of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

The Government is now poised to take decisive steps that will enable an environment conducive for the reintroduction of democracy that will provide the people of the Northern Province an opportunity to exercise their right to elect their leaders by free choice so that solutions can be found for all outstanding issues through negotiation and discussion and not through violence.

As a result of the operations by Security Forces, LTTE control over civilians is now confined to a small area in the Northern Province and a large number of civilians are being held there forcibly by the LTTE, thus endangering innocent civilian lives.

Being acutely conscious of the welfare of the civilians forcibly being held in the conflict zone by the LTTE, we have declared a safe zone for civilians, the co-ordinates of which were announced by the Security Forces.

This is to ensure that they stay out of harm's way during engagements between Security Forces and armed LTTE cadres, and to assure the safety and security of civilians.

It is unfortunate that the LTTE is exploiting this declared safe zone for civilians by placing their heavy artillery within the safe zone and using it as a launching pad to attack Security Forces and indiscriminately kill civilians."

"I urge the LTTE, within the next 48 hours to allow free movement of civilians to ensure their safety and security. For all those civilians, I assure a safe passage to a secure environment.

I also assure all those living in the North and in conflict areas in particular, that vacating LTTE held areas will ensure the physical, security and enable peace, freedom and rights for all citizens of the country."

Sri Lanka Navy destroys LTTE suicide boat - Mullaittivu

Sri Lanka Navy attack boats deployed in the Mullaittivu seas have destroyed an LTTE suicide boat around 3 this morning (Jan 30). According to the navy sources , the navy boats deployed in the sea blockade along the northeastern coast have intercepted the explosive laden boat launched from Mullaittivu coast and destroyed it by directing heavy gunfire at the incoming terrorist boat.

At present, Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 4 blockades along the northeastern coast of the island to prevent LTTE arms supplies and escaping LTTE cadres via sea routes. The Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) and the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) units maintain their blockade closest to the coast while Fast Attack Flotilla 4 (FAF4) maintained the second barrier in the coastal waters. The third and the fourth barriers are maintained by the Gunboats and Offshore Patrol Vessels that extends from territorial waters to the blue waters.

In the line of duty (pictures)

LTTE underwater vehicles found - Mullaittivu

Sri Lanka Army Task Force 3 found an LTTE underwater vehicle  along with 3 other smaller underwater vehicles which are still under construction from the Udayarkattukulam area in Mullaittivu yesterday  morning (Jan 28). Military sources said that this was the most startling recovery made by troops so far during the on going counter terrorist operations against the LTTE. Three suicide boats  and a large haul of LTTE maritime equipment were also found at the location , the sources added.

The sources further revealed , the largest underwater vehicle found  is about 35 feet in length and amour plated.  Among the other items found , there were one low bed trailer, one armour plate used for bending machines, fifteen oxy-acetylene welding cylinders, thirty armour plate sheets of 20 ft each, three pedal-type suicide boats, one Dvora-type fast attack craft, a large number of water pumps, two lorries, two buses, one truck, one heavy duty generator, one water bowzer trailer, one bowzer, filled with kerosene, two large lathe machines, two powerful compressors, one welding plant, a number of electric motors, one large lifting jack, many boats and vehicle engines, three hangar-shaped buildings of 75 ft x 15 ft each, fifteen small tiled-houses of 20 ft x 30 ft with full air conditioning and five tiled-billets of 25 ft x 100 ft with full air conditioning.

The discovery was made by the infantrymen of 4 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (4 SLLI) commanded by Major Najeewa Edirisinghe. 
 

With this discovery the LTTE will go down in the history as the first terrorist organization to develop underwater weapons. Also, the LTTE is the first terrorist outfit to introduce suicide bombers to the world and to develop naval and air arms.

Defence observers are in the view that the LTTE has been able to come this far in terrorism warfare because of the leeway given the outfit by the international community. Until recently, the LTTE sympathizers were given opportunity to raise funds freely in the western countries to buy arms and ammo. The outfit has been able to operate a fleet of ships to smuggle arms, engage in drug trafficking and human smuggling to make money, etc, in many parts of the world. With hired hands in many international media, NGOs and various other front organizations the outfit has been able to portray itself as a liberation organization to the world and to put international pressure on the government when taking military action against it.

The following pictures show their latest contribution to the world of terrorism :

Pictures of Visuamadu Town

58 Div troops reach Visuamadu Junction; battles enter last phase at Mullaittivu

Troops of the 58 Division after hours of fierce fighting that ensued with LTTE have reached the Visuamdu junction, this afternoon (Jan 28).

LTTE resistances were rattled during the multi-frontal military assault, ground sources said adding that scores of terrorists were killed and many injured during the fighting.

According to military sources, troops have also gained control over a 10km stretch of the road, running North of Visuamadu via Puliyampokkanai towards Chundikkulama. Troops are now engaged in mopping up the remaining LTTE resistances South of Visuamadu and Piramanthal kulama. LTTE terrorists unable to withstand the military onslaught have further fled towards the declared safer zones at Teravilkulam and Udayarkattukulama, military sources said. Meanwhile, LTTE terrorists have continued firing heavy artillery towards security forces from the declared civilian safety region. "This is an exhibit of utmost contempt to norms of humanity and the lives of the thousands entrapped", a military official said. Security forces have been resilient on securing the safety of the civilians held by LTTE, despite continuous provocations made by the outfit for a military retaliation towards the safe zone, the official further said.

According to available civilian and military ground information, terrorists are concentrating arsenal and fighting units among the civilians in light for what defence observe identify to trigger a 'last minute civilian tragedy.' Thousands of innocent Tamil civilians are held at gunpoint under unprecedented hardships by the LTTE at these safe regions until its senior ranks sketch out an escape route, defence observes further stated.

Meanwhile, during subsequent search operations conducted troops have also found a bus and a recovery vehicle which is believed used to trail artillery guns, security sources said.

The Final Countdown (1/26/2009 9:25:02 AM)

Sri Lanka Armed Forces have reached the final stage of their counter terrorist operation fought against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for more than two and half decades . The mission of our armed forces is to free our nation from clutches of terrorism and to make it a country where all Sri Lankans can live in peace and harmony.

The ongoing phase of the battle commenced in August 2006 when terrorists closed down the Mavil Aru sluice gates denying water for more than 30,000 civilians. The terrorists initially had their domination over an area of 15000 square kilometers in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces. The LTTE terrorism was eradicated from the Eastern Province by August 2007.

Land operations were commenced in the Northern Province in March 2007 with the induction of the Army's 57 Division to the Vavuniya area. The second offensive division Task Force 1 was inducted to the battlefield from Mannar in September 2007. Army opened its 3rd battlefront from Welioya with the induction of the 59 Division in January 2008.

At present, the army has engaged 5 offensive Divisions and 3 Task Forces at remaining LTTE hiding areas in Wanni. LTTE terrorists are boxed in to a triangular shape land marked by A-9 road from the West, A-34 road from South and the Northeastern coast from the East. The below is a brief description of the operations carried out by the army offensive divisions engaged in the battlefield

57 Division

The 57th Division (57 Div) commanded by Major General Jagath Dias commenced its operations in March 2007 in Vavuniya. The Division was maneuvered directly at the LTTE's heartland Kilinochchi, cutting across the strategically vital northwestern coast and the A-9 road. Time Line

Serial No	Date	Area Liberated
01.	24 April 2008	Madhu church complex
02.	16 May 2008	Palampiddi Town
03.	23 May 2008	Mundumurippu village
04.	15 June 2008	Periyamadhu village
05.	11 July 2008	Naddankandal village
06.	13 Aug 2008	Kalvilan Village
07.	22 Aug 2008	Thunukkai and Uilankulam Towns
08.	02 Sept 2008	Mallavi Town
09.	29 Oct 2008	Akkarayankulam tank bund
10.	05 Nov 2008	Akkarayankulam built-up
11.	01 Dec 2008	Kokavil town
12.	10 Dec 2008	Terumurikandy junction
13.	02 Jan 2009	Kilinochchi town
14.	17 Jan 2009	Ramanathapuram

 

58 Division

The Army 58th Division earlier known as the Task Force 1 commanded by Brigadier Shavendra Silva commenced its operations from Mannar in September 2007. This was the Division that maneuvered along the Northwestern coast of the Island and denied the LTTE of their vital lifeline that existed across the Palk Strait.

Timeline

Serial No	Date	Area Liberated
01.	09 May 2008	Adampan town
02.	24 June 2008	Mullikkandal, Minnaniranchan and Marattikannaddi villages
03.	29 June 2008	The Mannar Rice Bowl"- Alankulama, Andankulama, Alakaddiveli, Parappakandal, Parappukadatan, Papamoddai,Odupallam, Neduvarampu, Kannaputtukulama and Vannakulama, villages
04.	30 June 2008	Linked up with 57 Div -southwest of Periyamadhu
05.	16 July 2008	Vidattaltivu town
06.	02 Aug 2008	Illuppaikkadavai township
07.	12 Aug 2008	Vellankulam town
08.	12 Aug 2008	Mulankavil and Pallavarayankaddu areas
09.	21 Aug 2008	Nachchikudha
10.	16 Oct 2008	Maniyankulama
11.	20 Oct 2008	Vannerikkulama
12.	28 Oct 2008	Nochchimodai
13.	29 Oct 2008	Jeyapuram
14.	29 Oct 2008	Nachchikuda
15.	10 Nov 2008	Kiranchi
16.	13 Nov 2008	Devil's Point and Vallaipadu
17.	15 Nov 2008	Pooneryn
18.	23 Dec 2008	'Sinna-Paranthan'
19.	26 Dec 2008	Nalanawakulam village
20.	01 Jan 2009	Paranthan
21.	08 Jan 2009	Murasumoddai
22.	15 Jan 2009	Dharmapuram

59 Division

The Army 59th Division commanded by Brigadier Nandana Udawatte commenced its operations from the WeIioya area in January 2008. Troops of this division slowly but successfully marched across the Andankulam and Nagancholai forest reserves that stood as natural defences for the LTTE's main military bastion in Mullaittivu.

Timeline

Serial No	Date	Area Liberated
01.	30 May 2008	Munagam Base
02.	04 July 2008	Michael Base
03.	27 July 2008	'Sugandan' base
04.	16 Aug 2008	Jeevan Base
05.	21 Aug 2008	West of Nayaroo lagoon
06.	23 Oct 2008	Gajabapura
07.	11 Nov 2008	Kumulamunai village
08.	29 Nov 2008	Otiyamalai
09.	26 Dec 2008	Mulliyawalai
10.	25 Jan 2009	Mullaittivu Town

 

53 Division

The Army 53rd Division commanded by Brigadier Kamal Gunarathne was initially manning the forward defence line at Muhamalai in the Jaffna peninsula. The Division was deployed in the area south of A-9 road and was one of the two Army Divisions that defended the isolated Jaffna peninsula against LTTE infiltration over the past few years. The Division shifted its mode of operations from defensive to offensive in mid November 2008.

 

55 Divison

The Army 55th Division commanded by Brigadier Prasanna Silva was initially manning the forward defence line at Muhamalai in the Jaffna peninsula. The Division was deployed in the area north of A-9 road and was one of the two Army Divisions that defended the isolated Jaffna peninsula against LTTE infiltration over the past few years. The Division shifted its mode of operations from defensive to offensive in mid November 2008.

 

Task Force 2

The Army Task Force 2 commanded by Brigadier Rohana Bandara commenced its operations in June 2008 from the South of Palamoddai area. This was the first Army offensive element to maneuver along the west-east axis across A-9.

Timeline

Serial No	Date	Area Liberated
01.	11 July 2008	Navvi village
02.	04 Dec 2008	Puliyankulam
03.	05 Dec 2008	Kanakarayankulam
04.	21 Jan 2009	Udayarkattukulam Tank Bund

 

Task Force 3

The Army Task Force 3 commanded by Brigadier Sathyapirya Liyanage commenced its operations in November 2008 from the Vannivilankulam area. This was the second Army offensive element to maneuver along the west-east axis across A-9.

Timeline

Serial No	Date	Area Liberated
01.	17 Nov 2008	Mankulama
02.	25 Nov 2008	Olumadu
03.	15 Dec 2008	Ampakamam

 

Task Force 4

The Army Task Force 4 commanded by Brigadier Nishantha Wanniarachchi commenced its operations in December 2008 from the Nadunkerni area. This was the second offensive element inducted to the Mullaittivu battlefront after the Army 59 Div.

Serial No	Date	Area Liberated
01.	20 Dec 2008	Nadunkerni
02.	04 Jan 2009	Oddusuddan
03.	12 Jan 2009	Keridattadu

defence.lk

Troops enter Mullaittivu; LTTE main garrison town falls

Sri Lanka Army 59 Division soldiers lead by Brigadier Nandana Udawatta have entered the LTTE's main garrison town Mullaittivu this evening (Jan 25).

According to the battlefield sources, troops of 593 Brigade lead by Lieutenant Colonel Jayantha Gunarathne have made a surprise attack across the Nanthikandal lagoon and entered the Mullaittivu town area this morning. Infantrymen of 7 Gemunu Watch (7 GW) lead by Lieutenant Colonel Chaminda Lamahewa have been in first to enter the town amid heavy terror resistance, the sources said.

The Mullaittivu town is situated in a narrow stretch of a land between Nanthikandal lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The town fell to the terrorists in 1996 and since then LTTE established its main military base there.

Once mop up operation completed the area will be declared liberated, the sources said.

Army Task Force 4 captures two terror camps - Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lanka Army Task Force 4 operating in the Puthukkudiyiruppu south yesterday (Jan 23) captured two LTTE camps located in the area.

According to the battlefield reports, troops initially captured a camp with 700m x 500m area and 8 buildings. Troops suspect that the camp was a hideout of a senior LTTE cadre as it was provided with luxury lodging and sanitary facilities.

Troops captured the second camp in a separate location after beating off the terrorists in a confrontation. The camp comprised of 4 buildings , 2 improvised containers , 1 water pump , and few petrol and kerosene barrels.

Malaysia orders a countrywide alert on fleeing tiger supremo Prabhakaran

(By Walter Jayawardhana)

Malaysian Inspector General of Police Musa Hassan told Kula Lumpur's Strait Times that he has ordered a country wide alert to be on the watch out for Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

The alert was issued on the suspicion that he may have escaped to Malaysia after Sri Lankan troops surrounded his last stronghold, Mulaitivu in a 50,000 strong force.

The Malaysian Police Chief told the newspaper that there was a suspicion that Prabhakaran might have escaped to Malaysia or the neighbouring Thailand.

There is a strong Sri Lankan Tamil minority in Malaysia and it is alleged that a strongly pro-LTTE politician in India has been maintaining coordinating activities between the rebel outfit and the Malaysian Tamils.

"We are also using our local intelligence network to ascertain if he is already in the country," Musa was quoted as saying to the Strait Times. "My men will be monitoring all entry points into the country to ensure he does not enter the country," he added.

There had been many speculations in the press about the whereabouts of Prabhakaran after Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army , last Saturday said, that Prabhakaran might have already escaped Mulaitivu. He has said that the only possible withdrawal of the Tigers could be to the sea in reply to a supporting politician of the Tamil Tigers that they had withdrawn as a tactical strategy to Mulaitivu.

Military analysts have predicted that all camps of the Tigers could be overrun within the matter of few weeks by the Sri Lanka forces.

Govt detains pro-LTTE journalist

(By Rafik JALALDEEN)

Detained at BIA on his way to Singapore

Employed by prominent news agency in Colombo

A prominent LTTE supporter who was posing as a journalist was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while about to take wing to Singapore.

Addressing the weekly security briefing at the MCNS, Defence Affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said Prakash Shakthi Velupillai who was employed by a prominent news agency housed in Colombo-7 had been arrested by police at the BIA, preventing him from leaving the country.

"Initial investigation revealed that Prakash is a hardcore supporter of the LTTE and maintained a close relationship with the outfit.

The suspect had in his possession a media ID card similar to the one issued by the Information Department, identifying him as a journalist working for a prominent news agency. The media ID card had been forged, it was revealed.

The Information Department in a communique issued by acting Information Director Irene Nanayakkara yesterday said the Department had not issued a Media Accreditation Card to the perosn nabbed at the BIA.

The Department has utilised modern technology to identify persons who are ineligible to have such identity cards and forged identity cards. Minister Rambukwella observed that the media was playing an important role on national security and journalists have access to tight security zones and other places. "We ask journalists to be vigilant about their surrounding and be on their guard about strangers who may try to pose as journalists," the Minister said.

Since the LTTE is being crushed by Security Forces in the North and contained into a 400 square kilometre area in the Vanni jungle, the Tiger cadres are aiming to create mayhem and chaos in the South.

The police have requested public to be vigilant and take extra precautions as 14 LTTE suicide cadres have been deployed to carry out destructive missions in the South. Minister Rambukwella asserted that since the LTTE was facing a humiliating defeat in the North and their territory shrinking to 400 square kilometres in the Vanni, the LTTE cadres are carefully planning to carry out suicide missions in the South to disrupt normality."

The Tigers who are in a state of disarray are aiming to create disaster in the South," he remarked. Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunaskera said intelligence following arrest of several LTTE suspects in the South have revealed that 16 LTTE cadres have been deployed to carry out suicide missions in the South.

Two of the 16 missions have been accomplished and there are14 remaining suicide missions to be accomplished.

Meanwhile, police seized 23kgs of C4 explosives and a haul of arms and weapons while being transported to Colombo by a van passing several checkpoints. SSP Gunasekera called for public assistance and vigilance to thwart and prevent LTTE terror acts.

"The LTTE explosives van and arms and weapons recovered in Karadiyanarukulam, Batticaloa had been seized by police on information from an LTTE cadre who was arrested in Padukka who attempted to explode a bomb inside a bus in December.

The suspect was arrested on information from a vigilant woman travelling in the same bus", he added.Recalling the series of bomb blasts carried out by the LTTE in the South targeting civilians and the Security Forces during January and February in 2008, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the public should be alert and pay extra attention in the coming days the country is preparing to celebrate Independence.

Courtesy - Daily News

'Looks like Prabakaran's last battle' says Indian Military Specialist

As the Sri Lanka security forces move in for what they promise to be the closing call on the Tigers, Prabakaran's dream of a Tamil Eelam looks farther than ever before... After losing the precious lives 24,000 of his followers in nearly three decades of war, Prabakaran is still where he was to pursue his dream of a Tamil Eelam.

"The battle being waged by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to defend Mullathivu in the face of the Sri Lanka security forces' onslaught may well be the last conventional military operation by Tamil insurgent leader Velupillai Prabakaran in the two-year-long "Eelam War IV." Mullathivu is the LTTE's last bastion, what is left from an original domain of nearly nine districts it had ruled for over a decade. The security forces are building up a four to six division-strong force for what they promise to be the closing call on the LTTE."

So says, Col R Hariharan, a retired officer of the Intelligence Corps,who served in the Indian Army for nearly three decades .He was a specialist on Bangladesh , Burma , and Sri Lanka with special focus on insurgency and terrorism, in an article in the "Hindu" today(21).

He also says:" After the fall of Kilinochchi and Elephant Pass successively during the early part of January, the LTTE lost control of the Kandy-Jaffna A9 road, and with it lost the ability to have an impact on the lives of most of the people of the Northern Province. The LTTE had dominated the road, considered to be the lifeline for Jaffna, a city that had once flourished as a thriving business hub next only to Colombo. After driving out the LTTE from the A9, the security forces were focussing on three aspects - consolidating their hold on the highway by eliminating LTTE defences east of it, opening the axes of offensive to Mullathivu, and getting ready for a final offensive on Mullathivu. "

"During the first half of the month, the security forces eliminated the line of LTTE defences along the old Kandy-Jaffna road running parallel to the A9 to its east. With the clearing of the defences aligned from Iranamadu in the south to Vaddakachi and Dharmapuram in the north, the forces marginalised the LTTE's capability to interfere with the A9. So the forces may well keep up the promise to open the road within a month for civilian traffic, thus providing much needed relief to Jaffna's beleaguered citizens. Though the LTTE had stoutly defended its strong points such as Iranamadu and Dharmapuram, its intention was probably only to delay the start of the offensive on Mullathivu. "

Col R Hariharan's intelligence operational experience includes service as the Head of Intelligence of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka (1987-90). He was awarded the Visisht Sewa Medal (VSM) for his distinguished services in Sri Lanka.

Here is the text of Col Hariharan's article :

"The battle being waged by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to defend Mullathivu in the face of the Sri Lanka security forces' onslaught may well be the last conventional military operation by Tamil insurgent leader Velupillai Prabakaran in the two-year-long "Eelam War IV." Mullathivu is the LTTE's last bastion, what is left from an original domain of nearly nine districts it had ruled for over a decade. The security forces are building up a four to six division-strong force for what they promise to be the closing call on the LTTE."

He also says," After the fall of Kilinochchi and Elephant Pass successively during the early part of January, the LTTE lost control of the Kandy-Jaffna A9 road, and with it lost the ability to have an impact on the lives of most of the people of the Northern Province. The LTTE had dominated the road, considered to be the lifeline for Jaffna, a city that had once flourished as a thriving business hub next only to Colombo. After driving out the LTTE from the A9, the security forces were focussing on three aspects - consolidating their hold on the highway by eliminating LTTE defences east of it, opening the axes of offensive to Mullathivu, and getting ready for a final offensive on Mullathivu. "

"During the first half of the month, the security forces eliminated the line of LTTE defences along the old Kandy-Jaffna road running parallel to the A9 to its east. With the clearing of the defences aligned from Iranamadu in the south to Vaddakachi and Dharmapuram in the north, the forces marginalised the LTTE's capability to interfere with the A9. So the forces may well keep up the promise to open the road within a month for civilian traffic, thus providing much needed relief to Jaffna's beleaguered citizens. Though the LTTE had stoutly defended its strong points such as Iranamadu and Dharmapuram, its intention was probably only to delay the start of the offensive on Mullathivu. "

During these operations, the forces captured the LTTE's main airstrip east of the Iranamadu tank on January 15. This was an important airstrip used by the tiny LTTE air wing for its plucky operations that caused more psychological impact than operational damage. It was built in a clearing of heavy undergrowth, cleverly using the old Kandy-Jaffna road passing through the area. The 1.5-km long and 40-metre wide airstrip was central to a complex of two smaller airstrips located to the north and south of the Iranamadu tank. These were captured in earlier months. Five days earlier, the security forces had captured another battle-ready airstrip west of Mullathivu.

The six LTTE airstrips that have been captured so far go to show the enormous effort the insurgents had put into developing their air capability. Undoubtedly, the ceasefire period during the peace process was put to build up the ground infrastructure for air operations. These are a testimony not only to the LTTE's technical capability but its relentless effort to build military capability regardless of peace parleys. Significantly, none of the two light aircraft used by it earlier for raids have been found. Presumably they were dismantled and mothballed in hideouts as the operational conditions and the active air and ground surveillance would have made it difficult to fly them out of harm's way.

Mullathivu town, which is the focal point of the current offensive, is located on a narrow strip on the eastern coast of the Northern Province, flanked by the sea on the east and the Nanthikadal lagoon on the west. Its defence perimeter is made up of a complex of LTTE positions strung up as a crescent along the western edge of the lagoon starting from Puthukkudiyiruppu in the north to Tanniyuttu on the Mankulam-Mullathivu A34 road.

The security forces' battle plans are built on three broad fronts. 55 Division coming from Jaffna along the northwest has blocked the escape routes through Chundikulam, a key Sea Tiger base. From the same direction, 58 Division is advancing along the A35 road fighting a series of delaying positions. From the west, 57 Division is playing a containing role with the LTTE cadres boxed in the jungles between Iranamadu tank and Mullathivu. The main offensive is being built up from the south with three task forces - which are formations smaller than divisions - and 59 Division. The task forces are combing the jungles while 59 Division is poised for the assault.

With such a large force confronting them, the LTTE cadres defending Mullathivu are facing a situation that is not dissimilar to what they faced during their defence of Kilinochchi, which crumbled after the government forces broke through the perimeter defences. Mullathivu might face the same fate with the final assault going through as a walk-in into a ghost town.

Humanitarian agencies have warned of an impending human tragedy with about 3.5 lakh civilians trapped in the battle zone, and the LTTE is being accused of using them as a cover. However, civilians have started flowing into the area controlled by the security forces in their hundreds, indicating that the LTTE is no more able to exercise tight control over them.

Thus, what is possibly Prabakaran's last battle is likely to leave him in a position similar to what he was in 1987 - mauled badly and trying to cut his losses and live to fight another day. And, as earlier, the security forces are at his heels to catch or kill him, although the army commander, Lt. General Sarath Fonseka, says the Tiger chief might have fled the island for a safer refuge. After losing the precious lives 24,000 of his followers in nearly three decades of war, Prabakaran is still where he was to pursue his dream of a Tamil Eelam.

(Colonel (retd) R. Hariharan served as head of intelligence with the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka during 1987-1990.

MEET TWO DIVISION IN ELEPHANT PASS

LTTE Suspects

Pics....

57 Div troops locate 6th LTTE 'air strip' - Iranamadu

Forward domination troops of the 57 Division now operating East of Iranamadu Tank bund have located the 6th LTTE 'air strip', this morning (Jan 16).

According to ground troops the air strip, 300m long and 15-20m wide is located Southeast of the Iranamadu tank bund, which is also said to be an extension of the existing road that runs parallel to the tank bund.

"What we see here is more less than a conventional air strip but adequate for a shorter lift off", a military official said. According to available information, LTTE has used this mainly for training proposes of its 'rudimentary air wing' and hardcore fighters. Possibilities also exist that terrorists might have used this as an alternative landing pad, the sources further said.

Troops are further engaged in clearing operations in the area, the sources said.

Entire Jaffna Peninsula liberated; Troops capture Chundikulam

Sri Lanka Army 55 Division soldiers this evening (Jan 14) liberated Chundikulam, the landmass that links the Jaffna peninsula with the mainland.

According to the defence sources, Sri Lanka Army has liberated the whole Jaffna peninsula from terrorist clutches with this victory.  Heroic troops of 551 Brigade (1 Gemunu Regiment, 1 Sri Lanka Light infantry and Commandos) joined in accomplishing this mission and it is observed that large number of vehicles including dozers, buses, tractors, canters and boats have been destroyed by exploding most of them by the fleeing LTTE terrorists.

LTTE's airstrip in Mullaittivu captured

LTTE's another airstrip located in general area Keppapularu, 6.5Km northwest of Mullayavalai town centre in Mulaittivu has been captured by the troops of 59 Division on offensive march towards Mullaittivu today, 10 January.

Soldiers of the 9 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Janaka Ariyaratne under 593 Brigade commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jayantha Goonaratne launched an offensive operation a few days ago and captured the part of the airstrip by Friday evening (9 Jan) amidst stiff resistance given by the terrorists. Following days long fighting, troops have totally captured the airstrip by 9.00 AM today causing heavy damages to the enemy, military sources said.

The captured LTTE airstrip is over 2000 m long and 20m wide, having a tarmac over 1000m long,  military sources in Mullaittivu front said. Two hangers and several partially destroyed huts are also on the airstrip, sources added.

Sri Lanka Army has so far captured 4 airstrips of the LTTE terrorists during the ongoing counter terrorist operations. First airstrip was captured by the 57 Div in Panikkankulam area, the second was captured by the TF 1 in the Nivil area while the third LTTE built airstrip was captured by Task Force 3 in a jungle area south of Iranamadu tank.

Elephant Pass falls after fierce battle; President says attacks on media a conspiracy

By Sandun A. Jayasekara

The military regained the entire A9 road linking the North and the South after 23 years with the capturing of Elephant Pass last evening. The announcement made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a televised address to the nation after the latest major military victory was greeted by firecrackers around the country.

President Rajapaksa praised the security forces for their victory and at the same time warned the people that there was a conspiracy by certain elements to undermine the latest achievements by the government on the battlefield by attacking the media.   The Defence ministry said in the face of concentrated artillery, infantry and mechanized infantry assaults led by close support from the Air Force the LTTE withdrew from Elephant Pass towards Mulliyan, further East with soaring casualties and losses,.

It said subsequently the 53 and 55 offensive Divisions from the North linked up with the 58 Division, flushing the last LTTE resistance at Elephant Pass also known as EPS following heavy fighting till last afternoon.

The fall of EPS has deprived the LTTE, the most crucial strategic ground, at the 'Jaffna gateway', following an eight year occupation, which linked the Wanni mainland and the Jaffna peninsula. With the fall of EPS, troops are now poised at launching a decisive blow at the remaining LTTE strong points at Mulliyan, Chempiyanpattuwa, Chundikulama and Kaddaikadu, the Defence Ministry said.

The Ministry said fierce fighting took place as the LTTE made desperate attempts to stall the military push following the fall of Kilinochchi. The conquest of Elephant Pass (EPS) LTTE complex, signified a major victory of the security forces, who are pushing the LTTE towards its extinction, the Defence Ministry said. EPS was considered the 'jargon of the current conflict' and was the most talked about since the army withdrew from the base complex situated in the area on  April 22, 2000.

Elephant Pass and Kurinchattiv are the largest salterns in the island with a combined area of 100 acres, which produced more than 85,000 metric tons of salt a year, before the area was engulfed in the bitter fighting for decades, defence observers said, speaking to defence.lk. The shallow waters through which elephants once used to carry goods into the Jaffna peninsula from South has given it the name EPS, the sources said citing historical data.

Meanwhile, opening the UPFA news briefing was represented by all constituent parties, Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said the fall of Elephant Pass was a turning point in the war against terrorism.

“It will pave the way to unite all communities in Sri Lanka and facilitate the access to Mullaitivu for the security forces,” he said.Leader of the House and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the capture of Elephant Pass by the security forces would expedite the final victory at Mullaitivu.

“It will link Jaffna with the rest of the country after 23 years and facilitate the access to Mullaitivu from several fronts. The capture of Elephant Pass will block the LTTE’s access to outer periphery and restrict it to the Mullaitivu jungle,” he said.

SLFP General Secretary and Minister Maithripala Sirisena said the LTTE had consolidated its grip on Jaffna through Elephant Pass. The capture of the strategic location would help to free thousands of innocent Tamils to save from the LTTE jackboot, he emphasized.

Minister Sirisena said there were certain elements trying to deprive the government of the credit it deserved from the military victories.

Minister Keheliya Rambuhwella said the security forces were now on the verge of its final onslaught on the LTTE since the launching of humanitarian operation in July 2006.

The government was forced by the LTTE by putting 35,000 farmers on the verge of dehydration and hunger by closing down the Mavil-Aru culvert, he said.

Environment Minister Cahampika Ranawaka said the government was now in a position to divert all military resources in Jaffna for the final attack on Mullaitivu.

He warned the government and its allies to be vigilant about anti-government elements who attempted to divert the attention of the public from military victories by harassing the media.

National Freedom Front leader Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa claimed there was a concerted effort by certain elements to divert the euphoria on military victories among the public to other directions by harassing the media.

‘The security forces’ next and final goal is Mullaitivu after victories in Paranthan, Kilinochchi and Elephant Pass. When the security forces plan their war strategies our enemies in the south are also busy drawing their plans to weaken the forward march of the heroic security forces,’ Mr. Weerawansa said.

TMVP leader Parliamentarian Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan said the Tamils in Jaffna who lived in an open prison under the LTTE had ultimately been freed by the security forces with the capture of Elephant Pass.

He said the day won’t be far when the armed forces freed the entire Tamil community from the clutches of the LTTE. With the linking of North with the South there will be a speedy development in the North-East as people in these areas will ,have chance to send their produces to the south.

Ministers Prof Tissa Vitarana, A.L.M. Athaullah also addressed journalists.

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana, deputy Speaker Geetanjana Gunawardna and media spokesmen of the three armed forces and the Police were also present at the media briefing.

www.dailymirror.lk

Celebrating capture of Elephant Pass

www.dailymirror.lk

Crackers being lit near the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) after the capture of Elephant Passwas announced. Pic By Daminda Harsha Perera

President declares capture of EPS and reopening of A-9

"2009 dawned with our troops taking full control of the Paranthan area. By January 2nd our troops were able to liberate Kilinochchi too from the clutches of terror. Elephant Pass was lost to our troops 9 years ago. Today, the troops of the 53rd the 55th divisions of the Army have spread their power across Muhamalai to Elephant Pass. It is our duty on this occasion to pay homage to all of our troops who have paid the supreme sacrifice towards this victory," H.E President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated, officially declaring the capture of EPS by security forces today (Jan 9).

"The A-9 route is symbolic of the unity that exists between the North and the South of our country. Four years prior to this, our people who traveled on the A 9 route had to do so under the yoke of an illegal terrorists order. The LTTE obtained several million rupees from the fraudulent taxes they imposed on the people who used the A9 route. Our people had the misfortune at that time live in the face of such humiliation. This part of our history will never be forgotten by us, "he further asserted.

Address to the Nation by H. E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the capture of Elephant Pass and the opening of the A9 Route - January 9, 2009

Friends,

Even before the dawn of 2009 I have told you that this would be a year of great victory for our heroic forces.

2009 dawned with our troops taking full control of the Paranthan area. By January 2nd our troops were able to liberate Kilinochchi too from the clutches of terror.

I address you today at a time when our heroic forces have achieved another great and historic victory. By this evening our troops have completely freed the Elephant Pass area from the LTTE. Similarly, bringing Point Pedro and Devundara (Dondra Head) together the A-9 route has been completely freed from the clutches of the LTTE.

Friends,

Elephant Pass was lost to our troops 9 years ago. On that day our motherland lost 359 of its heroic troops. 349 went missing and nearly 2500 troops were injured. From that day we have on several occasions tried to reach Elephant Pass through Muhamalai. In the past 3 years a considerable number of our troops sacrificed their lives in such efforts.

Today, the troops of the 53rd the 55th divisions of the Army have spread their power across Muhamalai to Elephant Pass. It is our duty on this occasion to pay homage to all of our troops who have paid the supreme sacrifice towards this victory.

I need not explain to you that the A-9 route is symbolic of the unity that exists between the North and the South of our country. Four years prior to this, our people who traveled on the A 9 route had to do so under the yoke of an illegal terrorists order. The LTTE obtained several million rupees from the fraudulent taxes they imposed on the people who used the A9 route. Our people had the misfortune at that time live in the face of such humiliation. This part of our history will never be forgotten by us.

Our heroic troops are not only engaged in freeing the territory held by the Tigers. They are engaged in the great humanitarian battle to bring peace, freedom and democracy to the Tamil people of the North. Today they have launched the battle to hand over as your heritage a Sri Lanka that is free of terrorism.

I am aware that today our people wholeheartedly greet the victory of our heroic troops. However, together with that joy, there are efforts to belittle these victories, to turn the attention of the people to other directions. There is a conspiracy with certain international forces to achieve this sinister objective.

You would have already realized that the aim of these conspirators is to level unfounded charges against the Army Commander who works with the greatest dedication to achieve these victories, and by this to destroy the morale of our troops, destabilize the country, tarnish the image of the country internationally, and make room for various international forces to interfere to grab our gains away from us.

We are aware that such conspiracies arise when a country moves ahead without giving in to external pressures. It is for no reason other than to embarrass our country internationally that my friend and Member of Parliament Joseph Pararajasingam was assassinated while in church at Christmas service.

What purpose other than tarnishing of the country's image internationally could there be in carrying out a bomb attack on the office of the Udayan newspaper published in Jaffna on World Press Freedom Day?

At a time when Thoppigala was being freed from the hold of terrorists an effort was made to distract from the importance of this victory by the abduction of a journalist from an English language newspaper and assaulting him.

After many years our troops freed Vedithaltivu dealing major defeat to the terrorists. The day after that a camp for the Internally Displaced Persons at Vavuniya was set ablaze.

Who is it that stands to gain from all this? Is not the aim of those who plan these incidents the belittling of the victories of our heroic troops? We have a duty to expose to the country the persons behind these conspiratorial operations. One must not mistake these conspiracies as being against me or my government. This is a conspiracy against the entire country by those who have been driven to fear due to the successes of our security forces.

Friends,

We are now engaged in giving new life to the unitary status of our country. We are enlivening democracy in our land. The defeat of terrorism means giving life to an honorable peace and freedom. We are dedicated to give our children the opportunity to travel freely from Devundara to any part of the country and for all our people, whether Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim Burgher, Malay or of any community to live together and in unity.

Let us all join hands to achieve that victory. Let us be ready to take forward the country that our heroic troops are bestowing to us through their victories. This is the responsibility that our motherland asks both from you and me. It is my belief that you will take the lead in achieving this admirable goal.

I wish you every success in future.

LTTE's most fortified Northern garrison at EPS falls

"Elephant Pass, the gateway to the Jaffna peninsula is now under the total control of security forces", news reports from the battlefront read. "Troops have also gained total control over the 325km long A-9, Jaffna- Kandy trunk road, after 23 years", military sources further said.

The end-game of LTTE's protracted separatist cause seems to be reaching its final stages, as the advancing SL security forces overran the most fortified LTTE Northern garrison at EPS today (Jan 9), which was officially declared by the C-in-C President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a short while  ago.

In the face of concentrated armour, artillery, infantry and mechanized infantry assaults led by close support SLAF raids, LTTE terrorists' pulled off from the garrison township with soaring casualties and loses, towards Mulliyan, further East military sources at the battlefront said. According to battlefield reports, the 53 and 55 offensive Divisions from North have linked up with the 58 Division, flushing the last LTTE resistance at EPS during a heavy multi-frontal onslaught launched since yesterday.

The fall of EPS has deprived LTTE, the most crucial strategic ground, at the 'Jaffna gateway', following an eight year odd occupation, which linked the Wanni mainland with the Jaffna peninsula. With the fall of EPS, troops are now poised at launching a decisive blow at the remaining LTTE strongpoints at Mulliyan, Chempiyanpattuwa, Chundikulama and Kaddaikadu, defence observers state.

Fierce fighting was fought as LTTE terrorists made desperate attempts to stall the military surge following its humiliating defeat at Kilinochchi (02 Jan, 2009). The conquest of Elephant Pass (EPS) LTTE complex, signified a major victory of the security forces, who are pushing LTTE towards its extinction.

EPS was earlier occupied by the Dutch during the colonial rule in the island, who had built a fort in 1760, identifying its strategic value in maintaining vital logistic supply with the Jaffna mainland. This fort was later occupied by the British during its colonial aggression in the island who built a bungalow which was turned a rest house after independence.

In 1958, late Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranayake, identifying the fort's strategic value maintained a small military detachment which was later turned to a permanent Army transition base following the 1983 July, unrest in the island. The surge of calamity in Jaffna forced the military to shift its presence from Jaffna to the more remote, EPS.

In 1990, EPS was developed into a major military base complex and on 10th July, 1991, LTTE made its fist ever major scale attack at EPS. The LTTE's fighting formations were beaten off after security forces launched its most successful amphibious operation, 'Balavegaya -1' on 14th July. The troops led by Lt. General Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Major General Vijaya Wimalarathne landed at the Vettilaikerni beach head engaging LTTE in the most fierce battle fought in the decade. According to defence observers, the success of the campaign was triggered due to the diversion attack 'Asaka Sena', which was under taken by the Commandos and Special Forces (SF). In 1998, LTTE terrorists made another attempt to overrun the base which left LTTE losing and withdrawing its artillery batteries further southeast.

EPS was considered the 'jargon of the current conflict' and was most talked about since SLA's tactical withdrawal from the base complex on 22nd April, 2000.

Elephant Pass and Kurinchattiv are the largest salterns in the island with a combined area of 100 acres, which produced more than 85,000 metric tons of salt per year, before the area was engulfed in the bitter fighting for decades, defence observers said, speaking to defence.lk. The shallow waters through which elephants were once used to carry goods into the Jaffna peninsula from South has given it the name EPS, the sources said citing historical data.

Stunned LTTE proxies and mouth pieces are maintaining deafening silence over the twin debacle at North: loss of EPS and A-9 trunk road. Meanwhile, political observers state that the time is right for the LTTE to give-up arms and surrender without further dragging the Tamil youth towards disaster.

Describing, the LTTE's debacle at EPS "worst ever defeat after Kilinochchi", defence observers said, "It is apparent that we as a nation is finally seeing a definite end to this three decade protracted terrorist cause, and the prevail of a unitary nation under a competent leadership, which is to make history of being the first ever, to defeat terrorism amidst all odds".

Government bans LTTE

• Committing acts of terrorism and other forms of violence

• Engaging in armed conflict with the Security Forces and the Police

• Threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic

• Aim of establishing a separate state in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka

Rasika SOMARATHNA

The Government said yesterday that the Cabinet had taken a unanimous decision, in accordance with a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam(LTTE), which continued to engage in blatant human rights violations.

At a media briefing yesterday evening which was attended by several Cabinet Ministers, Minister Maithripala Sirisena noted that the Cabinet had taken the decision as repeated requests to the aforesaid organization to eschew terrorism and participate in the democratic process had failed.

Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva on the occasion said that the LTTE continued to recruit children and women against their will, and also kept denying free movement to civilians using them as a human shield, leaving no option for the Government but to go for a ban.

He further said that the proscription did not mean that the Government had closed the door for negotiations, but would engage in dialogue if the LTTE comes to the table after laying down weapons.

Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe urging the LTTE to release trapped civilians in Vanni emphasized that Sri Lanka with this action had re-iterrated it's call to international community to condemn using civilians as a human shield.

He further said that the Government would continue to provide all possible assistance to civilians who are been forcibly kept by the LTTE.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama emphasised that the the Government's action had portrayed that Sri Lanka continued to play a crucial role in the world agenda in combating the menace of terrorism.

He also added that 32 countries had banned the LTTE and the Government decision to proscribe the outfit would further hinder it's capability to garner support locally as well as internationally for their terror acts.

Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on the occasion emphasised that Sri Lanka had formally joined the world order in effectively contributing to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism.

He further said that the President had given the Tigers several ultimatums before imposing the ban with the latest coming as a warning on New Year eve to either free civilians held in bondage in north or face a ban.."Failure to do this would lead to the government proscribing the LTTE with all its consequences for the terrorist organisation," he warned after a Cabinet meeting the Minister said.As the Tigers had failed to heed the call the Government had taken this decision, the Minister added. It would provide effective support by laws coming into effect where any organization or individual convicted of helping the banned LTTE could face up to 20 years of imprisonment.

The LTTE was first banned in 1998, after it bombed the Dalada Maligawa. The ban was lifted in September, 2002, ahead of the peace talks following the Ceasefire Agreement. The LTTE had insisted that the ban should be removed before it could consider participation in peace talks. The Proclamation of the President proscribing the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) under Chapter 40 of the Public Security Ordinance gave several reasons for the proscription.

They included inter alia committing acts of terrorism and other forms of violence, with the aim of establishing a separate state of Tamil Eelam in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka, engaging in armed conflict with the Security Forces and the Police, assassination of persons of high political office, members of the security forces and the Police and civilians, causing death and destruction to lives and property, threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic, failure to eschew violence, lay down arms and, surrender and participate in the democratic process, keeping civilians in the North and East as hostages and using them as human shields, preventing humanitarian relief reaching the population, illegal procurement and smuggling of arms, using child soldiers, and adversely affecting international and regional peace.

Courtesy - Daily News

Troops lay siege South of EPS: Overrun LTTE foothold at Kurinchattiv and enters Thamilamadam

Troops of the Task Force-1 have reached the southern outskirts of Elephant Pass (EPS), the South most LTTE stronghold in the Jaffna peninsula after series of heavy clashes with the terrorists. According to the battlefield reports, troops have gained total control over Kurinchattiv village located on the eastern bank of Jaffna lagoon and entered Thamilamadam area this afternoon (Jan 5).

The fall of Kurinchattiv draws tactical advantage to the security forces, who are determined at flushing out the remaining LTTE fortifications in the Elephant Pass, Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil areas, the sources said. Further troops moved more eastwards from A-9 road and entered a fishing village - Thamilamadam. Thamilamadam is located south of Jaffna lagoon which is a very low-lying area. 

Kurinchattiv with its unique high ground area, a vital topographical feature adds more advantage for the recent military manoeuvres of the SL Army where troops will be able to concentrate heavy gun attacks at all directions, the sources further said. According to latest reports received from the battlefront, TF-1 troops are further pushing into the EPS while separate military fighting formations are marching eastwards at LTTE last bastion in Mullaittivu, security sources said.

Elephant Pass is the main entrance to the Jaffna Peninsula which can be used in all weather conditions. In 1991, Army Corporal Gamini Kularathne of Sri Lanka Army Sinha Regiment made his supreme sacrifice to save his comrades by attacking an explosive laden bulldozer driven by an LTTE suicide bomber. Corporal Gamini prevented the LTTE bulldozer entering the Army camp by getting on to the vehicle and immobilizing it with a hand grenade attack. He was posthumously conferred with Parama Weera Vibhushanya (PWV), the award for the bravery of highest order.

Whole nation poised to honor armed forces and fallen heroes

Hundreds of thousands of office and factory workers and all students in government and private schools will celebrate the victory of the Sri Lankan security forces by the capture of Kilinochchi, the headquarters of the LTTE terrorists, today (Jan 5).

In a televised broadcast to the nation Public Administration Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said,"The victory of the Sri Lankan forces is a unique one in the annals of the history of the nation and all workers will celebrate the victory by participating in national flag hoisting ceremonies, by singing the national anthem and observing two minutes silence for the fallen heroes."

He said the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at Kilinochchi is an event fit to be celebrated by all racial groups of the country since it was an important step to guarantee the unity of the country.

He said the valiant soldiers of the three armed forces and the police and the leadership provided to them by the Chiefs and the President should be remembered in these ceremonies. A senior officer will talk to the others on the importance of the day.

Education Minister Susil Prem Jayanth said on a similar note all schools today should be inaugurated after the vacation to honor the brave soldiers who served in the fronts. Some lost their lives or limbs, he said, in fulfilling this noble task.

He said these ceremonies should start at 8.30 a.m. today preferably with the participation of a family member of a war hero. The national flag should be hoisted, the national anthem should be sung and two minutes silence should be observed for the fallen heroes, he said. He added the school principal at the assembly should make a speech praising the importance of the soldiers who captured Kilinochchi and other places.

Others organized a non-stop chanting of Buddhist sutras in front of the Ruwanweli Stupa of Anuradhapura by Buddhist monks to bless all soldiers and the President starting from January 10.

Defense Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressing a meeting of the Air Force said out of the 1900 new houses built in the Anuradhapura area for the armed forces personnel a free house will be given to all who served at the front if they want to live in that area. The rest will be given on a concessionary installment payment basis, he said. If members of the security services have a land, concessionary loans will be given to build their own houses, he said.

Not everybody was in praise of the armed forces. A television channel broadcast repeatedly a speech delivered by a leader of the Opposition United National Party, Ravi Karunanayaka, who said, "This army when they want to go to Ali Man Kada (the Sinhala name for Elephant Pass) would end up in Pamankada- This army when they want to reach Kilinochchi would go to Medawachchi." (Ironically, the army is about to capture Elephant Pass and has already captured Kilinochchi). His leader Ranil Wickramasinghe alleged injured soldiers were not given quick treatment, which was quickly denied by the chiefs of the army and the air force. Palitha Rangebandara, believed so much in his leaders, the Puttlam District MP vowed he would give up his religion if the Sri Lanka Army ever captured Kilinochchi.

But the assistant leader of the party, Rukman Senanayaka, opposed the statements of his leaders and said the army's victory at Kilinochchi would give a turbo boost to the fight against terrorism in Sri Lanka. Commending President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his government for boldly meeting the challenge, Rukman also said the President's and his defense secretary Gotabaya's leadership had been exemplary in the war.

Pro-LTTE elements predict imminent fall of elephant pass and Mullaittivu

(By: Walter Jayawardhana)

Pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) websites and their proxy politicians have openly expressed fears that they would lose Elephant Pass immediately and their main seaport Mullaittivu and other places of control eventually.

Shivaji Lingam, member of the 22 parliamentarians strong Tamil National Alliance (TNA), the proxy party of the LTTE, from Chennai said, "And even if the LTTE were to lose Mullaittivu also, then too they will continue their struggle."

The pro- Tamil website, Cyber News said, "The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have begun withdrawing from entrenched positions in the strategic Elephant Pass region. The narrow Isthmus that links the Jaffna peninsula to the Northern mainland known as Wanni by land is often described as the "gateway to Jaffna".

Preparations are also afoot to vacate tiger positions in other key places in Eastern Wanni like Mullaittivu, Oddusuddan ,Muhamalai, Kilaly and Vatraappalai.

Apparently soldiers are now about 2 km to the south of Elephant Pass and are near Kurinchatheevu adjacent to Elephant Pass. Realising that Elephant Pass is not defendable the LTTE have begun vacating the area, the sources say.

Battlefield reports say that the Sri Lanka Army soldiers are about two kilometers South of Elephant Pass. According to LTTE sources realizing the Elephant Pass is no longer defensible the terrorists are slowly vacating the place. It is not clear whether they would put up some resistance or simply vacate the area, the sources said.

The terrorists escaping from Elephant Pass, Mullaittivu, Oddusudan and Vatraappalai are expected to hide in heavily entrenched fortified bunkers in the jungles of Mullaittivu poised for hit and run terrorist attacks both against the civilians and the government security forces.

Addressing the nation Army Commander Sarath Fonseka said after the fall of Kilinochchi, "We are confident that we can see the end of them withing this year. We don't need even a year to see their end." He said the area the LTTE leadership and cadres are hiding is like the terrain of Thoppigala in the Eastern Province, which the security forces overran.

Analysts have said there is an estimated number of 1700 to 1900 LTTE cadres remaining alive to do whatever kind of warfare they adopt.

Even if they adopt hit and run attacks on the civilians and security personnel in the future it would be nothing very much different from what they practiced together with conventional warfare. The United national Party has accused the government of pushing them to what they call guerilla warfare. But other sources say the government did not push them to anything but to their eventual demise.

LTTE Terrorists destroy vital public resources - Kilinochchi

LTTE Terrorists had destroyed the water tank that supplied water to whole Kilinochchi area on 31st of December before they fled their slef claimed administrative capital  .Water being  one of the basic human needs of civilians particularly in the dry zone areas the the LTTE has once again demonstrated its callous disregard for the needs of the Tamil civilians .

Unlike in the other parts of the Island drinking water is an exclusive commodity in Kilinochchi area. Therefore, thousands of people in  Kilinochchi were supplied with water  through this water tank for their day today activities. But when  troops advanced into the town the terrorists cowardly resorted to destroy vital infrastructure built by the government of Sri Lanka with public money. 

According to the moderate Tamil intellectuals the LTTE has always displayed its cowardice when weakened by harassing Tamil civilians for not supporting them .  Even in a war ,there are some norms that the belligerents  supposed to obey. Among them , not denying basic human need such as water is highly respected . The destruction of the Water Tank that provided water for thousands of civilians proves nothing but the barbaric nature of a terrorist outfit and the need to eliminate terrorism.

Kilinochchi liberated- Countdown to extinction begins for LTTE

The 57 Division and the Task Force 1 of Sri Lanka Army today (Jan 2) scored the greatest victory in their noble battle against terrorism by liberating the Kilinochchi town, the so-called administrative hub of the LTTE terrorists.

Troops of 57 Division lead by Major General Jagath Dias have entered into the highly defended terrorists stronghold  from the South and Southwestern boundaries while the Task Force 1 troops lead by Brigadier Shavendra Silva have marched in from the North and Northwest.

Kilinochchi, though not very strategically located in terms of military maneuvers, has been given a great symbolic importance by the LTTE terrorists as their administrative "capital". In fact, the LTTE propaganda elements used to call the town as their de facto capital of the utopian state of "Eelam". However , Sri Lanka government has been running all civil administrative affairs in the area, including bank and finance, education, health, trade and welfare .

The terrorist first took hold of the town in 1990 when the Army withdrew its garrisons from Kilinochchi. Then the area was liberated by the Army during operations Sathjaya I, II, and III in September 1996. The town again fell into the terrorists' hand in September 1998 and had their administrative hub there ever since. 

The LTTE is a ruthless terrorists outfit that has been engaged in a bloody terrorist campaign against the citizens of Sri Lanka since 1983. Lead by a psychopathic chief ,  the outfit has been trying to establish an ethnically pure Tamil state on the Sri Lankan soil.  The LTTE is also the first terrorist outfit to use suicide bombers, and to develop naval and aerial fighting capability. The outfit is listed in the UN list of shame for using child soldiers and banned in many countries in the world.

Fall of Kilinochchi imminent

The fall of Kilinochchi is imminent as the security forces have already entered into the Kilinochchi town perimeter from the northern, southern and western edges of Kilinochchi town, defence sources in battlefront said.

Troops engaged in multi-pronged offensive operation continued their military thrust on LTTE defences in Kilinochchi. After capturing the Paranthan built-up in early hours yesterday, 01 Jan, battle formations of Task Force 1 accelerated their advances towards Kilinochchi from west and north of Kilinochchi.

Troops attached to 10 Gajaba Regiment (GR) and 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) battalion are advancing towards Kilinochchi from the East of A -9 road whilst troops attached to 12 Gajaba Regiment and 6 Gemunu Watch (GW) battalion are advancing towards Kilinochchi town from the West of A-9 road.

Simultaneously, troops of 57 Division operating from west and south of Kilinochchi areas have also continued their advanced towards LTTE heartland Kilinochchi after gaining total control over the once LTTE stronghold located south of Kilinochchi, the Adampan town.

The 572 and 571 Brigades are advancing towards the centre of Kilinochchi from the West and South West direction and are operating closer to the A-9 road. Meanwhile troops of 574 Brigade who have gained control over the Iranamadu junction are now operating beyond the junction, the latest military reports said

There area no any option available with LTTE terrorists other than to flee towards the jungle patches in Puthukuduiruppu and Vishvamadu in the East of Iranamadu tank as troops aggressively advancing towards the heart of Kilinochchi in all fronts without leaving any room for the LTTE to operate there.

aranthan LTTE garrison captured: Troops make headway at Wanni battles

"Paranthan junction and its surrounding areas are now under the total control of the security forces", latest reports from the Wanni battlefront read.

The Paranthan LTTE garrison has been captured by the Task Force -1 troops today (Jan 01) early morning, following hours of bitter fighting ensued between troops and LTTE, military sources said.  The fall of Paranthan marks the dominance of security forces at the township after a decade.

The battle for Paranthan began in the early hours on Tuesday (30) when the TF-1 armor, artillery and infantry battalions commenced launching a concerted assault on the garrison town while, Army forward domination elements took on the well fortified LTTE resistance positions during surprise maneuvers made behind enemy lines.

Troops have also cutoff the vital access routes towards Paranthan along the A-9 road from North and South, reportedly killing over 50  terrorists, while injuring twice as many numbers during the intense battles, military source said.

The Paranthan LTTE garrison is strategically located, approximately 4.5km North of Kilinochchi along the A-9 trunk route and on the southern sector of Elephant Pass, another LTTE foothold, according to ground troops.

Troops of the TF-1, commanded by Brigadier Shavendra Silva, entered the Paranthan built-up assisted with close combat air support of the SLAF jets and MI-24 helicopter gunships, Wednesday morning (Dec 31). LTTE resistances and counterattacks were outflanked by the intense military armour attacks and concentrated artillery and mortar fire, ground troops said. The fighting was fierce and prolonged for hours until terrorists were completely beaten by the determined soldiers, the sources added. LTTE fighting formations mainly from the Imran Pandiyan unit led by its 'Kilinochchi-in-charge', Velavan and Jerom had made successive attempts to gain lost ground only to be left with more casualties and damages, military sources said.

Unable to withstand the fury of the combined Army and Air force onslaught, LTTE terrorists withdrew from the town in total disarray. Having inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy,  troops are now consolidating defences and advancing further east of the Paranthan junction, security sources added.

Fall of Paranthan would also open a gateway to the LTTE's remaining defences at Vaddakkachchi, and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas on the A-35 road (Paranthan- Mullaittivu), defence observers asserted. Muhamalai in the southern peninsular neck will also be untenable for the LTTE, the sources pointed out.

The fall of Paranthan, the well-fortified LTTE garrison has isolated the southern periphery of the Elephant Pass LTTE foothold and has also exposed the LTTE's main fortification at Kilinochchi, defence observers further said.

The chemical factory was the hallmark of Paranthan, providing direct and indirect income to many locals.  In 1986 SLA positioned a small administrative base at Paranthan, which was linked to the main base at Kilinochchi.  LTTE disrupted civil administration in the area in early 1990s.

SLA liberated it from the LTTE grip during the 'Sathjaya 1 & 2' military campaign conducted on Sep, 1996. However, troops had to make a tactical withdrawal in September 1998", Army sources said.