LTTE's technical wing chief killed in confrontation - Mullaittivu

LTTE's technical wing chief S. Kirupakaran alias Madivalahan was confirmed killed following a confrontation with Sri Lankan security forces at the Mullaittivu battlefront recently, defence sources said citing intercepted LTTE communication.

According to available information, LTTE has offered the self-styled 'Lt.Colonel' status to the slain terrorist on Tuesday (March 31), who was said to be the mastermind and chief coordinator of the LTTE's satellite cum radio communication network.

Madivalahan was born in Jaffna and has reportedly spent most of his time at Trincomalee before joining the terrorist organization as a full time activist. "This is what to be expected in the coming days as more senior tigers will be exposed to direct military attacks" a defence observer said adding that the loss of Madivalahan also underscores the probable end game for the LTTE.

The death of Madivalahan has triggered tension and drawn heavy critics against the present LTTE leadership, amongst the hell bent LTTE diaspora circles in Toronto and London, the observer further stated.

Prabhakaaran's son Charles Anthony injured in battle

Charles Anthony, eldest son of LTTE supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran is said to have been seriously wounded by artillery fire, while he was at Puthukkudiyiruppu. Thereafter, LTTE cadres had taken him to the ‘No Fire’ Zone (NFZ) and presently, Prabhakaran’s doctor, ‘Puri’, is said to be treating Charles Anthony. An LTTE leader, S. Ramachandran (code name within the LTTE and Tamil Diaspora loyal to the LTTE), living in Toronto, Canada, received this information via e-mail. Ramachandran is believed to be collecting funds from the Tamil Diaspora in Canada. He is a relative of Prabhakaran’s wife, Madhivadani. The e-mail had further stated that Prabhakaran is very concerned of his son’s injuries.
Prabhakaran named his eldest son after Charles Anthony, a close and loyal confidante of his, who was killed in confrontations with the Army. Earlier, on a tip-off on the whereabouts of Charles Anthony alias ‘Seelan’, then number two of the LTTE, the Army encircled Meesalai near Chavakachcheri. Alerted of the arrival of the troops, Seelan, along with Aruna, Anand and Ganesh had decamped on bicycles. Soldiers spotted them and opened fire. Seelan, already suffering an injured kneecap from the Chavakachcheri Police Station attack, had to abandon his bicycle and run through a paddy field, in an attempt to give the slip to the troops.
While on the run, it was said that Seelan, further injured by gunshots and unable to run further, requested his men that he be killed, before he fell into the hands of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). When his comrades-in-arms hesitated, Seelan had told them that he could not bear the pain anymore, and could not move fast. Therefore, he ordered Aruna, his childhood friend from Trincomalee, to finish him off.
When Aruna hesitated, he had screamed at him, “Shoot me, I don’t want to fall into their hands alive.” Finally, Aruna is said to have placed his rifle on Seelan’s forehead and shot him. Later, it was said that the LTTE was determined to avenge Seelan’s, a. k. a. Charles Anthony, death, and it meticulously planned, to take revenge on the SLA.

DMK would welcome creation of separate Eelam: Karunanidhi

Chennai (PTI): The DMK would welcome creation of a separate 'Eelam', a homeland for Sri lankan Tamils, if it was achieved through a democratic process, party president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said on Monday.

"We will be glad if a separate Eelam (state) is created (in the Island nation) by people voting for it," he told reporters here.

He said that "attempts of some opposition parties in Tamil Nadu to paint the UPA government at the Centre and the DMK government in the state as anti Sri Lankan Tamils" would not suceed.

"The opposition parties are trying to create an illusion among the public that my party is against Sri Lankan Tamils," he said.

battlefield pictures

The Manila Times slashes UNHCR and its head for helping LTTE propaganda

(By Walter Jayawardhana)

The Manila Times, of the Philippines, attacked the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) and its head Navaneetham Pillai in a strongly worded editorial that said it uses statistics spewed out by the Tamil Tiger terrorist group, as propaganda, for its official reports in place of thoroughly cross-checked facts.

The newspaper which is 106 years old said, "Much of the fodder that the UN rights body offered as its own diligently cross-checked facts was the same self-serving pap the Tamil Tiger propaganda machine is spewing out on the Internet."

Mentioning some of the falsified statistics emanating out of the LTTE propaganda machine the respected newspaper said, "the facts on the battle ground, and the evidence from the hospitals that surround the battle zone, could prove otherwise."

Having been defeated in the battlefield , the terrorist group is now turning into the Tamil Diaspora to make them get into the streets "in the faint hope that enough voices will be mustered to force a UN or European Union mandated ceasefire" the editorial said.

The following is the full text of the editorial:

"ONE of the less appreciated side-effects for anyone dispatched to the tropics on United Nations related business is that the good life which comes with the job-with a fair share of it spent in the customary expatriate ritual of subjecting one's body to the harsh rays of the sun while lazing by azure-hued swimming pools or golden sandy beaches-can result in the microwaving of the brain cells.

"Similarly, over in Geneva, which serves as the capital of the UN's humanitarian soul, a posting to a spacious corner suite of a chateau set amidst the picturesque alpine ambience (with the cool and invigorating air thrown in for free) must tend to get the brain cells functioning at the lower gauges of the thought meter.

"This, perhaps, is the only plausible reason we can offer up in mitigation for the mind boggling (and diplomatically costly) faux pas made by the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) through its seemingly prickly boss Navaneetham Pillay.

"Ensconced in salubrious Geneva and gasping for the oxygen of publicity for a body which has been severely discredited on many fronts globally as being inept and incompetent, Pillay claimed, rather wildly as it now transpires, that more than 2,800 innocent civilians had been killed and a further 7000 wounded in recent weeks in the ongoing fighting between the Sri Lankan forces and the Tamil Tigers-even though the facts on the battle ground, and the evidence from the hospitals that surround the battle zone, could prove otherwise.

"And this is where our aforementioned theory that the agreeable weather in both Colombo (where the alleged figures emanated) and Geneva (whence they were disseminated by UNHRC carrier pigeons) must at times make rational thinking and attention to detail a tough option.

"Needless to say, the Sri Lankan government is fiercely disputing the claims, and rightly so. What the UNHRC appears to have overlooked is the very salient fact that Sri Lanka is not at war with itself-as we discovered this past week while traveling around this stunningly beautiful island where smiles are very easily activated. Sinhalese (who make up a sizeable majority), Tamils, Muslims and a spattering of other ethic groups live alongside each other in perfect harmony. And the only time that social equilibrium is shattered is when the Tamil Tigers chose to do so with their bombs, bullets and suicide belts.

"As the record now shows, much of the fodder that the UNHRC offered up as its own supposedly diligent "cross-checking of facts" was no more than the same self-serving pap that (sensing the end is nigh as it makes its last stand cornered in a rapidly diminishing 21 square kilometer patch of jungle) the now ignited Tamil Tiger propaganda machine is spewing out on the Internet.

"What is an undisputed fact is the presence in the battlefield of several thousand innocent civilians, including women and children, held hostage there by the Tigers as a barbarically convenient human shield in order to secure a ceasefire and a desperately needed respite.

"Meanwhile, unable to make a fight of it in the theatre of war, the Tigers are now dependent on their paymasters in the misguided (and extortion ridden) Tamil diaspora to do battle for them by taking to the streets of London, Ottawa, and Geneva and targeting the support of the local populace in the faint hope that enough voices will be mustered to force a UN or European Union mandated ceasefire.

"Elsewhere, the Web based Tiger surrogates are also on fire. When we penned a recent column stating that Vellupillai Prabhakaran, the blood thirsty leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE), believes that the logic of survival was brutality, we were swamped with over 300 emails refuting our stand-one of which accused us of making the commandant of the Tigers "look like a devil when he is an angel!"

"We will leave the LTTE apologists to agonize over the competing prospects of strumming a harp on a heavenly cloud, or being deep-fried in a furnace in hell.

"Suffice it to say, that with the battle for a Tamil homeland, or Elam, now in near ashes, the war takes on a new phase by moving on to the media forum and cyberspace to secure (gullible?) hearts and minds to the cause on a universal theatre.

"As of writing, Pillay-whose name, through no fault of her own, would resonate more comfortably in Southern India (where the Tamil Tigers still retain a fast fading support base) than Southern Sri Lanka-has stubbornly refused to back down from her stated case.

"This despite the fact that the UN headquarters in New York issued a communiqu‚ on the blistering controversy, which seemed to mildly imply that the UNHRC figures are at best questionable. Elsewhere at the UN in recent days influential voices have been raised against the inhuman tactics of the Tigers in the battleground. So at the Big Apple end at least they don't want to be seen as cozying up to a terrorist outfit that is rotten to the core.

"But Pillay's unyielding stand is hardly surprising seeing as credibility (think Gaza, Darfur, Bosnia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Angola . . . need we go on?) is a commodity that deserted the corridors of the UNHRC decades ago. "

Army captures truck mounted with anti air gun; counter terror operation continues - Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lankan soldiers of Army 58 Division today (Mar 30) captured an LTTE truck mounted with 12.7mm Anti Aircraft machine gun during counter terrorist operations carried out in the Irnapali area, Puthukkudiyiruppu East.

Battlefield sources said that infantrymen of 20 Gajaba Regiment (20 GR), have successfully repulsed an LTTE bid to breach the forward boundary in the afternoon causing heavy damages to the terrorists. Five bodies of slain LTTE cadres have been collected with five T-56 riffles and one radio communication set. According to the sources, the soldiers have not only crushed the terrorist assault but also pushed their forward boundaries further in to the remaining LTTE hiding areas, causing the terrorist to lose the support weapon they had brought in to the battle.

Meanwhile, snipers deployed in the forward areas of Irnapali East reported successful acquisition of 21 terrorist targets during the course of the day.

Troops of 53 Division and Task Force 8 operating in the Puthukkudiyiruppu Eastern front continued their march in to the LTTE hiding areas amid intense resistance. Intercepted terrorist radio transmissions have confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists during the clashes prevailed in the area since morning. 6 GR troops found two T-56 riffles and two radio communication sets left by the fleeing terrorists.

Also, troops of 55 Division operating in the Palamatalan area, Puthukkudiyiruppu North engaged in heavy fighting with the terrorists and captured several LTTE bunkers. At one occasion, an LTTE suicide bomber exploded himself inside the bunker as his fellow terrorists took to their heels, unable to face the advancing soldiers. Sources said that soldiers were unharmed in the explosion.

LTTE built earth bund cum ditch North of Palamathalan seized

55 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Prasanna Silva have breached LTTE defences and gained control over an LTTE built earth bund cum ditch constructed North of Palamathalan, Saturday (March 28).

Unable to face the military onslaught terrorists have fled putting-up less resistance security sources said adding that at least 8 terrorists were killed and 17 others wounded in yesterday's fighting. Terrorists are continuously mounting heavy artillery and mortar attacks from the government declared No Fire Zone, and this has been the only response the losing terrorists could give avoiding direct engagement with military, security sources said.

During subsequent search operations conducted, troops have found 2 LTTE bodies along with 2 T-56 assault riffles, the sources further said.

LTTE suicide bomber blows himself in fear of arrest - Vavuniya

An LTTE suicide bomber blew himself in fear of arrest by security forces personnel engaged in a cordon and search operation in general area Varikottoru, South of Mannar- Vavuniya road yesterday (March 28) at around 12.45 p.m.

Acting on reliable civilian information received on the presence of terrorist suspects in the area, 21 Division troops laid a cordon operation security sources said. 2 terrorist suspects started running on sighting the approaching troops military said adding that one stopped fleeing due to military small arms fire and exploded himself detonating a suicide belt as troops closed-in-on 100 yards from the suspects. The other terrorist suspect had fled the area with the explosion security sources said.

Further search operations are continuing in the area.

Pottu Amman's safe house captured - Mullaittivu

Troops of the 20th Gajaba Regiment (GR) under the 58 Division have captured a safe house of Pottu Amman, while engaged in counter terrorist operations in general area South of Iranapalai at the Mullaittivu battlefront today (March 24).

According to military, the safe house was used by both Pottu Amman and Kapil Amman two of the most wanted terrorists of the LTTE outfit for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Meanwhile, troops have also found a jeep believed used by Pottu Amman himself during subsequent search operations conducted. A large amount of anti-personnel(AP) mines were also found in the search and clearing operations, ground sources added.

Human Right Watch is now trying to block the IMF loan

(By: Dr. Chandrani Gunaratna)

The New-York based Human Right Watch released another disinformation http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/23/sri-lanka-no-let-army-shelling-civilians report on Monday (March 23) saying that despite the assurances given by the government of Sri Lanka the Army continues to shell the no-fire zone where thousands of civilians are held as human shields by the terrorist outfit, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

HRW citing new information from the region said that they have received reports of civilians being killed and wounded daily in the no-fire zone, while the Sri Lankan government continues to deny the attacks.

Their 'reliable' new information came from a doctor at the makeshift hospital in Putumatalam who over the phone told the HRW 'that dozens of dead and wounded civilians were being brought to the hospital daily.'

There is no doubt the 'reliable' information was received from the same doctor who supplies exaggerated casualty figures to Associated Press and BBC. HRW says shells fell 250 meters away from the makeshift hospital while the doctor was on the phone with the HRW.

It is surprising how this doctor has miraculously survived this long while hundreds of civilians around him have died daily due to the shelling from the government on every hospital, makeshift or otherwise he has been serving.

Does HRW have any information from sources other than this doctor? Are there any other doctors in the hospital who can give information? Is this a self-appointed spokesman for civilians or LTTE? Do they have any information from the aid agency workers in the area? HRW in its report mentions few incidents of death and injury to aid workers, so there are at least local aid workers in the area.

Certainly an international humanitarian agency cannot just rely on just a telephone conversation thousands of miles away with a source who could very well be either under the death threat of LTTE and acting as a LTTE spokesman or an actual LTTE Tiger acting as a doctor. Are there any HRW staff in or near the area who can verify the identity of this doctor who gave all the information in a phone call while shelling is going around him?

Simply put what credible facts and figures the HRW has, to claim that the government troops are still shelling the no-fire zone and the makeshift hospital other than hearsay? What evidence does HRW have to identify the shells that fall in the no-fire zone are from the Sri Lankan Army and not from the LTTE? After all LTTE has no regard for the human life as they continue to kill the civilians who try to leave.

If the Sri Lankan government is still continuing the shelling and as Brad Adams, the Asia director at HRW says, "has responded to broad international concerns with indignation and denials instead of action to address the humanitarian crisis," why would the sailors of the Sri Lankan Navy risk their lives to evacuate the fleeing civilians who are being shot at by the LTTE?

For a while HRW hollered of genocide and internment camps with barbed wires for the lucky ones who escaped the LTTE execution. Those charges went silent when the government allowed the international aid agency officials to visit the Internally Displaced People (IDP) centers in Vavuniya and to see for themselves how the displaced are treated.

Sir John Holmes, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator toured the civilian shelters last month and said he was very satisfied with the way the government authorities are handling the humanitarian situation in the IDP centers.

When the Sri Lankan military started the offensive last year from Mannar in the Northwest and proceeded towards the east and even during the capture of Kilinochchi the Air Force bombed various LTTE installations and strongholds but there was no accusations of government shelling of civilians that flew around the globe despite that there were more civilians in those areas then.

Coincidentally when the LTTE got cornered in Puthukkudyiruppu and realized that they are finished and no where to run and will be annihilated unless they stop the offensive somehow, the HRW started its campaign to accuse the government of genocide and shelling hospitals.

What is the real agenda of HRW? There is no secret that the HRW is supporting the Tamil Diaspora's struggle to save their dream of separate homeland. HRW makes their goal of blocking the Sri Lankan government's war on terror clear in their report.

One of HRW's goals is to put Sri Lanka on the UN Security Council's agenda, asking UN to "urgently address the deteriorating situation." However, they have faced a stumbling block from China and Russia. China blocked the move last week and Russia voiced against it recently.

HRW has repeatedly called on Sri Lanka's key bilateral partners, such as Japan, the United States, and India to tie their financial assistance to the civilian issue. During the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Sri Lanka on February 24th, HRW insisted on imposing conditions on the financial assistance to Sri Lanka but admitted that China and Russia would oppose such a move.

Having failed to achieve these goals HRW now has turned its attention to block the loan the Sri Lankan government is requesting from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to continue with the resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the Northern Province.

Last week, Brad Adams of Human Rights Watch sent a "http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/23/letter-international-monetary-fund-imf-sri-lankas-emergency-support-loan-request">letter to the IMF board saying that the government's current policies and practices are counterproductive to the stated goal of the IMF loan and urged the IMF board members to set strict conditions before granting the loan.

HRW in the letter to IMF said that based on their recent field research on the humanitarian situation in the northern Vanni area "an emergency support loan for post-conflict resettlement will not achieve its intended objectives unless the Sri Lankan government takes serious steps to safeguard the rights of internally displaced persons and ensure an effective humanitarian response to the immediate conflict and post-conflict situations."

The Sri Lankan government has repeatedly assured the donor countries, the UN, and all other responsible humanitarian agencies that the displaced civilians will be settled in their original residences as soon as the war is over and the area is cleared of mines. The government has clearly shown that it can be done as they did with the resettlement in the Eastern Province. Yet HRW somehow seems to be certain that the government would fail to deliver those promises perhaps because the organization is making every effort to ensure that war with LTTE would never be over.

The Sri Lankan government and Sri Lankan people all over the world have a responsibility to counteract the HRW's relentless campaign to block the government's efforts to militarily defeat the LTTE and liberate the people and its reconstruction and rehabilitation plans for the Northern Province.

By continually accusing the Sri Lankan government of disregarding the rights and well-being of civilians in the Vanni despite the government's repeated assurance and releasing biased reports full of hearsay on the conflict, the HRW is purposely carrying out a smear campaign against the Sri Lankan government in the eyes of the Western world, especially of the donor countries.

U.S. Senator John Kerry's letter to Sri Lankan President on March 23 saying that the Senator was alarmed by reports about actions taken by the government of Sri Lanka and urging the "Sri Lankan government to take all necessary steps to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access to the displaced, and credibly investigate human rights violations by all members of government security forces," is a clear example of the devastating effect of this smear campaign by the HRW on Sri Lanka.

LTTE has no regrets in killing Rajiv Gandhi - Nadesan implies

In an email interview conducted with an Indian news channel so-called political head of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) B.Nadesan declined to answer the question whether they regret the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Confirming the Sri Lanka Army reports he also said Prabhakaran was still among them.

The Indian news channel CNN-IBN asked Nadesan, "Does the LTTE feel that had it not been for the Rajiv Gandhi assassination, India would have supported the Eelam Tamil cause? Does the LTTE regret the Rajiv Gandhi assassination?

Nadesan declined to answer both questions the news channel reported.

In the past , by regretting the event the Chief ideologue of the LTTE, the late Anton Balasingham is believed to have entered into a controversy with the two main suspects of the assassination , LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottuamman. Later a spokesman of the LTTE backtracked on the "regret". In his words Anton Balasingham said the killing was a "monumental historical tragedy which we regret."

India from time to time has reminded that both individuals are wanted in connection with the assassination. Due to the case there is a red alert against their names by the Interpol, which means that they could be arrested even any where else in the world by any national police, if they happen to get out of Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa has promised India that they would be handed over to India if they are caught alive. But some military authorities believe they should be tried in Sri Lanka for their crimes.

B.Nadesan also did not directly answer whether they are blocking the Tamil civilians who are trying to escape the LTTE enclave ravaged by war and trying to cross into the Sri Lanka government areas.

This the question asked from him: How do you respond to Sri Lanka government's claim that the LTTE is blocking a safe passage for civilians trapped in your areas?

Without telling anything about their blocking, about which the Tamil civilians have told foreign figures like visiting ambassadors and UN officials Nadesan gave an evasive answer analysing about the word "trapped". He said , "First of all, it is not appropriate to use the word "trapped." It is these people's land, where they have been living for generations until the Sri Lankan government chased them out of their homes. They are not trapped; they are still struggling to get their life back in their land with dignity. "But independent reports say at least many were driven into the area by the fleeing Tamil Tigers to be used as a human shield.

During the interview Nadesan assured: "We have neither ever committed any act against India's interests nor have any intentions to do so. The source of strength and security for India's southern flank is intertwined with the political stability and security of Eelam Tamils."

But the same TV channel broadcast a news items that said: "Security was stepped up in all the three international airports in Kerala following an alert about LTTE threat to the key installations, police sources said.

"The Air India security office in Thiruvananthapuram received the alert message from its Mumbai office, they added.

"The CISF, in charge of airports security, has stepped up vigil at the airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumbassery (Kochi) and Karippur (Kozhikoe)."

The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi is also considered a crime against India.

A CARE harbour for terrorists - Intelligence reports reveal

It is no secret anymore to all discernible persons in Sri Lanka and abroad, genuinely interested in the well being of people here, that the immense sufferings they have undergone due to terrorism during last three decades have been well engineered and blessed by a vicious coalition of local and international bodies other than the LTTE.

They that have been pretending to be humanitarian agencies, aid agencies, free media, civil rights movements, etc, have made the continued bloodshed on Sri Lankan soil a lucrative business for them. The only difference observed between them and the LTTE is that the terrorists have been fighting a war on the ground, which is supposed to end in the achievement of their ultimate goal of a separate state, while the latter fights a different battle on the media and in diplomatic circles, to ensure that the LTTE's war would never end at any cost. Though the interests of the two are different; one wants to carve out a mono-ethnic state from the territory of Sri Lanka, and the other want to secure their income through a continued bloodshed, both have been acting in perfect harmony since both interested in terrorism to prevail in the country.

The latest evidence of this abominable conspiracy against this island nation was bared when one INGO with the acronym "CARE" issued a press communiqué‚ that the one of its so-called "aid workers" was killed due to the shelling by the Sri Lanka Army during recent clashes in Wanni. According to the INGO, the killed "aid worker" one " Mr. Sabesan, was amongst those staff members that were unable to leave the area" when the government asked the INGO's other than Red Cross and UN affiliated bodies to leave the conflict zone in September 2008.

The Country Director of the INGO, one Mr. Nick Osborne, while expressing his deep shock and sadness for the loss of the "friend" and the "colleague" on behalf of the organization, also takes the opportunity use this death to benefit the organization's agenda.

The press communiqué‚ quotes Mr. Osborne having said, "The toll this war is taking on civilians is devastating," and "humanitarian workers trapped in the conflict zone are just as much at risk as anyone else, and we are receiving regular reports of family members, friends and colleagues who have been injured or killed in the fighting. People need immediate access to medical care, food, and emergency supplies."

However, the intelligence reports about Mr. Sabesan tell a very different story. According to very reliable sources, the killed "aid worker" was a hardcore LTTE cadre who was planted in the INGO, perhaps with the knowledge of its officials. He was not killed in the No Fire Zone or due to the lack of medicine in the area as the INGO suggests, but in fighting that took place in the Iranapali area outside the NFZ. The "aid worker" had been taking part in the battle alongside his "colleagues" not in the aid agency but in the terrorist outfit.

Also, the deceased was not an aid worker who was trapped in the conflict area but a person who simply followed the orders of the terrorist chief and remained there.

One should easily note that the INGO has purposefully refrained from revealing the fact that it is the LTTE that has been forcibly holding the civilians as well as its "aid-worker friends" coming into the safer zones. It is quite obvious why a country director who made subjective remarks like "devastating toll on civilians" refrained to from telling the world that LTTE is holding the civilians as a human shield.

Once the Sri Lankan soldiers entered into the LTTE run mono-ethnic hellhole in Wanni, many of these bodies that were there, calling themselves aid agencies were caught with their pants down. There was not a sign of any aid work or humanitarian work done during last two decades by these so-called aid workers, other than putting up of huge billboards. Now, the heads of these aid workers are desperately looking for a bailout plan as questions are being raised on what happened to billions of dollars that were poured from their donors. They are poised to use whatever possible line to discredit the nation, and to bring international pressure on the government to stop the counter terrorist operations. It is a shame how the world has been hoodwinked by these calculating and thinly veiled supporters of terrorism in a poor third world country for three decades, with funding surely not intended for such a crime by the donors.

It should be noted that the case of Sabesan is not something came up out of the blue. There is ample evidence that many other organizations having such caring names have been actively supporting terrorism in Sri Lanka.

Earlier, the Police found that two other "aid workers" of the Care International and perhaps close friends and colleagues of Mr. Osborne had been transporting bombs to kill innocent civilians in the South using an official vehicle of the INGO.

According to the investigation reports, one Dharmalingham Dharmaradan alias Kili, a driver and one Rasaiah Earrathan alias Kannan, a technical officer of this caring organization had transported loads of high explosives from Kilinochchi to Colombo, hiding in the fuel tank of the vehicles of the organization for a long time. Also, it was found that the abovementioned two terrorists were the ones who had brought explosives, subsequently used by the LTTE suicide bomber who attempted on the life of Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa in December 2006. The suicide bomber rammed an explosive laden three-wheeler at the motorcade carrying the Defence Secretary on the Dharmapala Mawatha, in the heart of Island's capital during the ceasefire.

Though the courts had ordered the police to arrest the suspects and the vehicle number WP GY 1644 of the Care International that had been used to transport explosives for the suicide bomb blast on the Dharmapala Mawatha, the INGO has not produced the suspects or even vehicle so far. Moreover, the INGO that issues press releases even at the drop of hat ,has been loudly silent over the matter.

Indeed, Mr.Sabesan is only one such person who had died in fighting the battle that he believed in, and not what the donors to CARE ever intended. There are many other such persons, taking cover under the names of such caring organizations. It does not need much imagination to know; judging from the false reports that keep flowing to the international media about the allegedly horrendous conditions in the NFZ by such organizations, that are noticeably silent about the actual hell-hole in the ever shrinking area held by the LTTE.

China informs the UNSC again not to interfere in Sri Lanka's internal affairs

Sri Lankan military operations have no effect on international peace and security :

China informs the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) not to interfere in Sri Lanka's internal affairs. A proposal has been included in the agenda of the council said that civilians are affected by the humanitarian operations in the north.

The council was compelled to withdraw the motion on two occasions due to stern opposition of China. China has reiterated that Sri Lankan military operations have no effect on international peace and security.

Courtesy : Government Information Department

Battlefield pictures

Investigations into weapons smuggled during CFA period

A special investigation has been launched into an incident, in which high tech equipment and weapons, reportedly for the use of the LTTE had been smuggled through the Katunayake International Air Port by passing all inspection procedures, during 2002-2003 (CFA period).

The investigations into the incident which happened during Ranil Wickremesinghe's tenure as Prime Minister was based on a statement recorded from the Executive Director of BIA at that time, Gamini Abeyrathne alias Taxi Abey, sources said.

In addition some documents retrieved from the Board Of Investment are also being used in the investigation.

According to sources, a large haul of weapons and accessories including mortars and explosives had been smuggled through the BIA at that time, with the help of certain authorities.

High-tec communication equipment, parts of light air craft, remote control devices, printing press equipment, night vision binoculars etc. had been smuggled for the use of LTTE, with the approval of those authorities.

Also several container loads of weapons which had been taken to North too are believed to have been passed by the BOI without any inspection, through the Colombo Harbour when Arjun Mahendran was the Chairman.

Also these weapons had been transported to LTTE areas using BOI vehicles.

According to sources, two expert teams are investigating the incident at present with one handling the alleged smuggling through the BIA and other the use of the Colombo Port.

Gamini Abeyrathne who was interrogated for over five hours had confessed that the baggage carried by LTTE leaders who used the BIA to travel overseas and back had not been checked at that time, according to instructions issued by then Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Gamini Abeyrathne was considered as a close ally of Ranil Wickremesinghe at that time. Also UNP strong man Malick Samarawickrema too is believed to be privy to the happenings at that time.

Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa too is alleged to have given weapons to the Tigers.

Courtesy : Daily News

LTTE forcibly recruits UN staff member

One UN national staff member and three dependent family members were forcibly recruited over the weekend by the LTTE, inside the government-declared No Fire Zone, a UN statement said today.

"The forced recruitments included the 16 year old daughter of a UN national staff member," the statement said.

The UN in Sri Lanka has protested to the LTTE that UN national staff, as well as children in general, are protected under national and international law from recruitment by armed groups, and has called for their immediate release.

Another UN national staff member was recruited two weeks ago, and has yet to be released despite repeated requests from the UN.

Courtesy : Presidential Media Unit

LTTE trying to survive using human shield

UN worker injured in LTTE shooting

UN worker, Sutharshani Tharmila and 13 others were injured when the LTTE shot at them when they arrived in the cleared areas of Puthukudiyirippu on Saturday (March 14) evening.

More than 1,200 displaced people had braved Tiger attacks during the past few days seeking refuge with Government authorities in cleared areas.

The injured had been admitted to the Vavuniya Hospital, military sources said.

Amidst reports of indiscriminate shooting by the LTTE to prevent an exodus, more civilians kept arriving at

October 27, 2008 - LTTE attacks two merchant ships carrying food and other essentials to Jaffna February 16, 2009- UN accuses Tigers of actively preventing people from leaving conflict zone March 8, 2009 - LTTE attacks ship carrying largest ever supplies of essentials for civilians in non-liberated areas

 various locations in the cleared areas of Vanni by yesterday. Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Risath Bathuideen said that 250 IDPs had been brought to Mannar by noon yesterday, with another 350 waiting near Omanthai to gain entry into Vavuniya.

In addition, more than 400 civilians had arrived in Kilinochchi, the Minister added.

The Minister said out of them, more than 600 would be settled in Vavuniya Welfare Centres. A large number of children and women are among those who sought refuge with authorities, he added.

A young boy was also reported killed in an LTTE fire directed at a group of civilians numbering 58 fleeing the Tigers in the Puthukudiyirippu area on Friday. Meanwhile, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) with the assistance of the Navy transported 423 displaced civilians from Puttumattalan to Trincomalee on board the vessel 'Green Ocean' on Saturday.

Military sources said 592 IDPs had reached cleared areas of Puthukudiyirippu on foot, the same day. They had been referred to welfare centres after being provided with refreshments and medical care.

Minister Bathuideen while admitting that the conditions in the safe zone was deteriorating due to bad weather and LTTE atrocities, said all relevant sectors including the international community should pressurize the LTTE into allowing the free movement of IDPs kept hostage by the Tigers.

He added that the Government had all arrangements in place to receive these IDPs and house them in temporary welfare centres, until they are provided with permanent facilities. According to authorities more than 34,000 displaced civilians had arrived in Vavuniya from non-liberated areas since January this year. In addition, a lesser number of IDPs had also been brought to Jaffna and Trincomalee during the course of this time.

Courtesy : Daily News

Army 58 Division inflicts heavy damages to the terrorists - Puthukkuddyiruppu

Sri Lankan soldiers of Army 58 Division now engaged in the final phase of the counter terrorist offensive in the Island's Northern province continues to give heavy beating to the terrorists, reveal defence sources in the Puthukkuddyiruppu.

According to the sources, the soldiers continued to battle the terrorists in the hinterlands of Puthukkuddyiruppu yesterday (Mar 13), liberating more territory and pushing the terrorists to their last standoff.

Soldiers collected 18 bodies of LTTE cadres, 17 T-56 riffles, one light machine gun, and two radio communication sets following the clashes erupted yesterday in the Irnapali North, and Kombavil East areas, in Puthukkuddyiruppu. The Army sniper shooters deployed in the forward areas confirmed acquisition of 12 terrorist targets.

Meanwhile, the soldiers rescued 58 civilians under terrorists clutches from the Kombavil East area. Among the civilians, there were several LTTE cadres who identified themselves as the members of Makkal Padai terrorist band, said the sources.

The surrendered LTTE cadres told the soldiers that LTTE leaders are now ready to throw whoever who can grab a hand grenade to the battlefront to save their lives. According their accounts, the bodyguards of senior LTTE leaders daily abduct hundreds of civilians and forcing them to crash military courses with the intension of saving their leaders' lives until the last moment. They added that all the civilians as well as majority of junior LTTE cadres were hoping that the soldiers would rescue them soon before they are being victims of the terrorists.

LTTE loosing its last stand; continue to take heavy beating - Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lanka Army 53, 55 and 58 Divisions, have now entered into the final phase of the counter terrorist offensive against LTTE with soldiers getting exceptional attrition rates in the battle.

According to the battlefield reports, infantrymen of 58 Division yesterday (Mar 12) further pushed their forward boundaries east of Kombavil Kulam, 4 Km north of Puthukkudiyiruppu. Troops overwhelmed intense resistance of the terrorist with heavy artillery and mortar shells fired from the No Fire Zone and inflicted heavy damages to the terrorist.

Troops after 5 hours of intense fighting since 10, last morning found 11 bodies of LTTE terrorists , 17 T-56 riffles, 7 radio communication sets, 40 hand grenades, and one gas mask . Soldiers of 7 Sinha Regiment, 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (11 SLLI), 10 SLLI, 8 Gajaba Regiment (8 GR), 20 GR, 12 GR and 9 Gemunu Watch fought the battle.

Separately, troops of the same Division found 3 bodies of LTTE cadres, 9 T-56 riffles, and few electronic items during evening hours following a confrontation elsewhere. Snipers deployed in forward areas reported 13 terrorist targets acquired.

Troops of 53 Division are now marching east along the A-35 road (Paranthan- Mullaittivu) also withstood heavy indirect fire originated from the No Fire Zone yesterday. During the day's fighting troops found one LTTE body, 15 T-56 riffles , one 81 mm mortar gun, one multi purpose machine gun, one rocket propeller grenade launcher and two radio communication sets from Puthukkudiyiruppu East. Snipers reported acquisition of 4 targets in the forward areas of Puthukkudiyiruppu East.

Meanwhile, troops of 55 Division marching south along the north-eastern coast further pushed their forward boundaries south of Puthumathaln. Troops crushed heavy terrorist resistance during the march.

The battle continues...

Pictures of Puthukkudiyirippu hospital

Canadian liberal party MP in hot water for participating in LTTE terrorist rally

Making a statement a Liberal Party Member of the Canadian parliament has reassured that he is no way connected with the LTTE terrorist group.

He made this statement after attending a Parliament Hill rally where some LTTE supporters started waving Tiger flags and making pro-Tiger statements at the rally.

The MP had been criticized by others for taking part in the rally in support of a banned terrorist group. The Liberal Party Member of Parliament Gurbax Malhi of Canada has expressed his regret publicly for being misunderstood for attending a rally where some participants have been waving the Leaping Tiger flags of the banned terrorist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

In a March 11 statement published in his website he said, "There is no excuse for terrorism and attacks on civilians, and the world has to show its concern for the protection of the civilian population," in obvious reference to the LTTE terrorist group.

The Mississauga News , a largely circulated community news paper said he was defending his attendance at a Parliament Hill rally last Thursday (March 5) in which some participants carried flags and made statements supporting the Tamil Tigers. He said he participated in the rally not in support of the said group but for some other peaceful purpose.

The Indian origin turbaned MP was quoted in the Mississauga News as saying in his website that he went to the event in support of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sri Lanka. He did not realize some rally participants were waving LTTE flags and making statements in support of the LTTE, the MP said in a statement on his website.

The Liberal Party MP for Bramalea-Gore-Malton said, "I deeply regret that my attendance at this rally was misunderstood by some as a demonstration of my support, expressed or implied, of terror or of a terrorist organization."

The MP, who was first elected in 1993, added that, "although a number of attendees at this rally chose to wave LTTE flags, I did not realize the significance of these flags, nor was I aware that other speakers made statements in support of the LTTE."

The MP's concerns for participating in this rally and the criticism levelled at him show the erosion of power and influence the pro-LTTE groups experience in Canada today, observers said.

LTTE plot for mass scale chemical attack bared

Sri Lankan soldiers of Army 57 Division on Tuesday, the 5th of March found a large stock of gas masks and chemical resistant costumes from a captured LTTE camp in Udayarkattukulam North. According to the defence experts' view, the discovery exposes a possible terrorist plot for a mass scaled chemical attack against Sri Lankan soldiers.

The LTTE terrorists have been using chemical gases against Sri Lanka Army during last two years of battle. However, the inherent limitations of the chemical weapons failed to give the intended impact on the battlefield with soldiers well prepared to meet a chemical threat.

The experts are of the opinion that the chemical resistant costumes which are indeed used in a much close quarter attack would have been intended for a direct assault supported by chemical weapons. Earlier, the tactic used by the terrorist was to fire gas canisters at the soldiers using indirect weapons than direct weapons.

According to the defence sources, there were 16 chemical resistant costumes, and 17 gas masks in the stock. Using chemical weapons is banned by the international law of war and considered to be a war crime.

The types of armoury found from the liberated areas of Wanni in recent times expose the great disaster that Sri Lanka as a nation has been heading since the 2002 ceasefire. The LTTE had been allowed to import aircraft, heavy artillery, high tech communication equipment, chemical weapons, etc during the ostensible peace cherished by the shortsighted political leaders of this country.

The experts argue that the victories won by Sri Lankan soldiers against terrorism is not only for the Sri Lankan citizens but also for the peace loving people in the whole world. The submarines, improvised bombs, suicide boats, chemical weapons, etc found in Wanni reveal the amount of contribution that the LTTE has been making for the global terrorism.

As highlighted by defence.lk many times earlier, the LTTE has been acting as the unofficial Research and Development(R&D) department of the global terrorist network.

There is ample evidence showing that many international terrorists groups have copied the tactics developed by the LTTE. Unfortunately, the hypocrites in international media and LTTE propagandists have deliberately concealed the fact from the world by justifying LTTE acts and white washing the terrorist outfit. Unless for the commitment of the Sri Lankan soldiers the so-called "rebel group" in terms of the above hypocrites, would have been still continuing on its dangerous industry of aiding the global terrorism while taking the whole world for ride with its propaganda ploys.

Puthukkudiyirippu hospital liberated from LTTE - Mullaittivu

Sri Lankan Army soldiers of the 53 Division and Task Force 8 entered the Puthukkudiyirippu Hospital premises today (March 12) morning, driving away LTTE terrorists who had turned the hospital into a major LTTE hideout since the fall of Mullaittivu town on 25th January.

The troops had entered the hospital premises and now engaged in search and mop-up operations in the area.

More civilians rescued - Puthukkudiyiruppu

Sri Lankan soldiers rescued a group of 297 Tamil civilians from LTTE clutches in Puthukkudiyiruppu East yesterday (Mar 10).

According to the defence sources, the group of civilians consisting 103 adult males, 118 adult females and 76 children, sought refuge with the soldiers engaged in humanitarian operations in the Kombavil and Northeast of Iranapali areas, during daytime.

The civilians were rushed to the welfare centers in Kilinochchi

LTTE SUICIDE BOMBER ATTACKS MILAD-UN-NABI FESTIVAL - AKURASSA

The latest updates on brutal terrorist attack at the national Milad Festival in Sri Lanka , indicates that 10 civilians were killed and at least 20 others , including a government minister were injured. An LTTE suicide bomber attacked the Jumma mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 10.30 , this morning (Mar 10).

According to the defence sources , the LTTE terrorist has targeted the Islam  devotees attending the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration , held at the mosque. The Milad-un-Nabi , the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile , hospital sources say Minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was also attending the celebration has suffered injuries, in the explosion. The sources add that another 15 people with injuries have been admitted to the government hospital Matara.

The LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate state for Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. Lead by its psychopathic chief  V. Prabhakaran, the outfit has slaughtered tens of thousands of innocent civilians during its three decades of terror campaign against Sri Lankan citizens. 

The LTTE  has been engaged in a systematic and brutal ethnic cleansing campaign  against Muslims and Sinhalese living in the North and Eastern Provinces in its fanatical attempt create an ethnically pure Tamil State in the Island nation.

LTTE receives heavy beating South of Chalai: scores killed, troops recover over 150 terrorist bodies- Mullaittivu

At least 200 terrorists were killed, as many wounded and over 150 LTTE bodies recovered by Sri Lankan security forces, following heavy fighting that broke out between troops and LTTE since last Thursday (March 5), at the Mullaittivu battlefront South of Chalai and Palamathalan. The 55 Division, 58 Division including Special Force (SF) and Commando troops comprehensively neutralized the LTTE offensive waves also seizing a large haul of weapons, security sources said.

Security forces thwarted successive offensive attempts made by LTTE to infiltrate the military forward defences South of Chalai yesterday (March 8), which left over 100 terrorists killed and as many injured, battlefield sources reported.

According to latest battle reports received, troops of the 58 Division have uncovered over 100 LTTE bodies along with a large haul of military hardware and equipment during subsequent search operations conducted in the area today(March 9). Heavy fighting broke out between troops and LTTE when terrorists made a desperate attempt to breach the military defence positions, advancing from South of Chalai along the Pudumathalan coastal stretch. LTTE had made the infiltration move, mainly taking advantage of the lull of military retaliation; a strict policy adhered by the troops following the declaration of the No Fire Zone, to secure safety of those civilians held hostage by LTTE.

On receiving timely ground intelligence and aerial reconnaissance information, security forces awaited well prepared for the terrorist infiltrators. Unnoticed, 200odd terrorists were drawn into a massive ambush laid by the 58 Division and Special Forces (SF) troops. With the break of first light troops engaged the rear positions of the LTTE offensive flanks leaving terrorists in total disarray seizing a large haul of weapons and communication equipment. Over 45 LTTE bodies were observed floating in the lagoon stretch while 58 Div troops have reportedly uncovered over 100 LTTE bodies during subsequent search operations conducted.

According to military sources, Lawrence, Swarnam, Gopith, Jerry, Arulnasion and a few other senior LTTE terrorists have command and coordinated the LTTE failed infiltration attempt. Meanwhile, citing intercepted LTTE communication Army said that heated arguments were burst out between Lawrence and Gopith, who had accused each other for the failed mission.

Following items were also uncovered during the search operations conducted.

Items Description	Quantity
T-56 assault riffles	268
T-58 assault riffles	08
Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers	18
MPMG guns	10
60mm mortar guns	06
12.7 mm anti-air guns	02
Light Machine Guns	02
40mm grenade launcher	01
9mm pistol	01
I-com sets	07
Compass	01
M-91 sniper gun	01

KP, the LTTE's new chief negotiator

The military has unveiled a secret plan of the LTTE to shield the identity of the LTTE's international arms smuggler, popularly known as KP (Kumaran Pathmanadan).

The disguised KP has been designated as the LTTE's chief negotiator and the international spokesman under the name Selvarajan Pathmanadan, recently.

The LTTE is apparently trying to camouflage the identity of KP in an effort to conceal his previous arms rackets. " He has been instructed to procure arms and ammunition for the LTTE using his new designation as international spokesman as a cover", the informed sources said.

According to sources, the LTTE leader has urged Selvarajan Pathmanadan to use his new credentials to visit all countries and procure arms and ammunitions to the LTTE which is facing its final battle.

Earlier, the LTTE's international spokesman was Anton Balasingham.

KP alias Kumaran alias Selvarajan Pathmanadan is a most wanted person by the Interpol and several intelligence agencies including the FBI for his involvement as the LTTE's key arms smuggler.

According to sources, KP who has been blacklisted as a key procurement agent of the LTTE operates from Thailand. "He has been all over South East Asia procuring arms and ammunition for the LTTE. These procurements range from small arms and ammunition to Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMS), Chinese built 130mm, 152mm artillery pieces, and several cargo ships and Czech built Zlin 143 aircraft", they said.

Informed sources said that several countries have refused to accept KP as the LTTE's chief negotiator and international spokesman despite the LTTE's repeated requests.

Meanwhile, the Norwegians have assured of the custody of Selvarajan if he is caught by the international intelligence agencies, sources claimed.

According to sources the LTTE has a strong international procurement link to smuggle arms and ammunition into the country and operates a shipping network in international waters. "These ships are used as `floating warehouses' to carry large stocks of arms and ammunition.

The LTTE shipping network has operated in Indonesian, Malaysian and Chinese waters and largely in the Bay of Bengal carrying arms and ammunition. In 2006 and 2007, the Sri Lankan Navy managed to destroy several LTTE floating warehouses operated in the Bay of Bengal", they said.

Courtesy - Daily News

Terrorists fire upon fleeing civilians, one receive injuries - Puthukkudiyiruppu East

Forty-five Tamil civilians, who had been forcefully held by LTTE terrorists as human shields, have managed to reach security forces yesterday (8 March) seeking safety for their lives, defence sources in battlefront said.

Troops of 8 SLLI (Sri Lanka Light Infantry) attached to 581 Brigade operating in Puthukkudiyiruppu east defence line rescued civilians who had been fired upon by the terrorists while escaping LTTE held area, defence sources added.

According to the available sources, a 17-year-old girl who received gun shot injuries due to LTTE indiscriminate fire was later transferred to the hospital following initial treatment given by the troops of army Medical Corps.

Our Forces lead global war on terror

Sri Lankan Armed Forces have brought unprecedented fame to the country. Terrorism which the most powerful Armies in the world failed to crush, was made to kneel down by our Forces, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

The terrorists whom our Forces are fighting, have been designated as the most ruthless outfit of the world. Therefore, the Sri Lankan Armed Forces give the lead and strength for all Armed Forces in the world in their war against terrorists, President Rajapaksa said. He was speaking at the Colours Award Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in Trincomalee on Saturday.

"I remember, it was in 1986 that the terrorists captured Tennamarachchi, Velvetiturai and Vadamarachchi areas in Jaffna, confining our Armed Forces only to the Jaffna Fort," the President said.

He said our Forces fought an extremely difficult battle while being inside the Fort. "Supplies by sea or overland were denied to them. At this critical juncture it was the Air Force which rendered a yeoman service to our besieged Forces. The Air Force dared to undertake supplies to the Jaffna Fort and evacuate the injured soldiers.

The gallantry displayed by the Air Force was remarkable." he said. "Whenever our military camps in the North and East were threatened, the Air Force came to their rescue. An officer who rendered a commendable service to the country at that time is your present Commander who gives leadership to you today.

Transport of troops and supplies, and air and sea surveillance are other prerogatives of the Air Force. The hawk-eyed Air Force could cast its spell over the most ruthless terrorist outfit to make it bow down before it.

It was the air attacks which sank the enemy suicide craft, and floating warehouses in the recent past," President Rajapaksa said. "If I sum up the support performance of our Air Force, I would say it admirably discharged its duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity and the pride of the motherland. The terrorists therefore did utmost to destroy our Air Force," he said.

"Terrorists attacked our camps. They were armed with missiles, not only that, they acquired their air-capability as well. The Air Force has however, totally paralysed the LTTE air power. There are youth who could have secured lucrative positions in the Sri Lankan Airlines, have opted to join our Air Force for the love of their motherland," he said.

"There is a special responsibility cast on officers who join the Security Forces today. It is to preserve the prestigious name won by the Air Force in its fight against the terrorists," the President said. President Rajapaksa said sacrifice and commitment are your principal responsibilities.

"We are not organising the Army, Navy or Air Force to fight a conventional war. We are in fact setting up humanitarian Armed Forces in which the Air Force is an excellent stakeholder. The nation demands your services whenever it faces a calamity.

Sacrifices which the Air Force make in war have to be repeated in the event of such natural disasters as hurricanes, landslides, floods or tsunami. Therefore, considering your past performance you can be designated as a humanitarian force," he said.

"As you are aware, the belief is that a conventional army cannot win a guerilla war. On the contrary we have set up a humanitarian army and that is the very reason why we could emerge victorious in this anti-guerilla war.

With such a glorious past, behind you, you should also create a similar future. The Air Force should always ensure the territorial integrity of the country. The Air Force should be equipped with modern weapons and aeronautical technologies," President Rajapaksa said.

"I offer my good wishes and blessings to the Fighter Squadron, 4th Helicopter Squadron, 10th Jet Squadron and Air Force Regiment who receive their colours. I also offer my good wishes and gratitude to the Air Force Commander who provides you an excellent leadership. Your victories in the battlefield have brought honour to your parents, wives and children as well. Your gallantry has been a matter of pride to our motherland," he said.

Commander-in- Chief at the Naval POP - Trincomalee

Seventy Naval officers belonging to the 45th Intake of Midshipmen, Direct Entry Volunteer Lady Officers Intake 02/2008, Direct Entry Volunteer Officers Intake 03/2008, Direct Entry Volunteer Counseling Officers and Service Entry Candidate Course 01/2008 passed out at a colourful commissioning parade held at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, on the evening of the 07th March 2009.

The Chief Guest was His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He was accompanied by First Lady Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa. Among the distinguished invitees who graced the occasion were Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Secretary of Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weerathunga. Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda was also in attendance to witness the historical event.

For His Excellency the President and the First Lady, it was a memorable occasion for being able to witness their second son Yoshitha Rajapaksa being inducted to the noble service of the Sri Lanka Navy. Yoshitha Rajapaksa was also among the Midshipmen being commissioned by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The moment was poignant with emotions when the President himself presented the coveted Sword of Honour to his son Midshipman Yoshitha Rajapaksa for being the Best Midshipman. Having also been the proud recipient of awards for the Best Sportsman and the Best Marksman, Midshipman Yoshitha Rajapaksa was filled with happiness to have the presence of his illustrious uncle Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who heads the Country's successful Defence Strategy, to share in the remarkable achievements shown during his Naval training.

In his message to the memorable occasion, His Excellency the President called upon the newly commissioned Naval officers to serve their Motherland with utmost patriotism and to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he expressed his wish to remind the officers of their duty and responsibility to uphold the rich traditions of the Naval Service and to move forward honouring the highest standards of discipline in the performance of all duties entrusted to them. The President also stated that at a time when Sri Lanka has earned the admiration of the world for its exemplary achievement in defeating terrorism, all Sri Lankans are indebted to the heroic men and women of the Armed Forces for the great triumph. He went on to emphasize that in this achievement the Sri Lanka Navy holds a special place for the decisive role it played in changing the tide against the forces of terror in our country. Whilst congratulating the officers being commissioned, the President paid tribute to the parents who have inspired and encouraged their children to join the Sri Lanka Navy to defend the Motherland.

The Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) where the historical commissioning parade was held is located within the picturesque setting of the Trincomalee Harbour. It is the premier training establishment of the Sri Lanka Navy capable of both officer training and all specialized branch training for naval ratings. Established on the 15th January 1967 and commissioned on the 15th July 1967, the NMA was awarded the prestigious President's Colours in 2003 in recognition of the service it has rendered by training heroic officers and sailors whose tireless dedication and fearless devotion and sacrifice have immensely contributed for the integrity and the defence of the motherland. It is the first defence institution in the country to be awarded the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certification from the Sri Lanka Standard Institution. The Academy is accredited to the University of Kelaniya for officer under trainees to be awarded degrees in Naval studies. It is considered a rare privilege to undergo and complete one's naval training from such a distinguished institution. The NMA today has the capability to train over 1500 trainees both officers and sailors.

In the colourful commissioning parade held at the illuminated main parade ground, the newly commissioned officers marched in a proud and elegant manner captivating the audience who had gathered to witness the momentous event. Clad in ceremonial naval uniforms, they displayed their talent and skills to the enthrallment of everyone that was present. The commissioning parade was held in keeping with the time-honoured traditions and customs of the Sri Lanka Navy. It consisted of a Band Display, a Drill Display, an Unarmed Combat Display and concluded with a Cultural Display.

At the commissioning parade, 15 Midshipmen and 15 Service Entry Candidates were commissioned and 40 Direct Entry VNF officers passed out on successful completion of their Naval training. Those who showed excellence while in training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances.

In the Direct Entry VNF Lady Officers 02/2008 Intake comprising of 10 Lady Officers, Acting Sub Lieutenant OWDN Amanthi was adjudged the Best Overall Performance Officer while Acting Sub Lieutenant RPLP Senarathne was adjudged the Best Overall Performance Officer in the Direct Entry VNF Officers 03/2008 Intake which consisted of 25 Officers. In the Service Entry Candidates 01/2008 Course comprising of 15 Service Entry Candidates, PO (SBS) DDAJ Dematapitiya won the award for the Best Marksman and REA IV NHMKG Narasinghe received the awards for the Officer with the Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects and the Best Service Entry Candidate.

In the Midshipmen 45th Intake which consisted of 15 Midshipmen, Midshipman WMIRL Suriyabandara received the award for the Officer with the Highest Aggregate in Professional Subjects. The award for the Officer with Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects went to Midshipman MGMC Munidasa. Midshipman YK Rajapaksa won the awards for both the Best Sportsman and the Best Marksman and was conferred with the Sword of Honour.

Commander-in- Chief at the Naval POP - Trincomalee

Seventy Naval officers belonging to the 45th Intake of Midshipmen, Direct Entry Volunteer Lady Officers Intake 02/2008, Direct Entry Volunteer Officers Intake 03/2008, Direct Entry Volunteer Counseling Officers and Service Entry Candidate Course 01/2008 passed out at a colourful commissioning parade held at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, on the evening of the 07th March 2009.

The Chief Guest was His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. He was accompanied by First Lady Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa. Among the distinguished invitees who graced the occasion were Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Secretary of Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weerathunga. Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda was also in attendance to witness the historical event.

For His Excellency the President and the First Lady, it was a memorable occasion for being able to witness their second son Yoshitha Rajapaksa being inducted to the noble service of the Sri Lanka Navy. Yoshitha Rajapaksa was also among the Midshipmen being commissioned by the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The moment was poignant with emotions when the President himself presented the coveted Sword of Honour to his son Midshipman Yoshitha Rajapaksa for being the Best Midshipman. Having also been the proud recipient of awards for the Best Sportsman and the Best Marksman, Midshipman Yoshitha Rajapaksa was filled with happiness to have the presence of his illustrious uncle Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who heads the Country's successful Defence Strategy, to share in the remarkable achievements shown during his Naval training.

In his message to the memorable occasion, His Excellency the President called upon the newly commissioned Naval officers to serve their Motherland with utmost patriotism and to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he expressed his wish to remind the officers of their duty and responsibility to uphold the rich traditions of the Naval Service and to move forward honouring the highest standards of discipline in the performance of all duties entrusted to them. The President also stated that at a time when Sri Lanka has earned the admiration of the world for its exemplary achievement in defeating terrorism, all Sri Lankans are indebted to the heroic men and women of the Armed Forces for the great triumph. He went on to emphasize that in this achievement the Sri Lanka Navy holds a special place for the decisive role it played in changing the tide against the forces of terror in our country. Whilst congratulating the officers being commissioned, the President paid tribute to the parents who have inspired and encouraged their children to join the Sri Lanka Navy to defend the Motherland.

The Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) where the historical commissioning parade was held is located within the picturesque setting of the Trincomalee Harbour. It is the premier training establishment of the Sri Lanka Navy capable of both officer training and all specialized branch training for naval ratings. Established on the 15th January 1967 and commissioned on the 15th July 1967, the NMA was awarded the prestigious President's Colours in 2003 in recognition of the service it has rendered by training heroic officers and sailors whose tireless dedication and fearless devotion and sacrifice have immensely contributed for the integrity and the defence of the motherland. It is the first defence institution in the country to be awarded the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system certification from the Sri Lanka Standard Institution. The Academy is accredited to the University of Kelaniya for officer under trainees to be awarded degrees in Naval studies. It is considered a rare privilege to undergo and complete one's naval training from such a distinguished institution. The NMA today has the capability to train over 1500 trainees both officers and sailors.

In the colourful commissioning parade held at the illuminated main parade ground, the newly commissioned officers marched in a proud and elegant manner captivating the audience who had gathered to witness the momentous event. Clad in ceremonial naval uniforms, they displayed their talent and skills to the enthrallment of everyone that was present. The commissioning parade was held in keeping with the time-honoured traditions and customs of the Sri Lanka Navy. It consisted of a Band Display, a Drill Display, an Unarmed Combat Display and concluded with a Cultural Display.

At the commissioning parade, 15 Midshipmen and 15 Service Entry Candidates were commissioned and 40 Direct Entry VNF officers passed out on successful completion of their Naval training. Those who showed excellence while in training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances.

In the Direct Entry VNF Lady Officers 02/2008 Intake comprising of 10 Lady Officers, Acting Sub Lieutenant OWDN Amanthi was adjudged the Best Overall Performance Officer while Acting Sub Lieutenant RPLP Senarathne was adjudged the Best Overall Performance Officer in the Direct Entry VNF Officers 03/2008 Intake which consisted of 25 Officers. In the Service Entry Candidates 01/2008 Course comprising of 15 Service Entry Candidates, PO (SBS) DDAJ Dematapitiya won the award for the Best Marksman and REA IV NHMKG Narasinghe received the awards for the Officer with the Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects and the Best Service Entry Candidate.

In the Midshipmen 45th Intake which consisted of 15 Midshipmen, Midshipman WMIRL Suriyabandara received the award for the Officer with the Highest Aggregate in Professional Subjects. The award for the Officer with Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects went to Midshipman MGMC Munidasa. Midshipman YK Rajapaksa won the awards for both the Best Sportsman and the Best Marksman and was conferred with the Sword of Honour.

LTTE endgame reaching its final phase: scores killed in Mullaittivu battle

At least 32 LTTE terrorists were killed and over dozen reported wounded during separate confrontations ensued between troops and LTTE in general area at Palamattalam, Tamarakulam and Puthukkudiyirippu at the Mullaittivu battlefront yesterday (March 6).

According to finalized military reports received, LTTE terrorists now confined to a mere 45 sq.km land stretch are making desperate efforts to prolong its imminent defeat, locating clusters of heavy mortar and artillery batteries inside the declared no fire zone.

Meanwhile, Task Force- 8 and 58 Division troops forging into the remaining LTTE territory have reportedly inflicted heavy damages to terrorists also recovering 15 LTTE bodies and a cache of military hardware.

In general area South of Palamattalam, 58 Div infantrymen made swift advances killing 11 terrorists and injuring a dozen others, security sources said. Also, troops of 12GW(Gemunu Watch) operating in general area Tamaralankulam have uncovered 14 LTTE bodies(10 male and 4 female) including 36 T-56 assault riffles, 02x LMG weapons, 15x hand grenades, 06x I-com sets and 3000x T-56 ammunitions. Subsequently, 11 SLLI troops have also found another LTTE body along with 10 T-56 assault riffles, one T-81 assault riffles and a GPS.

Meanwhile, TF-8 troops continuing offensive operations in general area Puthukkudiyirippu have engaged identified LTTE resistance positions killing 6 terrorists and injuring 13 others, security sources said. During subsequent search operations conducted troops have also uncovered an LTTE body, 04x T-56 assault riffles, an I-com set and 03 underground containers.

Further clearing operations to hunt more LTTE infiltrators

According to the latest reports received from the battlefront troops are now continuing further search and clearing operations to hunt more LTTE infiltrators who have made a desperate attempt to breach the security forces defences during the early hours on Friday, 5 March.

LTTE terrorists of "Radhan" band attempted to breach the security forces defences linking 55 and 58 Divisions at south of Chalai around 4 AM yesterday. The so called LTTE 'top level' commanders Swarnam and Loreance commanded the LTTE terrorists in this failed attempt losing over 35 LTTE cadres, defence sources said.

LTTE terrorists were totally disorganized as troops launched an effective counter push on the terrorist infiltrators following early detection of enemy movements.

Meanwhile, troops of 55 Division have found 3 bodies of LTTE cadres killed during the same confrontation on Thursday. 4 x T-56 weapons, 3 x I-Com sets, and ration packets were also uncovered during the search operation.

Over 7,000 children conscripted by LTTE

Media and Information minister cites recent UNICEF report

The UNICEF in a recent report has said that over 7,000 children were conscripted into the LTTE's fighting cadre and some have died while others are either injured or under LTTE custody, Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said.

Addressing the media in Colombo, the Minister said several UN agencies and International organisations drew extensive attention on child conscription being carried out by the LTTE violating international norms and practices.

The Minister said these children are abducted and enlisted to the Tiger forces after initial weapon training. "The LTTE should take the responsibility for putting these children's lives in jeopardy by depriving their right of education," he said.

The LTTE's child conscription drive was streamlined after the TRO was set up in the North. The European Union last week demanded the immediate halt of child and civilian conscription into the LTTE's fighting force.

The EU said that the LTTE should allow civilians to enter liberated areas and disarm itself for the benefit of civilians.

Courtesy: Daily News

Srilankan Team Pictures after reaching Colombo

Umpire Ahsan Raza still in critical condition, but improving

The condition of Ahsan Raza, the Pakistani umpire who was severely wounded during Tuesday's terror attack, is improving. Raza underwent surgery at the Services Hospital in Lahore on Tuesday to repair a collapsed right lung and damaged liver, and a hospital spokesman described the procedure as successful.

The 34-year-old remains in a critical but stable condition, and hospital officials told Cricinfo he could be released from the intensive care ward in the next three-to-four days. Raza was travelling in a mini-bus with umpires Simon Taufel, Steve Davis and Nadeem Ghouri, and match referee Chris Broad, when terrorists opened fire in front of the gates to the Gaddafi stadium. He was shot in the back, but medical staff said the damage to his liver had only been "superficial".

Raza, 34, hails from Lahore and played 21 first-class fixtures as a wicketkeeper before turning to umpiring. According to Ghouri, Broad threw himself on Raza after realising he had been shot. "It was very brave," Ghouri told Reuters.

Davis added: "[Broad] actually was lying on the floor next to Ahsan and when Ahsan got hit and blood was gushing out of him. Chris tried to apply some pressure to the wound and tried to stem the flow of blood from him while we were all lying on the floor. It seemed like ages and then suddenly the door opened and a policeman came into the van and then he lay across the top of Chris and Ahsan and I think he was more trying to protect himself."

Broad said they felt like "sitting ducks" and "every time you heard a crack you just thought 'this bullet's for me'". "The terrorists had also killed our driver so we were stranded," he told BBC Radio from Dubai. "Clearly the terrorists targeted the drivers to try and get the bus stationary." He said the liaison officer Abdul Sami was also hit during the shooting.

"It is very difficult to put it into words," Broad said. "There were five of us in the back of the van all lying on floor just listening to the crack of bullets going on around us and hitting the van."

Davis, an Australian umpire, was left shaken by the incident. "I really thought that was the end of it. I thought that was our moment," Davis told ABC Radio. "We heard what sounded like fire crackers and popping off and we realised it was something a bit more serious so we all hit the floor of our van. We had come to a halt behind the Sri Lankan bus.

"It seemed like ages but we were pelted with bullets and the windows started smashing in. Our driver was shot dead. Our liaison officer was sitting next to the driver. He was wounded in the shoulder and he got to the floor."

Broad said nothing had seemed out of the ordinary before the attacks. "The roads were blocked off as normal and there were lots of police around," he said. "When we got to a roundabout about half a mile from the ground, things changed. Initially there was what I would describe as a popping sound. It didn't seem to me that there was rifle fire.

"The local umpire [Ahsan Raza] said to me 'get on the floor, get on the floor'. So we all dived on the floor and that is where we stayed for seven to 10 minutes while everything went on around us. It was just a very surreal situation for all of us." All the match officials, with the exception of Raza, were relocated to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening.

Troops avert LTTE infiltration bid; 33 LTTE bodies found - South of Chalai

Troops of 55 and 58 Divisions have successfully averted LTTE infiltration attempt causing heavy loses for the LTTE terrorists in early hours this morning, 5 March.

According to the available information terrorists have attempted to break the forward defence line linking 55 and 58 Divisions south of Chalai around 4.00 AM. LTTE terrorists have heavy loses due to retaliation launched by the troops, defence sources said.

In a subsequent search operation conducted troops have found 33 bodies of LTTE terrorists killed during the hours long gun battle. 33 x T-56 weapons and many other warlike items were also among the recoveries.

The recovered items are as follows.

Items Description	Quantity
Light Machine Gun	04
Multi Purpose Machine Gun	01
60mm mortar launchers	03
Disposable Rocket Propeller Guns	03
Pack	13
Compass	05
Hand Grenade	13
I-Com	05
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)	03

 

'Good leadership is the key behind current military success' says global terror expert

overnment understood that fighting terrorism is a collective effort. Unlike previous defense secretaries Gotabaya Rajapaksa understood the importance of working with everyone. He built a first rate team drawing the leaders within the army, navy, airforce, intelligence, police, foreign ministry, and other government agencies and got them to work together. During the past two years sustained pressure was applied on the LTTE cripping the LTTE supoprt and operational networks. It was good government leadership that made the LTTE suffer.

Exclusive interview with Rohan Gunaratna by Udara Soysa of the Sri Lanka Guardian

Professor Rohan Gunaratna is Head of the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research and Professor of Security Studies at the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies at the Nanyang Technology University. He holds several honorary appointment including Member of the Steering Committee of George Washington University's Homeland Security Policy Institute and the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, Oklahoma. A former Senior Fellow at the United States Military Academy's Combating Terrorism Centre at West Point and at Fletcher School for Law and Diplomacy, he holds a masters in international peace studies from Notre Dame, US, where he was Hesburgh Scholar and a doctorate in international relations from St Andrews, Scotland, where he was British Chevening Scholar.

Invited to testify before the 9-11 Commission on the structure of al Qaeda, Gunaratna led the specialist team that built the UN Database on al Qaeda, Taliban and their Entities. He debriefed detainees in the U.S., Asia, Middle East, including high value al Qaeda detainees in Iraq. He served as trainer for law enforcement, the intelligence community, and the military. He served as counter terrorism instructor for GIGN, CTSO, D88, US NAVY SEALS, Swiss Federal Police, NYPD, and the Australian Federal Police. He conducted field research in conflict zones including in Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kashmir, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

Author and editor of 12 books including "Inside Al Qaeda: Global Network of Terror" (Columbia University Press), an international bestseller, Gunaratna is also the lead author of Jane's Counter Terrorism, a handbook for counter terrorism practitioners. His latest book with Michael Chandler, former Chairman of the UN Monitoring Group into the Mobility, Weapons and Finance is "Countering Terrorism: Can We Meet the Threat of Global Violence?" A litigation consultant to the U.S. Department of Justice, Gunaratna was United States expert in the Jose Padilla trial.

Q. How do you see the latest developments in Northern theater?

A. The LTTE has taken a severe beating. The LTTE is moving in three directions - the LTTE is planning for the large scale infiltration of Colombo to mount suicide attacks, internationally to tarnish Sri Lanka's image by misusing the word genocide, and radicalizing the displaced Tamils and recruiting them to their rank and file.

Q. What made the changes in the ground for the Sri Lankan Armed forces and Tamil

Tigers?

A. Government understood that fighting terrorism is a collective effort. Unlike previous defense secretaries Gotabaya Rajapaksa understood the importance of working with everyone. He built a first rate team drawing the leaders within the army, navy, air force, intelligence, police, foreign ministry, and other government agencies and got them to work together. During the past two years sustained pressure was applied on the LTTE crippling the LTTE support and operational networks. It was good government leadership that made the LTTE suffer.

Q. How do you see the 2002 CFA signed by GOSL and LTTE? Do you believe that LTTE benefited from it?

A. LTTE made use of each and every ceasefire to regroup and resupply as a group. The LTTE cadres and leaders made use of every ceasefire to rest, recuperate, collect intelligence and strike back.

Q. Do you believe that government forces can capture Prabhakaran alive or eliminate him?

A. If the same degree of pressure can be maintained on the LTTE for two years, the LTTE can be dismantled.

Q. Do you believe that a military defeat of LTTE is evident?

A. Yes, but it is essential for government to continue to work with everyone. This includes the diplomatic missions, the NGOs, the human right lobby and other actors who have been traditionally mislead or sympathetic to the LTTE.

Q. What do you believe are some strategic mistakes that LTTE committed during post- 9/11 environment?

A. Prabhakaran failed to seize several golden moments to talk peace and enter mainstream politics. The LTTE never addressed the core issues but discussed peripheral issues to buy time to strengthen itself militarily. The LTTE under Prabhakaran will never bring any relief to the Tamils. Prabhakaran has only brought suffering, death and destruction to the Tamils.

Q. How do you see the developments in Eastern province?

A. It is paramount for government to work with the international community to develop the east. Working with the Muslim, Tamil and Sinhala population in the East, government should make the East a model for the north.

Q. What specific challenges are ahead of the government of Sri lanka within next ten years?

A. On the economic side, government should review the existing investment incentives and make Sri Lanka the most attractive nation in the world for foreign investment. On the science and technology and IT side, government should make Sri Lanka the technology hub of Asia by inviting the best brains back to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's greatest untapped resource is its expatriates. On the governance side, Sri Lanka must give new powers to the anti-corruption commission and stamp out corruption. No country can develop without corruption. Leaders who are corrupt should deserve severe penalties. On the security side, it is essential for the government to build a world class security and intelligence service that warns government of threats ahead of time. The fight against the LTTE has been historically mismanaged. Government should reduce the size of the military but invest in building more elite forces like the special forces, commandos and airborne troops. On the social side, government must create programs to integrate the LTTE surrendees to the nations mainstream. Government should give land to every military and police officer and encourage them to start industries and business from agriculture to farming.

Q. What do you believe as the ideal political solution for the country?

A. Sri Lankan leaders must affirm and inform all communities that every religious and ethnic community will be treated equally. The majority community, the Sinhalese, can afford to be more generous to the minorities. If all ethnic and religious groups are treated equally, there will be no anger, resentment and no support for violence. Those who preach and practice hatred should be persecuted. Government must educate all its citizens that the national security of the nation rests on maintaining communal and religious harmony.

Q. How do you see the US and Indian involvements in current context?

A. The government of India trained the LTTE from 1983 to 1987. Today, India has realized the blow back effect of funding, arming, and directing terrorism in the neighbourhood. Sri Lanka must manage its relations with India by posting its most senior and able diplomat to Madras. We must invite all the leaders of Tamil political parties in India to visit Sri Lanka. The US is the most generous nation on earth. US has helped Sri Lanka immensely in the past and continues to help us. As the first country in the region to develop a market economy, Sri Lanka must work closely with the US. Sri Lanka must strike strategic partnerships with the US, EU, China, India, and Pakistan.

Q. What reactions do you expect from Tamil Diaspora within the next few months? Do you think that they have a major impact on Sri Lankan theater?

A. The primary duty of a Sri Lankan diplomat is to advance Sri Lanka's national interests. Currently its national security interests are challenged. As such, every diplomat should spend a third of his time countering the evil propaganda of the LTTE. The diplomats should explain to the Tamils overseas not to be carried away by the LTTE black and grey propaganda. Sri Lanka must appoint an ambassador for counter terrorism that will advice all missions on strategies and approaches to counter terrorist propaganda, keep foreign governments briefed and to ensure that the truce face of the LTTE is publicized. As the LTTE is a banned group, Sri Lanka should work with and assist foreign governments to prosecute those who work for the LTTE in their countries.

Q. What suggestions do you have for Sri Lankan political and military machinery?

A. Governance is a monumental challenge. Every Sri Lankan political leader must understand that they must conduct themselves properly to earn the respect of country and the international community. A leader must know to lead himself, then to lead others and eventually to lead leaders. This is the challenge of the hour.

The LTTE rank and file is demoralized and government must create a pathway for them to disengage from the LTTE. Government must announce amnesties for those LTTE members and leaders that abandon the LTTE. Government should promise them jobs and care for their families. Government should request for international assistance to rehabilitate those LTTE fighters that disengage from violence so that they will be useful to build the nation.

Courtesy : Sri Lankan Guardian

Massive stocks of explosives, lethal weapons on display

A massive haul of weapons, ammunition and other warlike military hardware recovered from Tiger terrorists in Udayarkattu village by 572 Brigade troops during search operations within a matter of only a week is now kept for display from today (3) under the instructions of its Brigade Commander Colonel Senarath Bandara.

Those warlike items kept for display include three 130 mm artillery guns, one 122 mm artillery gun, six 122 mm artillery trailers, two large LTTE artillery shells that are yet to ascertain their destructive capacity, a large stock of T-56 and Multi Purpose Machine Guns (MPMG), mortar shells, hand grenades, anti personnel mines, detonators, detonators codes, claymore mines, a stock of explosives and other military related items.

Meanwhile, 57 Division troops, engaged in search and clear operations in Visuamadu area on Monday (2) daytime collected three hundred and sixty-two hand grenades, fifty one 60mm mortar bombs, fifty-four rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, four hundred and eighty five rounds of T-56 ammunition, one T-56 magazine, one radio set, one battery, eleven map, one tripod, one Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) ammunition drum, eight Banglore torpedoes, two claymore mines weighing about 11.5 kg each, one claymore mine weighing about 15 kg, five claymore mines weighing about 2.5 kg each, two anti tank mines, fifty five anti personnel mine, one hundred and seventy-eight LTTE medals, one claymore mine of about 1.5 kg, one pistol cover, twenty-three pouches, seven 81mm mortar bombs, one thermo baric weapon, ninety-five LTTE identity cards, one LTTE pack, nineteen injection needles, two outboard motors, eighty-one CDs, thirty seven LTTE photographs, four hundred and fifty-seven bags of rice and one thousand body bags abandoned by the terrorists.

During the same day (2) 55 Division troops engaged in search and clear operations in Vannakkulam area found one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) bomb containing high explosives two anti tank Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) bombs containing high explosives, 250 grams of C-4 explosives, two claymore mines weighing about 2.5 kg each, three Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) bombs, five hand grenades, one detonator code, two pouches, two batteries, two water cans, four backpacks, ten Magee noodles packets and some canned foods.

In the meantime, same Division troops, engaged in a search operation in the general area Puthirani recovered one T-56 weapon, one T-56 magazine, twenty rounds of T-56 ammunition, two Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) bombs containing high explosives, three Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) chargers, five hand grenades, twenty-eight detonators, three 9-V batteries, one torch battery, one I-com radio set, eight field dressings, four socks pairs, some food items and medicines on Monday (2) afternoon. Meanwhile, troops of 59 Division conducted a search operation in Mullaittivu town and recovered one T-56 weapon one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) pouch, two RPG bombs and four hand grenades, the same day.

Photos - (Troops rattle LTTE defences, reach Puthukkudiyirippu junction - Mullaittivu)

Terror Attack to Sri Lanka Cricket Team

6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured including skipper Mahaela Jayawardene, wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara and Tilan Samaraweer in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources, the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before commencing of the 3rd day's play of the second test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Reports received confirm that seamer Chaminda Vaas, open batsman Tharanga Paranawithana, spin sensation Ajantha Mendis also among the injured including 4th umpire Ashan Raza.

Latest information from Lahore confirms that the Sri Lankan players are now out of danger and had received minor injuries.

At least 5 Pakistan policemen providing security to the Sri Lankan players were reported killed who had valiantly fought with the unidentified gunmen. According to available information, 4 unidentified gunmen who had arrived in a white car had opened indiscriminate small arms and RPG grenade attacks at the bus and the escort vehicles that were transferring the Sri Lankan cricketers to the stadium. Tension prevails in the area with Pakistan security forces and Police engaged in hot-pursuit of the gunmen.  Speaking to media hours after the attack, the Sri Lankan players were all praise for the bus driver who had continued driving the bus to safety into the stadium amidst the flurry of gunfire and grenade attacks.  They all forwarded their condolences to the family members  of  the brave Pakistani Policemen who succumbed while protecting the Sri Lankan players from the indiscriminate gun attack.

Meanwhile, the Punjab provincial governor making an initial comment to media has said that the attack bears hall marks of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on 2008.

Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona speaking to news agencies on the Lahore attack said that this incident is unlike to cause restraints between the two countries who also emphasized commitment from the cricketing world to certain the presence of Pakistan as a major player in the game. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India are all nations that are making stringent efforts to defeat the terrorist outfits in the South Asian region including the LTTE terrorists.

Also, praising the Pakistani security forces for securing the safety of the cricketers, Foreign Secretary Kohona evoked the solidarity shown by both Pakistan and India towards the island nation during the famous 1996 cricket world-cup, when Sri Lanka was blacklisted as an 'unsafe' destination by foreign propagandists.

Answering to a question raised by a foreign journalist on the probability of shadows of LTTE terrorists behind the attack, Dr. Kohona said that, "We have to wait until Pakistan conclude initial investigations before drawing speculations", yet admitted the very existing links between LTTE and extremist terrorist organizations in the troubled borders of the south Asian region.

Also commenting on the Sri Lankan situation itself, Foreign Secretary viewed hope of returning peace in the island, with the elimination of LTTE terrorists who are now cornered in a mere 40 Sq.km patch in Puthkkudiyirippu. Earlier, the terrorists refused all avenues provided by the GoSL to enter  mainstream politics.

Sri Lankan cricketers now safe: shootout at Pakistan

6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured including skipper Mahaela Jayawardene, wicketkeeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara and Tilan Samaraweer in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources, the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before commence of the 3rd day's play of the second test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Reports received confirm that seamer Chaminda Vaas, open batsman Tharanga Paranawithana, spin sensation Ajantha Mendis also among the injured including 4th umpire Ashan Raza.

Latest information from Lahore confirms that the Sri Lankan players are now out of danger and had received minor injuries.

At least 5 Pakistan policemen providing security to the Sri Lankan players were reported killed who had valiantly fought with the unidentified gunmen. According to available information, 4 unidentified gunmen who had arrived in a white car had opened indiscriminate small arms and RPG grenade attacks at the bus and the escort vehicles that was transferring the Sri Lankan cricketers to the stadium. Tension prevails in the area with Pakistan security forces and Police engaged in hot-pursuit of the gunmen.

Meanwhile, the Punjab provincial governor making an initial comment to media has said that the attack bears hall marks of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on 2008.

Troops rattle LTTE defences, reach Puthukkudiyirippu junction - Mullaittivu

Troops of the 58 Division led by Brigadier Shavendra Silva and Task Force -8 troops led by Colonel Ravipriya under the command of Major General Kamal Goonarathne of the 53 Division, have entered the outskirts of LTTE's remaining garrison at Puthukkudiyiruppu, and reached the Puthkkudiyirippu junction following hours long fierce fighting that left scores of terrorists killed today (March 3) at around 9.30a.m.

LTTE resistances were totally neutralized by the forward domination elements of the 58 Division and Task Force - 8 that led the initial onslaughts to the heavily fortified LTTE foothold, following the breakout of intense fighting in  the area since February 20. Infantrymen of the 12(GR) Gajabha Regiment, 1GR and 4 VIR led the initial thrust into the Puthukkudiyirippu junction reportedly securing the town perimeters driving away the remaining LTTE resistances this morning. According to ground sources, terrorists have fled in total disarray in the face of inevitable defeat.

"The capture of the Puthukkudiyirippu junction, overall underscores the end game for LTTE" a defence observer said adding that they (LTTE) are only left with two potions, either to surrender with security forces or to face total destruction. The 10 and 12 GR troops flanked the western boundary of Puthukkudiririiupu while 9, 6 and 12GW troops led the offensive formations from Kombavil and Northwest of Puthukkudiyirippu. The 7(SR) Sinha Regiment, 10 and 11 SLLI troops also led assault formations into the LTTE garrison perimeters, security sources said. 1GR and 4VIR troops of the TF-8 have entered the junction advancing from South of the A- 35 Paranthan - Mullaittivu main road.

Troops are now consolidating defences in the area, while intense fighting is reported further east of Puthukkudiyirippu and Northwest at Iranapalai.

6 Sri Lankan cricketers injured in shootout in Pakistan

6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before the 3nd day of play was about to commence. At least 5 Pakistan policemen were also reported killed during the incident.

Photographs, Videos found in terror TV station bare dark secrets

Sri Lankan soldiers of Army 58 Division have made a startling discovery exposing an abominable conspiracy against Sri Lankan citizens. The soldiers have found several recent photographs and video footage in a building earlier occupied by the LTTE terrorists showing certain South Indian politicians in LTTE camps in Wanni.

According to defence sources in Puthukkudiyiruppu, these photographs and videos were discovered by the infantrymen of 6 Gemunu Watch (6GW) last afternoon (1 Mar), while engaged in clearing operations at the captured LTTE satellite communication center, in Puthukkudiyiruppu West.

Defence.lk special correspondent in Puthukkudiyiruppu said that there were a number of photographs showing some of the South Indian politicians championing tribalism, actively participating in terrorist activities in Wanni.

Leader of MDMK party in Tamil Nadu , Mr. Vaiko had been photographed in LTTE uniform, firing pistols with LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran, delivering brain-washing lectures to the LTTE terrorists, and having discussions with Prabhakaran.

"There were photographs of several other South Indian politicians involved in LTTE activities including Mr. Nadumaran", he said.

Meanwhile an analyst speaking to defence.lk, expressed his surprise at the shameless relationship, these South Indian politicians have with the convicted murderer of former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Ghandhi.

" Prabhakaran has called Mr.Vaiko as the person who would link Tamil Eelam to Tamil Nadu one day...these photographs reveal that the plans for a greater Tamil Eeelam had been already on the way" , the analyst said.

The analyst further said that Mr. Vaiko's ceaseless attempt to save the LTTE from a military defeat might have reasons other than his so-called interest in the Sri Lankan Tamils.

"Perhaps, he is afraid of the dark truths that would surface with the end of the LTTE", he added.

Meanwhile, an LTTE attempt to launch a national TV station for its utopian state of Tamil Eelam has been exposed by a video tape found at the captured satellite communication centre.

According to our correspondent, the video tape contains a trailer created for the "National Television of Tamil Eelam" with news segments produced in Tamil, Sinhala and English languages. The news segments had been produced similar to the news telecast of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.

"When watching the news segments produced by the LTTE, it is clear that their intention was to reduce public support in the South to counter the terrorist move"

" They had been copying the news segments produced by embedded media teams of government and private TV channels and tried to counter them with false news segments produced by the LTTE propagandists", defence.lk correspondent said.

"There were many leading news items based on comments made by treacherous politicians in the South to belittle the commitment of the war heroes, aimed at character assassination of the President, Secretary Defence and the chiefs of the Armed Force, etc...it seems that the LTTE leadership like some politicians in the South, has been desperate over the public support enjoyed by the government"

Meanwhile, a senior member of an embedded media team inspected the captured satellite equipment and said that the LTTE was planning to transmit its programs via satellites. He said that the items were donated by Norway to the LTTE during the UNP government in 2002. According to him, the satellite station that the LTTE had here was similar to the national earth stations at Piduruthalagala and Padukka.

"Prabhakaran has called Mr.Vaiko as the person who would link Tamil Eelam to Tamil Nadu one day...these photographs reveal that the plans for a greater Tamil Eleam had been already on the way". Leader of MDMK party in Tamil Nadu , Mr. Vaiko had been photographed in LTTE uniform, firing pistols with LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran, delivering brain-washing lectures to the LTTE terrorists, and having discussions with Prabhakaran.

"Prabhakaran has called Mr.Vaiko as the person who would link Tamil Eelam to Tamil Nadu one day...these photographs reveal that the plans for a greater Tamil Eleam had been already on the way".

"There were photographs of several other South Indian politicians involved in LTTE activities including Mr. Nadumaran". Nedumaran is seen in the photograph with Kittu, a close associate of Prabakaran.

Terrorist  mouth piece Vaiko( extreme right) with the former LTTE deputy 'Mahaththaya' (extreme left).

Leader of MDMK party in Tamil Nadu , Mr. Vaiko had been photographed in LTTE uniform, firing pistols with LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran, delivering brain-washing lectures to the LTTE terrorists, and having discussions with Prabhakaran.

"There were many leading news items based on comments made by treacherous politicians in the South to belittle the commitment of the war heroes, aimed at character assassination of the President, Secretary Defence and the chiefs of the Armed Force, etc..

Video tapes contain trailers created for the "National Television of Tamil Eelam" with news segments produced in Tamil, Sinhala and English languages. The news segments had been produced similar to the news telecast of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.

"They had been copying the news segments produced by embedded media teams of government and private TV channels and tried to counter them with false news segments produced by the LTTE propagandists".

Defending the Nation from dizzy heights

Ranil Wijayapala

The entire Sri Lankan nation saluted the Sri Lanka Air Force when gallant airmen who were defending the air space shot down two enemy aircraft which had intruded into the air space of Colombo and Katunayake on suicide missions.

SLAF fighter jets undergoing routine checks

Technicians at work

Assisting ground troops

An MI 24 attack helicopter

That was the type of response the nation was expecting from the Sri Lanka Air Force for the past two years when they saw Tiger aircraft flying overhead during their aborted missions carried out in Colombo, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Weli Oya.

Though it was not the first time the Air Force shot down an enemy aircraft there was a special significance this time as they were eye witness to the gallant acts of the Air Force. Therefore, the SLAF added one more feather to the cap of the Sri Lanka Air Force at a time it was celebrating its 58th anniversary today having established itself as the Royal Air Force on March 2, 1951.

Most Experienced

At the time the SLAF celebrate its 58th anniversary it has proven its mettle to stand against any challenge before them as they are maturing through experience and standing among the most experienced and effective Air Forces across the globe through their proven skills to take precise and accurate targets against the enemy.

Though Sri Lanka Air Force possess limited resources compared to other Air Forces in the world it has set examples to the world fulfilling a bigger role in combating terrorism on Sri Lankan soil.

"The Sri Lanka Air Force stood against the challenge of facing the only terror outfit equipped with air capabilities in the world through our team spirit and we saw the results of our years long commitment to face this challenge effectively on February 20", Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke said as the SLAF marks its 58th anniversary today amidst the victory achieved against the LTTE.

But it was not a victory achieved overnight. It was after a long and arduous process with commitment and sacrifices made over the past few decades that the SLAF could stand on this high pedestal at the time it is celebrating its 58th anniversary today. Many changes have taken place within the SLAF over the past few years to improve the quality and effectiveness and to stand bravely against the challenge posed by the LTTE.

It was after two years of effort the SLAF could establish an effective air defence system to face the threat posed by the LTTE. The initial process to establish the air defence system was started in 2006 and it was able to complete the process establishing radars in Vavuniya, Palavi, Mirigama and Katunayake.

"It takes a long period to establish an air defence system but we could expedite the process to face the challenge posed by the LTTE", Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke said.

Expansion

The Air Force, which had undergone rapid expansion during the tenure of the present Air Force Commander, has proven its capability to face any challenging situation with the limited resources available to them.

When developed nations are flying high in the air with their state-of-the-art flying machines and carrying out air attacks ignoring the civilian casualties the pilots of the Sri Lanka Air Force have proved their capabilities by taking precise and accurate targets with the available flying machines without causing civilian casualties.

"It was due to the commitment, dedication and thorough discipline that our pilots achieved all these successes", the Air Force Commander said.

Throughout the past two and half years commencing from the Mavil Aru operation the Air Force played a significant role to weaken the LTTE to its lowest ebb and put them into the position of facing their final defeat in Puthukudiyiruppu. "We carried out our missions against the LTTE to break their will to fight and become successful," the Air Force Commander says.

The LTTE's military bases, Tiger leader gatherings, ammo dumps, fuel dumps, training bases and arms smuggling craft became targets of the fighter jets and helicopter gunships of the SLAF quite frequently.

The accurate and precise targets taken by pilots of No.10 Kfir squadron and No.12 MiG squadron had disabled Tigers fighting capabilities.

Key Role

The precise target taken to kill LTTE Political Wing leader S.P. Thamilselvan in November 02, 2007 proved the capability of the Air Force to take targets even within build up areas as they have taken this target in the thickly populated Kilinochchi town.

Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke RWP & bar, usp, ndc, psc

Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot Branch on January 13, 1978. On successful completion of flying training, he was commissioned in the rank of Pilot Officer on August 24, 1979. Air Marshal Goonetileke graduated from the Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Alabama , USA in 1994 and also attended the prestigious National Defence College in Pakistan in 2001. He was also the Director of Operations/Deputy Chief of Staff Operations of the Air Force before being appointed the Chief of Staff. During his illustrious career of 28 years, he has held a number of command, operational and administrative positions. He also served as an Operational Pilot, Commanding Officer of No. 03 Maritime Squadron and the Commanding Officer of No. 04 Helicopter Wing. In recognition of his distinguished career he has been awarded the Uttama Seva Padakkama. For the bravery displayed in conducting operations he has been awarded the Gallantry Medal `Rana Wickrama Padakkama’ twice.

Apart from the key role played by the SLAF in destroying LTTE military capabilities, the Air Force increased its coordination with the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka Navy to carry out combined operations and extend their support to the ground troops in an emergency situation.

The role played by the Air Force helicopters in casualty evacuation in the battlefront was the biggest contribution made by the SLAF to boost the morale of the ground troops.

Unlike in the past the Air Force pilots used to land their helicopters closer to the battlefront when ground troops required their assistance even at a time of fierce fighting between the ground troops and LTTE.

"We were always there at a time ground troops needed us, whether it is for casualty evacuation, troop movement or transport of military hardware from one place to another. That was a tower of strength to the ground troops to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently and was a morale boosting factor for the ground troops", the Air Force Commander says commenting on the contribution they made to ground operations.

The Helicopter Squadron of the Air Force has fulfilled the gigantic task of supporting the ground troops to evacuate casualties from the battlefront operating their helicopters round the clock.

"The SLAF expanded its network of casualty evacuation after affiliating their officers and men to liaise with the Army troops to coordinate the casualty evacuation process effectively", the Commander says.

Support

An anti-aircraft gun

The ground troops appreciate the role played by SLAF pilots as they were aware that there is a strong hand behind them when support needed.

The MI 24 Attack Helicopter Squadron also extended its support to the ground troops providing them close support to carry out their offensive operations against the LTTE.

The presence of MI 24 helicopters in the battlefield is a morale boosting factor for the ground troops as these attack helicopters can take enemy positions effectively and destroy their heavy guns which have become obstacles for the ground troops.

Responsibility

Besides the assistance extended to the ground troops the SLAF is also sharing the responsibility of the ground troops with the establishment of the Air Force Regiment to fulfil an infantry role in support of the Sri Lanka Army to hold the ground captured during the Vanni liberation operation.

The SLAF has deployed 2,573 airmen and 26 officers to picket a 14 Km stretch of A-9 Road from Omanthai to Puliyankulam.

In addition the SLAF also has deployed 1,173 airmen and 22 officers from Habarana to Thoradiya to picket A-6 Road and another 1,183 airmen and 22 officers to strengthen security in Peraru area in the Trincomalee district.

The assistance extended by the SLAF to the Sri Lanka Navy during Naval operations and detecting enemy boats and craft is also a key role played by the SLAF. The Air Force pilots have destroyed a number of Tiger boats during their recent operations against the Sea Tigers.

The destruction of Tiger boats in the sea and also in their bases in land has immensely contributed to weaken the Sea Tigers' capability to launch attacks against the Navy.

Efficiency

The increased surveillance capability of the SLAF through the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and the beachcraft has increased the efficiency of taking enemy targets accurately.

Casualty evacuation

Fighter jets ready to take off Pictures by Rukmal Gamage

Expressing views about the achievements of the SLAF, Director Air Operations Air Vice Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake says that the SLAF has been able to make optimum use of its assets in surveillance, close air support, interdiction, casualty evacuation, troops and cargo transport roles extremely effectively.

"This has been due to the outstanding leadership of the Commander of the Air Force and the dedication of the aircrews and ground crews of the organization. It has been a great all round team effort. Special mention must be made of the pilots, who have flown their machines to the limits in all conditions, and whose skills and applications have resulted in the success the Air Force has had", Air Vice Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake says.

The SLAF has also successfully incorporated advanced technology to enable it to use latest developments to its advantage and thus create an advantage over the enemy, he says.

Courtesy : Daily News