Wanni liberation enters decisive phase ; Two warfronts linked up making the biggest ever military front against LTTE in the western flank of Wanni.

The Security Forces engaged in the Wanni liberation operation, entered a decisive phase yesterday (June 30) as troops linked up the Mannar battle front with the Vavuniya battle front , making the biggest ever military front against LTTE in the western flank of Wanni. Army 58 division that operated from the Mannar front and 57 division that engaged Vavuniya linked up with each other from the southeast of Periyamadhu last afternoon.

With the successful completion of the liberation of the Mannar 'Rice Bowl' troops attached to the 58 Division in Mannar made this strategic move, moving further towards North East of Mannar to link with the 57 Division troops operating South of Periyamadu.

"With the linkage of the two Divisions, infantry battalions engaged in the Wanni liberation operation created a 75 km long massive military front from the West of A-9 road in the Western flank of Wanni front," a senior military official told the Daily News.

The troops attached to 57 and 58 Divisions have liberated 1,084 square kilometers in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaittiuvu districts.

"With this move the Security Forces operating in the Mannar sector are now positioned some two and half kilometres South of Vedithalthivu," General Officer Commanding of the 58 Division Brigadier Shavendra Silva told the Daily News.

With this move by the Security Forces, LTTE cadres operating in the Vedithalthivu Sea Tiger Base have started to vacate the area as they have been convinced that they cannot hold that ground further, intelligence reports indicated yesterday.

Vedithalthivu is strongest Sea Tiger Base of the LTTE in the North Western coast of the country. The LTTE depends on it for their logistic support to the North and Wanni battle fronts.

"We will continue to keep the pressure on the LTTE further and will take measures to counter their attacks and take maximum killings," Brigadier Shavendra Silva added.

The 58 Division operated in the Mannar front completed the operation 'Rice Bowl' with the capture of more than 120 square kilometres by Sunday afternoon.

"This is nothing but sheer dedication, commitment and high morale of the troops," Brigadier Silva added.

General Officer Commanding of the 57 Division, Major General Jagath Dias told the Daily News that the latest move will make the future operations of the Western flank of the Wanni front more stronger.

"We could achieve this due to the commitment and dedication of ground troops and officials under the directive of the Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka and the Defence Authorities," Major General Dias added.

Troops attached to 57 Division captured LTTE strategic location Periyamadu last week and advanced further west of Periyamadu towards Pallamadu to link with the troops of the 58 Division.

The 57 Division started its military advance from Thampani, and captured Periyapandi, Virichchan, Sinnapandivirichchan, Madu, Palampiddi and Periyamadu.

Courtesy : Daily News

(From Ranil WIJAYAPALA in Mannar)

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LTTE receives heavy beating: Troops takeover Mannar 'Rice Bowl'

tands to be a significant breakthrough made by the security forces following the liberation of Periyamadhu area from LTTE on 26th June. According to military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, the total area brought under control is approximately 120sq.kms, which mainly consists of the Island's most fertile paddy fields. In 1991, farmers have gathered a record-breaking paddy harvest from this area; the Spokesperson said adding that the famous 'Giants Tank' itself provides water to 153 small irrigation lakes.




The advancing Security Forces took total control over the entire Mannar 'Rice Bowl' area this afternoon (June 29), denying terrorists its main and heavily fortified defences at the Mannar front after days of heavy fighting ensued between troops and LTTE. The capture of this area s

Manthai, Manthottam, Adampan, Pallekuli, Kurukkandalkulama, Vellankulama, Vadakkandal, Alankulama, Andankulama, Marattikannadi, Alakaddiveli, Parappakandal. Parappukadatan, Tenveddiyan, Minukkulama, Vilayankulama, Papamoddai, Odduppalan, Kuruvil- Sluice, Neduvarampu, Kannaputtukulama and Vannakulama, were the main areas that was liberated by the security forces as troops are said to have consolidated and poised within striking distances to LTTE's strategically important coastal stronghold in Veddithalthivu.

Further speaking to defence.lk, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that, the capture of the Mannar 'Rice Bowl' and adjacent areas has denied the LTTE 12km of the A-32 Mannar- Pooneryn main road, in addition to the Uyilankulama - Adampan and Uyilankulama - Andankulama main roads, considered to be LTTE's main supply routes from the North.

The LTTE terrorists have also lost 13km of coastal stretch in Mannar, he further said.

The Sri Lankan Army infantry, armour and artillery troops mounted decisive attacks at LTTE positions inflicting heavy damages to the terrorists during the counter terrorist operations launched, with tactical fire support provided by the SLAF helicopter gun-ships, security sources said.

Late Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge Remembered

THE SECOND DEATH ANNIVERSAY of one of the veteran War Heroes in contemporary times Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge who was brutally slain by Tiger terrorists falls today (June 26).

Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge perished along with three more Army soldiers and a civilian in an LTTE suicide bomb attack at Pannipitiya, exactly two years ago while he was being driven to his office at Colombo Army Headquarters. A sea of mourners paid their last respects to this fallen military hero who was holding the post of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Army. The barbaric slaying occurred exactly two months after a Tamil Tiger woman cadre miserably failed to claim the life of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka.

The second year commemorative activities to invoke merits on the departed Lieutenant General commenced at his ancestral home in Lewella, Kandy with an all-night Pirith chanting performed by a group of distinguished Buddhist monks. An alms-giving follows the following day.

Lt. General ParamiKulatunge fell prey to an LTTE suicide bomber on 26 June 2006 near Pannipitiya junction, Maharagama as he was proceeding towards Colombo during morning rush hours. He was the Deputy Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Army at the time of his demise.

Progress of Wanni theatre of operations

Sri Lankan Armed forces, Police, Police Special Task Force (STF) and Civil Defence Force (CDF) are engaged in a military operation to liberate the Northern Province of Sri Lanka from the clutches of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or LTTE. The terrorist outfit maintains its military activities mainly over two districts of the Northern Province namely Kilinochchi and Mulaithiuvu.

Also, the LTTE is still active in Northern borders of the Mannar and Vavuniya districts. The region under terrorist clutches is commonly known as the Wanni region.

The Sri Lanka Army plays the key role in land operations under the mission to liberate the Wanni. While the Navy denies terrorists the use of sea lines of communication and the Air Force destroys terrorist nerve centres deep in the Wanni, the Army is engaging the enemy in two theatres of battle namely, Jaffna and Wanni.

Jaffna & Wanni

In the Jaffna theatre of operations, the Security Forces' Forward Defence Line (FDL) stretches for about 12 km on the neck of the Jaffna peninsula. In the Jaffna theatre, the Army is at present engaging the terrorists on three fronts: Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil.

The Wanni theatre of operations is considered the area where at present the most strategically important battle is fought. The security forces FDL stretches about 115 km on the mainland between the Mannar coast on the North Western shores of the Island to the Kokkuttoduvai coast on the North Eastern shores. The Army has deployed 3 main divisions to lead the military operation along the Wanni Defence on 3 battlefronts namely; Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya.

Mannar Front

The Mannar battlefront is operated by the fighting elements of Army Task Force One. At present the troops of Task Force One advance along the North Western borders of Wanni crushing LTTE defences north of the Mannar area The Map 1 shows the battlefield progress of Task Force One in terms of capturing, strategic areas and rescuing peace-loving citizens from the LTTE's clutches. As the present military strategy goes far beyond land domination, the intensity of battle is the most on this front.

Soldiers of Task Force 1 have so far wrested control over strategically important Adampan Town (May 7, 2008), and Mullikandaal (May 8, 2008) and Maanthottam (May 10, 2008) villages. As the LTTE's main supply route via sea still lies over the Gulf of Mannar, the battlefront is considered to be of the highest strategic importance. Thus, the damage done to the enemy in terms of destroyed bunkers, strong points and attrition rate remain highest irrespective of the relatively low land domination.

Vavuniya Front

The Vavuniya battlefront lies on the middle on the Wanni FDL and at present mostly active on the Western region of the Jaffna - Kandy (A-9) main road. Fighting elements of the Army 57 Division lead the battle. The greatest progress in land domination has been obtained on this front. The Map 2 shows the present situation on the front.

Soldiers of 57 Division spearhead the Wanni operation dominating over 622 Sq. Km of land. They have so far liberated Madhu Camp including the sacred Madhu Church (April 24, 2008), Palampiddi Town (May 16, 2008), Mundimurippu village (May 23, 2008) and Periyamadhu village (June 15, 2008).

Welioya Front

The Welioya battlefront stretches along the FDL from the East of the A-9 road but is mostly active on the Eastern borders of the Wanni region. Fighting elements of the Army 59 Division are at present leading the battle into the thick Mulaithiuvu jungles. This battlefront lies closest to the strong LTTE positions in the Wanni. Mulaithiuvu, the Wanni heartland of the terrorists lies just 25 km from Kokkuttoduvai, the place where the present operations have originated. Map 3 shows the present progress of the battle.

Soldiers of 59 Division slowly but steadily advance through the Mulaithivu jungles from Janakapura, Kiriibbanwewa, Andankulama and Kokkuttoduvai areas. Their greatest achievement so far is the capture of Muunagam base (May 30, 2008), the main logistic link between LTTE strongholds in Wanni and LTTE cadres in the east, across the Mulaithiuvu jungle.

Police seek public assistance to identify suicide bomber

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Photograph of the suspected bomber alleged for the suicide attack near the Vavuniya SSP office on 16th June, 2008.

The Vavuniya Police crime investigation unit today released a photograph of the LTTE terror suspect alleged of carrying out the suicide attack in front of the Vavuniya SSP police complex, killing 12 personnel and injuring 23 others on Monday (June16).

The photograph was found during initial investigations conducted at the explosion site, Vavuniya Police sources said, adding any sort of information of the suspect to be relayed to the authorities through the below mentioned phone number or to the closest Police station.

Vavuniya Police Crime Investigation Unit: 024 222 50 62

'Men of the Armoured Corps had made many sacrifices for the country' - Major Gen. Chandrasiri

Security Forces Commander North and Colonel Commandant of the Armoured Corps Major Gen G. A. Chandrasiri Tuesday said that the officers and men of the Armoured Corps have made many sacrifices to defend the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the country.

He was addressing the officers and men of the Armoured Corps at an investiture ceremony held at Rock House camp to award gallantry medals to four soldiers of whom three had fought valiantly in re-capturing lost territory from the LTTE in Pallai in the year 2000.

Having joined the army as privates, all three of them had served most part of their career in operational areas.

The General said that the soldiers of the regiment have fought gallantly in the battle inflicting maximum damage on the enemy. Their capabilities and experience have been an asset on the Jaffna, Welioya fronts and they had proved their metal in the battle against the terrorists to liberate the East.

"During the last few years officers and men of the Armoured Corps have been awarded over 100 medals for acts of bravery. This is ample testimony to their determination, spirit and fighting skills," he said.

He told the soldiers that it's their fortune to serve their country and discharge their responsibility towards their motherland.

He saluted the fallen heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice for their motherland and the officers and men who have been maimed or injured in the war and their families who have contributed a lot by making a lot of sacrifices.

They were awarded the Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP).

The recipients of yesterday's awards were Capt D. C. M. Disanayake, Capt. Saman Meegastenne and Lt. Kapila Jayantha Adihetty. Corp H. M. Navaratne was awarded the Rana Soora Padakkama posthumously, for having fought bravely when Tiger cadres were attacking the troops and were staging a tactical withdrawal in Manmunai in the year 2000.

Courtesy: The Island

Sinhalayani Awadiwaw

Hero of the Elephant Pass (1991)

Nickname Hasalaka Hero

Place of birth Hasalaka, Sri Lanka

Place of death Elephant Pass, Sri Lanka

Allegiance Sri Lanka Army

Years of service 1987-1991

Rank Corporal Unit Sixth Battalion, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment

Battles/wars Sri Lankan civil war

Awards Parama Weera Vibhushanaya

Gamini Kularatne was the second son of a family of four brothers and a sister. He obtained his primary education at Ranasinghe Premadasa Madhya Maha Vidyalaya at Hasalaka (farming hamlet in the salubrious Kandy district of Sri Lanka) and later joined the Sri Lankan Army on August 27, 1987 with the blessings of the father S.G Babanis and mother S.G Juliet.

The bulldozer that he lobbed two grenade and destroyed on his fate night.

On the night of July 10, 1991 over 5000 LTTE carders surrounded the 600 strong army garrison located at Elephant Pass, i.e., Alimankada, in Sri Lanka. Elephant Pass was known as the gateway to the northern Jaffna Peninsula. Enlisted to the Sri Lankan Army Sinha Regiment Sixth Battalion as a Rifleman, Lance Corporal Gamini Kularatne, along with the rest of his regiment, was tasked with watching for possible LTTE infiltrators.

As dusk fell the LTTE carders launched several human wave attacks. Flanked by hundreds of their armed cadres, they surrounded the Army's fortifications. But the sight of a hitherto unknown bulldozer covered with armour plates looking like a huge tank sent shock waves among soldiers at all sentry points as the huge bulldozer tank was a mystery to all on guard.

Equipped with a machine gun atop it and containing a haul of arms and ammunitions inside it rumbled towards the southern entrance of the camp and Lance Corporal Kularatne in his pensive mood thought this new rolling weapon would definitely be able to swarm the garrison within seconds taking a heavy toll of his fellowmen. Above all the fall of Elephant Pass to the enemy would be catastrophic and counterproductive at national level, and there was hardly any time to waste, Kularatne pondered.

Although the LTTE began pounding the Army camp with heavy mortars and weapons to the cries of injured and dying soldiers amidst deafening explosions, all eyes were still centered on the enemy's approaching mysterious bulldozer laden with sophisticated weapons.

Suddenly Lance Corporal Kularatne, holding two grenades in his hands, dashed out towards the oncommig bulldozer tank, clambered up the tank's ladder and tossed the two grenades inside it, disregarding the numerous injuries he himself had suffered by then from the bullets of LTTE. Within seconds, fiery bursts of fire accompanied by a series of explosions occurred. Lance Corporal Gamini Kularatne was flung to the ground lay motionless.

Thus the siege of Elephant Pass Army Camp was broken and one of the most ferocious battles in Sri Lanka's modern history ended. The camp was finally saved from the LTTE.

Lance Corporal Kularatne's supreme sacrifice, dedicated for the sake of Sri Lanka's territorial integrity and sovereignty was well received with admiration and honor by all segments of masses across the island.

In recognition of his act of gallantry Lance Corporal Gamini Kularatne was promoted to the rank of Corporal posthumously and honored with the award of "Parama Weera Vibhushanaya", the highest gallantry award in Sri Lanka for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka Army.

Later he came to be known as the "Hasalaka Weeraya"(Hasalaka Hero)

Corporal Gamini Kularatne's valiant action marks a milestone in the annals of military gallantry. No doubt, the nation salutes this valiant soldier as long as they could breathe. He also leaves an indelible memory of patriotism and valor not only in the minds of his own countrymen but also among millions of Sri Lankans whose today is sacrificed for the sake of tomorrow's betterment.

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War Hero Monument

PAST MEMORIES of the ancient grandeur were recalled with respect, as beats of Ranabera (drums) rent the air when the Nation stood in silence at the dawn of Saturday (7th June), the much-revered “War Heroes Day”. The national event was exclusively meant to pay tribute to brave soldiers of the tri-services (Army, Navy & Air Force) and the Police who continue to defend their motherland at the expense of their own lives. The D-Day is also dedicated to the memory of thousands of War Heroes who have laid their lives while in action or gone missing. This year’s main ceremony got underway at the Sri Jayawardenapura Parliament Ground this evening (7) where a special permanent War Hero monument, erected on behalf of them, was unveiled by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. A distinguished gathering including VIPs, Prime Minister, Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Tri-Service Commanders, Inspector General of the Police, diplomats, parliamentarians, senior military officers and invitees graced this main ceremony at Battaramulla Saturday (7) evening where a tri-service and Police parade was staged. The Army band provided the melody to the theme song on War Heroes after the President unveiled the plaque that speaks of the bravery of the Security Forces and the Police. The climax of the occasion followed with the opening of the Ranaviru Monument where names of all War Heroes, hitherto fought for the country remain inscribed. The Acting Chairman of Rana Viru Seva Authority (RVSA) welcomed the President and other distinguished guests and invited the clergy to observe religious rites of all faiths. The ceremony concluded with President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s speech to the Nation on the occasion during which he reminded that it is duty of everybody to pay their respect to fathers, mothers and wives of fallen heroes. President urged all to have a monument built in their hearts, similar to one that was unveiled today so that heroic names of our sons will remain in our hearts forever. The ceremony came to a close as tri-service and Police trumpeters heralded the Last Post. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at the end of the event, stepped down to the gathering of parents, wives and relatives of the fallen heroes and spoke to them before leaving the venue. Island-wide regional commemorative ceremonies started on 1st June at the Mailapitiya National War Memorial park complex in the central Kandy hills where the major event was commemorated until 2007. On 2nd June RVSA with the support of grateful public marked the event at Anuradhapura War Memorial in the North Central Province. The Southern Province ceremony in the meantime took place on 3rd June at the Galle War Memorial in front of a large gathering. The one at Rathnapura War Memorial in Sabaragamuwa Province occurred on 5th June headed by provincial politicians and members of the public. The Kurunegala Welagedara War Memorial in the North Western Province had its commemoration on 4th June on a grand scale. In the Trincomalee District, the event was marked in the District Secretariat compound in the port city of Trincomalee. Likewise, the commemoration in the Uva Province took place in the heart of Badulla town on Friday (6) morning with the participation of clergy and many others. Patriotic general public are invited to light a coconut lamp today (June 7th) at their doorstep to pay their tribute to those who offer their today for the sake of our tomorrow.

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Police calls for Public support

The photograph given above is that of the main suspect Sunmugan Suriyakumar alias Kutti, aged 35 involved in the suicide bombing of the Late Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle close to the "Kanthi Sports Club" in Weliweriya on 06th April 2008.

The Sri Lanka Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), 4th Floor, New Secretariat Building , Colombo 1 requests from the public that anyone in possession of any information which would lead to the arrest of the above person whose personal details are given below should immediately contact by Telephone numbers -

Telephone Nos:	118 119 0112421111 and 0112327711
N I C Number :	732923691V
Passport Number :	N1694201
Address: (1)	Kiruba Mills, Periyakulam, Puliyamvokkanai
Address: (2)	No. 43, Sumanarama Road, Mt.Lavinia

Police investigation units seek public assistance to arrest the terror suspect who has detonated an IED slightly damaging a rail track injuring 18 civilians between Wellawattha and Dehiwala on (June 4th).

The Police while commending the public for their awareness, which had made it possible to avert tragedy, issued a photo of the suspect with following details.

Available details are as follows:

· Name: Yoga Mayuran

· Date of Birth: 1985.08.28

· Passport No: N 1898438

· NIC No: 852414528 V

· Address: Dehiwala (general area)

Inform details to following Police emergency numbers:

• 118
• 119
• 0112421111
• 0112327711

Ranaviru Dinaya....7th June 2008

Police seeks public assistance to arrest terror suspect

Police investigation units seek public assistance to arrest the terror suspect who has detonated an IED slightly damaging a rail track injuring 18 civilians between Wellawatta and Dehiwala this morning (June 4).

The Police while commending the public for their awareness, which had made it possible to avert tragedy, issued a photo of the suspect with following details.

Available details are as follows:

• Name: Jatheesan Balasubramaniyam

• Date of Birth: 1978.08.28

• Passport No: N 1898438

• NIC No: 782413538 V

• Address: Wattala (general area)

Inform details to following Police emergency numbers:

• 118

• 119

• 0112421111

• 0112327711

More : http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080604_07