Troops capture Olumadu village - Mullaittivu

Troops of Task Force 3 operating east of Mankulam have gained total control over the Olumadu Village reaching to a significant stage in the Wanni liberation operation this evening (Nov 25).

After fierce fighting which lasted for a few days, troops of Task Force 3 were able to reach the Olumadu area and started further consolidating operations from this afternoon.

Olumadu is located 4Km northeast of Mankulam along the Mankulam - Mullaittivu (A-34) main road.

Troops now engaged in further consolidating operations in the area.

Mop up operations in progress in Pooneryn salient; Air Force comes to troops assistance

Task Force 1 troops having liberated Poonaryn are now engaged in mop-up operations in the Poonaryn salient, Defence sources in the filed reveal. Troops are now clearing their way towards Kalmunai Point (K-Point) along the 20 Km long narrow land stretch where the LTTE terrorists used to stationed their artillery and mortar batteries.

Meanwhile , Sri Lanka Air Force has lunched a series of air strikes in support of ground troops in the Muhamalai area. Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told defence.lk that MI-24 helicopters and fighter jets have engaged LTTE artillery and mortar positions in the area since 6.30 to 9.45 this morning (Nov 15).

Army Chief , Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka describing the victory to state media said that the whole stretch of A-32 road from Mannar to Poonaryn has been liberated after 20 years. He said that troops of Task Force 1 and 57 Division have cutoff the Poonaryn- Paranthan road (B-69) yesterday and marched for about 8 Km down the road to Pooneryn junction .

"Then we advanced further and captured Sangupiddy ferry that connects the road to Thanankiluppu in Jaffna", now the army has dominated the whole west coast", he said.

Speaking further, he said that it is the  first time after 20 years that the Army has opened a land route to Jaffna.

"We have eliminated large number of terrorists during this battle, remaining terrorists are now running for their lives across the Kilali lagoon", he said.

In addition, he said that troops of 57 Division and Task Force 1 have already started marching eastward towards A-9 road.

"At present, our forces have positioned themselves about 10 Km west of Paranthan on the A-9 road", he said.

Poonaryn remains a hallmark of the undying courage of Sri Lanka Army soldiers as they withstood frenetic attack by the terrorists at the isolated camp in 1993. Army handed over their positions in the area to IPKF in 1987 and regained them in 1992 in Operations Valampuri 1 and 2. On 11 November 1993 , LTTE made an attempt to capture the Poonaryn camp but failed before the courage of Army soldiers. The incident was excessively misinterpreted as a great debacle by media with exaggerated army death and casualty figures.  In mid 1996 , the camp was vacated  by the Army as a tactical measure .

Commander In chief Congratulates valiant troops

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces has congratulated the valiant soldiers who liberated the Poonaryn area from terrorist clutches today (Nov 15).

Addressing the nation through the state media, President Rajapaksa declared the Army's victory at Poonaryn and congratulated the soldiers. He also expressed his gratitude to the citizens of the country who have been sharing his vision to rid the country of terrorism and to free the next generation from the horrors of war.

The President's speech in full:

I inform the people in this country that our heroic soldiers have been able to liberate the full stretch of the A-32 road (Mannar- Pooneryn) and the Poonaryn area this morning. Now, we can open a land route to the Jaffna Peninsula after many years ; I think we can say , it was after the Second Eelam war .

At this moment, I very clearly call Prbhakaran of LTTE to immediately lay down your arms and come to the negotiation table. It is the greatest service that you can do to the people in the Wanni.

We congratulate the war heroes and express our sincere gratitude to the citizens of Sri Lanka who have given their unstinted support to our struggle.

Pooneryn Terrorist Bastion falls : Army Task Force 1 -Task accomplished

Troops of Army Task Force 1 have entered LTTE bastion at Ponneryn this morning (Nov 15) scoring the greatest feat against terrorist in their courageous march along the northwestern coast of the Island.

Infantrymen of 12 Gamunu Watch (12 GW) and 10 Gajaba Regiment (10 GR) successfully negotiated the great marshlands south of Pooneryn last night , and cut off the Pooneryn- Paranthan road (B-69) close to Nallur before dawn today. Troops then marched about 10 Km along the B-69 and entered into the Pooneryn town , where the terrorists have their last bastion on the West coast.

According to the defence sources at the field terrorists have given a stiff resistance to the advancing troops . Pitched battles are still going in the area, the sources said. The terrorists are fast withdrawing towards the K- Point.

Sri Lanka wholly with BIMSTEC against terrorism and organized crime - President Rajapaksa

"Sri Lanka wholeheartedly supports the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking as an important and vital milestone in our efforts on counter terrorism," said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 2nd Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), at New Delhi today(Nov 13).

"Terrorist groups are able to sustain themselves by illegal fundraising, narcotics and people trafficking, money laundering using international networks, and arms and ammunition smuggling including through the sea routes in the Bay of Bengal. I urge you to consider setting up a mechanism to effectively police the seas of the Bay of Bengal, to deny these terrorists mobility and connectivity.

"For over two decades, Sri Lanka has been facing a tremendous challenge to our democratic way of life through the barbaric actions of a terrorist group, the LTTE. There is no doubt that such groups have to be dealt with militarily. At the same time Sri Lanka believes that any underlying causes, exploited by the terrorists in an attempt to seek legitimacy for their operations, should be dealt with politically. I wish to assure this august gathering that we are firmly on the path to a political solution," President Rajapaksa said.

He added that: "While the BIMSTEC nations have constructively and prudently engaged in the process of globalization, nevertheless the economic challenges faced by many of our major trading partners, will inevitably have some impact on our own pace of growth....The situation has therefore made all of us very much aware of the protection that regional self-reliance can afford, against global economic uncertainties."

Here is the text of President Rajapaksa's statement;

Your Excellency, Dr. Manmohan Singh,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

On this landmark occasion of the Second BIMSTEC Summit in New Delhi, I express my deep appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India and the Government of India for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation and for the excellent Summit arrangements. I felicitate His Excellency the Prime Minister of India on his unanimous election as Chairperson of BIMSTEC.

May I also take this opportunity to congratulate Your Excellency Dr Manmohan Singh, the Government and the people of India on your great achievement of launching the "Chandrayaan". We, as South Asians take pride in this achievement.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the continuous and remarkable contribution made by the Government of Thailand, and for having played the role of sheet anchor in the absence of a permanent secretariat during all these years.

This is the first BIMSTEC Summit that I am attending as the President of Sri Lanka. I wish to reiterate my commitment to furthering the objectives of the Grouping. I propose that we meet bi-annually as originally envisaged.

Our Summit is taking place at a time when an international financial crisis, originating in Western capital markets, is sweeping across the world. While the BIMSTEC nations have constructively and prudently engaged in the process of globalization, nevertheless the economic challenges faced by many of our major trading partners, will inevitably have some impact on our own pace of growth.

The situation has therefore made all of us very much aware of the protection that regional self-reliance can afford, against global economic uncertainties. Our host India, with its vast capacity and economic potential can indeed serve as an engine, driving and guiding us to withstand the fallout of the global crisis while ushering prosperity for our region.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Poverty is an issue for not just some countries of our Group, but for a significant part of the world population. The recently concluded Ministerial Meeting on Cooperation in Poverty Alleviation, manifests the importance that BIMSTEC attaches to this subject. In addition, the fisheries and agriculture sectors which have great potential for poverty alleviation merit the strongest possible focus by BIMSTEC.

The alleviation of poverty forms one of the core objectives of my government. After three years of active implementation, a majority of the proposals contained in the 'Mahinda Chintana' which is my election manifesto, have delivered many benefits to my people. A number of poverty alleviation programmes, both direct and indirect, indeed have proved to be success stories, and have empowered the rural people. Sri Lanka will continue to share her experiences in this field with the other Member States, while contributing whole-heartedly to the collective effort against poverty.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Achieving energy security has come to the forefront of the global agenda and has posed a tremendous challenge, particularly to developing countries. Oil prices have increased significantly since 2002, although there has been a decline in the prices in recent weeks.

Our efforts at developing alternate forms of energy such as solar, wind and bio-fuels for domestic consumption and for use by industry must remain paramount. However, we do not support the use of arable land to produce bio fuels to drive cars.

As the lead country for BIMSTEC cooperation in Technology, Sri Lanka urges that the highest priority should be assigned to the BIMSTEC initiatives for the establishment of the Energy Centre and the Trans Power Exchange and Development Project.

The promotion of trade among us is an important means for regional development and growth. The operationalization of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement, has despite our best efforts been delayed. Nevertheless, we are all looking forward to the timely finalization of an Agreement that provides for all Members equitable benefits. We are pleased that Sri Lanka had been unanimously elected to continue as the Chair of the Trade Negotiating Committee.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

It is in our collective interest to pursue initiatives to promote inter and intra-regional tourism. The move to establish a Tourism Information Centre and very importantly, a Tourism Fund is commendable. We should also seriously consider the joint marketing of the BIMSTEC region as one destination.

In this regard, I am pleased to announce that Sri Lanka looks forward to contributing to regional familiarization tour programmes, conducted with the collaboration of fellow Member States. Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Hotel School is ready to extend opportunities for nationals of member states to follow its internationally acclaimed training programmes.

The establishment of the Cultural Industries Observatory in Bhutan is a significant development. I am confident that such measures will contribute immensely to the development of the tourism industry in the region including in pilgrimage tourism.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Sri Lanka wholeheartedly supports the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking as an important and vital milestone in our efforts on counter terrorism.

Terrorist groups are able to sustain themselves by illegal fundraising, narcotics and people trafficking, money laundering using international networks, and arms and ammunition smuggling including through the sea routes in the Bay of Bengal. I urge you to consider setting up a mechanism to effectively police the seas of the Bay of Bengal, to deny these terrorists mobility and connectivity.

For over two decades, Sri Lanka has been facing a tremendous challenge to our democratic way of life through the barbaric actions of a terrorist group, the LTTE. There is no doubt that such groups have to be dealt with militarily. At the same time Sri Lanka believes that any underlying causes, exploited by the terrorists in an attempt to seek legitimacy for their operations, should be dealt with politically. I wish to assure this august gathering that we are firmly on the path to a political solution.

We welcome the consensus on establishing a Secretariat. This will give the necessary institutional strength. Sri Lanka is ready, in a spirit of commitment to the success of the BIMSTEC process, to host the Secretariat in Colombo.

Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

By founding this grouping, we have united in a community of littoral and hinterland states of the Bay of Bengal. Through our efforts in BIMSTEC, we must resolutely ensure that our peoples would be the beneficiaries of a number of freedoms, including most importantly, freedom from the fear of terrorism and freedom from hunger and poverty. We owe them no less.

May the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem be with you.

Thank you.

Task Force 1 troops crossing marshlands of Ponneryn

Amide vile weather and heavy terrorist resistance, Army Task Force 1 troops have stepped into the great marshlands of Poonaryn, the final obstacle they have to clear before achieving their mission, defence sources said.

According to the sources, heavy fighting have been reported since last evening (Nov 9) in the Chempankundu area, as infantrymen started crossing the extremely hostile terrain that runs about 18 Km, west to east from Chempankundu to Nivil. The marshlands that have about 2 km width at some parts stand as an excellent defence for the terrorists, the sources said. However, troops are not in a mood to slow down their pace of advance despite whatever barricade stand against them, the sources added.

Troops of 583 brigade, attacked an LTTE strong point in Chempankundu around 6.10 PM and reported heavy damages to the terrorists. Few soldiers laid own their lives and several others sustained injuries. Meanwhile, troops of 582 brigade confronted with a group of terrorists in the Mulaikoduttavil area around 7.40 AM. Troops claimed heavy damages to the terrorists.

Snipers deployed in the forward areas reported shooting down of two terrorists in the Navalladi and Pallai areas during the day.

Task Force 1 launched their operations early this year to dominate the northwestern coast of the island. So far, troops have marched about 75 km along the Mannar- Poonaryn road (A-32) and established their forward boundaries 7km south of Poonaryn at present.

Defence observers are in the view that troops would be able to wrest full control over the A-32 road once they cross the marshland. The accomplishment of this would open a land route to Jaffna peninsula after 20 years, they add.

Troops overrun Akkarayankulam built-up in Kilinochchi

The advancing infantry battalions of the 57 Division, led by Major General Jagath Dias have overrun the Akkarankulam built-up area, Wednesday (Nov 5), after days of heightened fighting with LTTE, leaving scores of terrorists killed and as many injured.

According to latest military reports, troops flanking the western edge of the built-up have entered the area initially, followed by a swift incursion by the troops from south of the battlefront. The military forward dominations are still continuing in the eastern edge of the Akkarayankulam built-up at the time of reporting as terrorists were reported mounting intermittent resistances from distance positions, further north.

During subsequent search operations conducted in the area, troops have recovered two terror dead bodies,2 T-56 assault riffles and a I-com set, military sources said.

The Akkarayankulam built-up area is considered to be the main LTTE concentration point located 9 kms Southwest of Kilinochchi town area. The latest triumph is expected to add momentum to the military surge towards the LTTE heartland, defence observers state.

Troops are further consolidating defences in the area, Wanni military sources further said.

Two Tamil political activists shot dead by LTTE gunmen - Batticaloa

Alleged LTTE gunmen shot dead two TMVP members including the head of the TMVP office of Eravur in Sithandy, Batticaloa, Wednesday(Nov 5) at 5a.m.

The TMVP members were gunned down near the Murugan Kovil in Sithandy, while returning home, Eravur Police said. The victims were identified as Padmanathan Balakrishnan alias Thangapandiyan 29 Head of the TMVP office in Eravur and Sinnapulle Yogaraja 22.

The Eravur police is conducting further investigations.

Terrorism not an answer to problem -- expert on terrorism in South Asia

Renowned author and an expert on South Asian affairs, Brigadier General (Retired) Alain Lamballe participating as the chief guest of the anti-terrorism photo exhibition held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, said that it is natural for there to be tensions and even conflict in countries where different communities live, using violence and terrorism is not the answer or the way of resolving problems.

Lamballe, who has engaged in a study on terrorism in the region of South Asia while serving as the Security Counsellor in the French Embassy in India, commended the Sri Lankan government for its efforts to bring about lasting peace in the island.

Acting ambassador of Sri Lanka embassy in France, Himali Arunathilake noted that the greatest threat faced by Sri Lanka since gaining independence in 1948 was terrorism. She also emphasized that LTTE is the only terrorist outfit in the world to assassinate two heads of state, namely, President Ranasinghe Premadasa and the Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.

She was of the view that it is the responsibility of all democracy loving citizens to join the struggle to combat the menace of terrorism in Sri Lanka irrespective of ethnic or religious differences. Ambassador Arunathilake disclosed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Government has succeeded in its endeavor of restoring democracy in the recently liberated Eastern province whilst conducting an free and fair election in the region.

A large number of people gathered to learn the true story of the LTTE, especially the atrocities perpetrated in the name of 'liberation. They thanked the organizers of the photo exhibition for the effort to portray the real image of the LTTE in Sri Lanka to the international community.

Courtesy: Government Information Deparatemnt

Tamil Youngsters Shun LTTE & Escape in Large Numbers

KILINOCHCHI: NAVAL personnel on patrol in the seas off VETTILAIKKENI rescued twenty-one (21) Tamil youth and six (6) children accompanied by a male adult, who were deserting LTTE grip in KILINOCHCHI Tuesday (4) around 8.40 a.m.. 

     The terror-stricken youth who had undergone an ordeal of untold hardships, pain of mind, deprivation of freedom, which, under normal circumstances would not have been the case, consisted of eleven (12) males and nine (9) females. 

     The male youth are aged 17,19,23,23,24,24,25,26,27,28,28 and 29 while their female counterparts are aged 18, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 26, 26 and 26 respectively. The six children consisted of four (4) boys and two (2) girls. Two of the boys are aged 2 years and another is five (5) years old while the youngest one is just 8 months old. One female girl is aged six (6) and the other is a baby infant who is barely eleven (11) months old. 

     One heart rendering scene was the presence of three single parents in their youth were carrying their beloved children despite the risky ordeal, which would have broken the courage of even grown-ups. Terrified and utterly confused by the happenings, the children were clinging to their parents for dear life and were yearning, desperately for parental love to be relieved and comforted. 

     Having sought the assistance of the Navy fleeing on board two dinghies with white flags flying for protection, the group disclosed that they had fled from KILINOCHCHI owing to the increasing unprecedented atrocities inflicted on the innocent youth whenever they show their defiance to follow the dictatorial orders  of the merciless terror outfit, LTTE, which is desperately hunting for the innocent civilians to be used as  human shields and to be conscripted as its complement of cadres is dwindling drastically day by day, in the face of the advancing victorious Security Forces who are conducting a humanitarian mission to liberate the Northern province. 

     Furthermore, the escapees, of whom the majority was in the prime of their youth longing for a meaningful life away from LTTE terrorism, claimed that they were living in constant fear of being forcefully conscripted despite their vehement displeasure to be in league with the terror outfit, waging a senseless killing spree of the innocent and its opponents. They also revealed the constant allegations made by the LTTE and its pro-media that the innocent civilians are being killed by the attacks of the security forces have no bearing at all since the majority of Tamil civilians have now realized the attacks on LTTE terrorists are launched with careful analysis of ground realities, based on the zero-civilian casualty principle, strictly adhered to by the Government Security Forces. 

     The escapees, with a great sense of gratitude, thanked the Navy for the safe and cordial manner in which they were rescued, the warm hospitality shown by providing them with the basic needs and the swift measures taken for their immediate well-being. 

     Sri Lanka Navy has now made special arrangements to receive hapless Tamil civilians fleeing from the LTTE clutches. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams have been on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the Northern seas. (Courtesy: Navy.lk)

Wanni Operation continues; terrorists at their last legs in Wanni west

The Army Task force 1 troops operating in the western half of the Kilinochchi battle frontage have reached a decisive stage in their mission, as they have successfully sealed off over 90% of the 80 km long northwestern coast of the island. Following the recent liberation of Nachchikuda, the Task Force 1 now has continuous domination over 70 Km stretch of the strategically vital Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) road.

According to the battlefield reports received so far, the Task Force 1 are now on an accelerated march towards Poonaryn; crushing remaining terrorist footholds on the northwestern coast.

Heavy confrontations were reported from the Palayilkulam area throughout yesterday (Nov 3) as the terrorists were making a desperate attempt to slowdown the advancing soldiers. Troops following a confrontation occurred around 1 PM found one body of a slain LTTE cadre along with a T-56 riffle.

During the morning hours, Army Commandos attacked a group of LTTE cadres in the Ponnaveli area inflicting heavy damages to the terrorists. Meanwhile, Army Special Forces soldiers ambushed a group of LTTE cadres traveling on a tractor in the Uruthirapuram area in the afternoon hours, causing heavy damages to the terrorists. Separate clashes were also reported from the Mukkamvillu area during the day.

Meanwhile, intercepted LTTE radio transmissions have revealed that senior terrorist leader, Iilakoon was killed during the confrontation in the Navalladi area, on Sunday (Nov 2). The slain terrorist leader was a self styled "Lieutenant Colonel" of the LTTE and a member of the ground fighters of the Sea Tigers.

Defence observers are in the view that the terrorists are fast loosing their hold in the northwestern coast of the island.