Muslims in North will be able to return their homes soon - President

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa , President of Sri Lanka in his Hajji message said that the Muslims from the North who had been victimized in LTTE ethnic cleansing would be able to return to their homes soon. Like the Muslims in the East who are now enjoying lives without fear , the Muslims from the North will also have a renewed life in peace and harmony, he said.

The President's Hajji Message in full:

The Hajj symbolizes the spirit of unity when millions of pilgrims speaking different languages and belonging to different nationalities and cultures proclaim the same mission - divinity, unity and greatness of God, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a Hajj message.

The President said: "I am pleased to send this message of greetings on the occasion of the celebration of Eid-ul-Alha, the festival of Hajj by the world Islamic community, including that of Sri Lanka.

This festival which culminates in the Hajj pilgrimage the embodiment of sacrifice is the greatest annual event of the Islamic world, with nearly four million Muslims from the world over including 5,000 from Sri Lanka, gather at the Holy City of Mecca and pray to Allah and seek forgiveness for acts of omission and commission.

Hajj also symbolizes the spirit of unity when millions of pilgrims speaking different languages and belonging to different nationalities and cultures proclaim the same mission - divinity, unity and greatness of God.

This spirit of unity should prevail throughout their lives and shared with the faithful of other religions in the larger interest of brotherhood of man.

The Muslims of Sri Lanka have made significant contributions to the progress of our country and for the happiness of all our people. Throughout history they have lived in harmony with the other communities in our country, and continue to do so.

After several decades, the Muslims of the East are now able to live without fear and with new opportunities for progress. The day will not be far off when the Muslims from the North will be able to return to their homes there are renew life in peace and harmony. The prayers of all Muslims of this day of special religious observances will no doubt be directed towards the success of efforts towards peace with dignity for all.

I wish all our Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid Mubarak."

LTTE hardcore starts abandoning the outfit- Pooneryn

Three senior LTTE cadres who fought for the terrorist outfit for more than a decade have surrendered to Sri Lanka Army today (Dec 8).

According to the defence sources, the three LTTE cadres between 25-30 years of age have showed themselves up to Army Task Force 1 (TF 1) soldiers operating in the Pooneryn area and laid down their weapons wanting to surrender. Army after primary investigations would direct the surrendered to rehabilitation centers, the sources said.

The surrendered have told the Army that thousands more LTTE cadres are waiting for an opportunity to abandon the terrorist outfit, said the sources. They are still not very much sure about how the Army would receive them, said the sources citing the surrendered. However, many of them have understood that Army’s not their real enemy, the surrendered have further said.

Army arranges donation of pushbikes for Jaffna schoolchildren

On a request made by Sri Lanka Army officials in Jaffna, Rotary Association of Colombo has donated 23 push bicycles for the schoolchildren who had attained the highest marks at the grade-5 scholarship examination-2008 in Jaffna.

The donation was arranged as a result of a discussion held between Security Forces Commander in Jaffna, Major General GA Chandasiri and Additional Area Director of Education D.T. Selwarathnam. During this discussion, Mr. Slewarathnam had highlighted that the schoolchildren in Jaffna have been facing problems due to lack of sufficient public transport services in the area.

Taking another step towards restoring normalcy in the Peninsula, Major General Chandasiri had made a request of from the donor. Sri Lanka Navy had transported the bicycles to Jaffna from Colombo and the donation was made at a simple ceremony held at Kankasanthurai on Saturday (Dec 6).

The bicycles were distributed among 23 students belonging to 14 schools. The principals of the schools, teachers and the security forces officials participated for the event.

TF 3 sweeping along A- 34; terrorists on the run

A soldier of Army Task Force 2 standing close to the 216 km post of the Jaffna - Kandy (A-9) road. Few weeks ago, they were at the 190 km post where the former entry/exit point at Omanthai was located. Sri Lanka armed forces have been able to open the A-9 road up to Kokavil , after liberating 48 km stretch from the terrorists.

The strategic focus of the counter terrorist operations in Wanni shifted from Kilinochchi to Mullaittivu battlefront since last week as the Army Task Force 3 (TF 3) started sweeping down the A-34 (Mankualam -Mullaittivu) road that leads to the last bastion of the terrorists .

Troops have so far marched about 7 km down the A-34 and now are engaged in offensives in the east of Olmadu and in the Panikkankulam forest reserve. Pitched battles have been reported over the weekend, as troops smashed several LTTE strongholds on their path.

According to the battlefield reports, troops had confronted with the terrorists at least at 6 locations in the east of Olumadu town yesterday (Dec 7). Troops claimed that LTTE terrorist had suffered heavy casualties during these confrontations. Also, the sources in the field said that the LTTE cadres had shown very little will to fight when confronted with army and quickly taken to their heels with slight resistance.

During subsequent searches troops found a rocket propeller grenade launcher (RPG), and decomposed body of an LTTE cadre during the day. Also, troops came across a mine field laid by the LTTE and removed 66 AP mines (anti personnel).

On Saturdays (Dec 6), troops found 11 bodies of LTTE cadres and 13 T-56 riffles along with other military gear following offensives conducted in the same area.

Army 59 Div marching steadily towards LTTE bastion in Mullaittivu

Troops of Army 59 division spearheading at LTTE's main military bastion in Mullaittivu yesterday (Dec 7) carried out several attacks at LTTE groups detected in the north of Alampil area.

According to the sources, troops have so far marched about 3 km northwards along the Mullaittivu- Alampil road and established their current positions just 7 Km short of the Mullaittivu built up.

Meanwhile, troops of the same division marching on a different axis are closing in on the terrorist stronghold in Nadundkerni. Troops during yesterday's operations captured two battlefield fortifications located in the west of Otiyamalai area. In separate incident reported from the same general area, troops confronted with a group of terrorists during evening hours and found 3 T-56 riffles along with 20 ration packets during subsequent search.

Intercepted radio transmissions revealed heavy damages to the terrorists in all above mentioned incidents.

Solider wounded in a shooting incident -Kalavanchikudi

Solider received injuries in a shooting incident reported in the Kalavanchikudi police division yesterday (Dec7). According to the defense sources, a group suspected to be LTTE had carried out the shooting at the army road block at Ondachchimadam.

The soldier was admitted in Kalavanchikudy hospital and later he was transfer to the Ampara hospital for further treatments.

Troops overrun 2 LTTE bunker defences, destroy another- Kilinochchi

57 Division troops continuing their multi-frontal thrust at the outer fringe of Kilinochchi at Adampan South, Puthumurippukulam, North of Kokkuvil and Terumurikandy have inflicted heavy damages to LTTE during intense fighting reported throughout the day on Sunday (Dec 7).

At Puthumurippukulam, troops ran into 2 LTTE bunker overheads and gained total control, while another was reported destroyed following a series of Army heavy gun attacks. Terrorists have also put-on stiff resistance in the area despite sustaining heavy loses, Wanni military sources said. The military advances continued amidst rains which affected both Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts yesterday, the sources added.

Meanwhile, a 57 division offensive battalion advancing from North of Kokkuvil towards Terumurikandy, has also confronted with LTTE in several occasions forcing terrorist to flee with casualties, military said.

TF-1 mounts artillery attacks at LTTE, East of Nevil - Kilinochchi

Task Force 1 troops operating in general area Nevil at the Northern Kilinochchi battlefront have engaged artillery attacks at identified LTTE ground movements yesterday (Dec 7).

Military citing intercepted LTTE communication said, terrorists were caught in disarray and many injured during the attacks.

Meanwhile, Troops of the Task Force 3, now advancing Northeast of Olumadu in Mullaittivu, met with intermittent LTTE resistance in the area. Troops have also uncovered a rocket propelled grenade launcher (RPG) and an I-com set during separate search operations conducted in the same area, Sunday morning.

Lankan boats found abandoned off Tamil Nadu coast LTTEers sneaking into TN

Three more abandoned boats were found drifting in the coast on Friday, raising suspicion among officials that LTTE militants, involved in a fierce battle with the Sri Lankan army in the island's north, were sneaking into Tamil Nadu.

The boats found abandoned were located at Arichalmunai, Erandam and Moondram Theedai. Earlier six boats, some with bullet marks and blood stains, were found abandoned off Rameswaram and Nagapattinam coasts, on Thursday.

So many "mysterious" abandoned boats had been found. There was no chance for so many boats to drift to Indian shores.

The only possibility was that someone would have either come from Sri Lanka or failed in their attempt to reach the island, police officials here said.

"If it is one or two boats, it is okay. But how can so many boats drift to the shore? It appears to be a case of infiltration," a top official of Tamil Nadu police said.

The recovery of eight abandoned boats inside a week should be taken seriously by naval and coastguard officials, he said.

"Barring one, the others did not have engines. So what happened to the engines?" the official asked.

Coast Guard and Naval officials said patrolling had been intensified after the Mumbai terror strikes. Sea surveillance radar had been installed, besides deploying two ships for patrolling.

The official said that the presence of the abandoned boats needs a thorough probe to unravel the mystery.

Courtesy: The Times of India

Innocent Tamil children in Germany being used for fund raising for LTTE

After receiving the green light from Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran, the Tamil youths in Germany launched a massive campaign to raise funds in schools using innocent young children for the publicity campaign. The Thamilcholai school chain run by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has launched a month long propaganda campaign in Germany using approximately 6500 students of 130 Thamilalayam schools in Germany together with 950 teachers to highlight the so-called plight of displaced children in Wanni to raise funds in German schools. The LTTE cadres distributed a large badge with a colour photograph of a displaced child in Wanni and forced innocent Tamil children to wear the badge on their school uniforms and urge their German classmates to donate money for the welfare of the displaced children. However the funds will be collected by pro-LTTE Thamilcholai administration and the funds could be used for arms purchases and other destructive activities of the LTTE. Interestingly, the month-long campaign of Thamilcholai schoolchildren began on November 29, just two days after Prabhakaran's statement praising the activities of the Tamil diaspora youths. That was the first occasion that LTTE leader made a direct reference to Tamil youths abroad and thanked their contributions in his so-called annual Hero's Day speech. However, moderate and educated Tamil parents are dismayed at this campaign of abuse of innocent Tamil children and using them for political agendas. "This kind of activities will have an adverse psychological impact on young minds," said Ramsamy Suppiah. "I have two children aged 7 and 9 and I want them to grow up to be good peace loving members of the society. This type of brainwashing would impair their mental growth and LTTE propaganda of glorification of violence would be harmful to future generations of Tamil diaspora". In his Hero's Day speech Prabhakaran called on the "Tamils, in whatever part of the world that they may live in to raise their voices, firmly and with determination, in support of the freedom struggle of their brothers and sisters in Tamil Eelam. I would request them from my heart to strengthen the hands of our freedom movement and continue to extend their contributions and help. I would also take this opportunity to express my affection and my praise to our Tamil youth living outside our homeland for the prominent and committed role they play in actively contributing towards the liberation of our nation". Meanwhile, Tamil democratic groups in other European cities have revealed that the Thamilcholai schools in Europe have been instructed to launch similar propaganda campaigns in schools. There are more than 350 Tamil schools functioning in Europe under different LTTE front organizations and out of which approximately 90% are directly administered by LTTE. It is estimated that more than 20,000 Tamil students between the ages of 4 and 21 years are studying in these schools. LTTE uses the school curriculum to teach a highly distorted version of Sri Lankan history and brainwash children in their tender ages. In addition to inculcate chauvinistic version of Tamil nationalism, their mind-set is also tuned to hate Sinhalese as a race. Although Thamilcholai schools are registered as non-profit organizations and receive funds and other facilities from local governing bodies in order to run and maintain these schools, the school administrators collect money from students as school fees on a monthly basis on LTTE instructions.

Troops push further into LTTE garrisons: scores killed, many injured [Updated]

An army trooper standing guard at the A-9 trunk road between Puliyankulama and Omanthai.

Pushing an end to the 30 year odd terrorist cause and the most prolonged, single handed counter terrorist campaign in south Asia, Sri Lankan security forces are advancing in multi-fronts with 7 offensive divisions into the remaining LTTE garrisons at Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu. According to battlefield reports, TF1 and 57 Div troops are now positioned in kissing distances to the outer defence lines of the LTTE's administrative heartland and main garrison township at Kilinochchi. Earlier during an 'e-mail interview' with a south Indian paper in the eve of the suicide bombers day, terror chief Prabakaran vowed to resist the military thrust at Kilinochchi, considered de-facto 'capital' of LTTE following the nation's 'greatest giveaway in history'- signing of the 2002 CFA.

Kilinochchi is considered to be a vital battle terrain and the most valued trophy for the security forces, who are determined to flushout LTTE during the world's most effective duel tasked 'counterterrorist cum Humanitarian operation' in modern time.

The military battle formations advancing from west of Parantan, Adampan, west of Iranamadu, Terumurikandy, Kokkuvil, Kanakarayankulam, Puliyankulam, Northeast of Olumadu and Alampil have caused great damages to LTTE leaving scores killed and as many injured during the past few days, security sources said. 11 LTTE bodies were found along with 17 T-56 assault riffles, Saturday (Dec 6), northeast of Olumadu in the western Mullaittivu battlefront by the TF 3 troops. Successive aerial raids conducted at identified LTTE strong points West of Parantan on Friday (05) and Saturday (06) have also left many terrorists killed, sources said citing intercepted LTTE communication. Among the terrorists killed many were said to be females who were lured to defened their male counterparts, seeking safety among civilians in the deeper Wanni territory.

3 more slain LTTE bodies were found during search operations conducted by the 59 Division troops in general area Alampil at Mullaittivu, on Friday.

Army stepped-up fresh offensives towards LTTE strong points at the Wanni battle theater as torrential rains and floods subsided. The Jaffna peninsula and the Wanni regions were severely affected with a record downpour at Jaffna after 50 years. Approximately, 296,671 people belonging to 85,349 families were displaced in Jaffna between 25th Nov and 02 Dec, according to latest statistics released from the Ministry of Disaster Management. 9 deaths were reported due to the floods, in addition to 2 others who sustained injuries. At the Mullaittivu district damages reported from 3 DS divisions numbered as 21,200 families, while individuals affected remained unconfirmed. Meanwhile, the official figures of IDPs as reported from the GA at Mullaittivu read as follows: Number of displaced families due to terrorist acts 2,036; individuals 8,080.

Defence and aid circles are also not ruling out a serious humanitarian catastrophe in Wanni which has already triggered an exodus of civilians into liberated areas, at Omanthai and Jaffna. People have already started openly protesting LTTE dictatorship in the regions. Earlier, as reported through defence.lk a massive protest was held by families of dead LTTE cadres and of those who are currently in the outfit, in Wanni on Dec 1. According to our sources, over 80 members of Mahaweera and Porali families participated in the protest held around 11 AM at the Oddusudan junction.

Meanwhile, over 654 people belonging to 225 families have crossed over to the safer regions at Jafffna, Omanthai and Nellukkulama seeking protection with security forces, since 01st November, 2008, till Saturday (Dec 6).

Security forces have now liberated a total stretch of 48 km along the A-9 Jaffna-Kandy trunk road, from Kokkuvil to Omanthai. This is the first time since 1998 that security forces have gained control over a vast territory of the A-9 road, military sources further said. The dominance claims the military presence at the central Wanni battlefront, probable launching pad of an all out eastward thrust at Mullaittivu with the defeat of LTTE in Kilinochchi. Battlefront reports claim the induction of a new offensive division, Task force -4 in Wanni in the coming week.

Defence observers are also anticipating the fall of Oddusudan, Nainamadu and Nedunerni LTTE fortifications as troops of TF 3 and TF 2 march along the A-34 Mankulam- Mullaittivu and the Puliyankulam - Tanniyuttu roads making the dominant eastward military thrust expected to link with the 59 Division at the eastern battlefront.

The cross-loading point at Puliyankulama. Terrorists have fled the area buring down everything at their disposal.
An ICRC ambulance returning from non-liberated area after delivering corpses of terrorists recovered by the military at the battlefronts. The ambulance is seen passing the Puliyankulama junction. The teachers training school at Puliyankulama.

O/L Exams in North, East under security

The Examination Department on Friday requested the Security Forces in the North and East to provide tight security to 40,000 children who are scheduled to appear for the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination, commencing tomorrow, December 8.

According to the Department over twelve examination centres have been set up in the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Ampara and three other districts.

Examination chief, Anura Edirisinghe yesterday told the Sunday Observer that a team of officials from the Department will be on the duty in Northern and Eastern districts during the examination period to monitor the smooth conduct of the examination.

"All examination centres as well as the places where the question papers are stored are locked up and guarded by the three Armed Forces and the Police," he said.

Responding to a question, he clarified that schoolchildren who do not possess either their National Identity Cards (NICs) or the Postal Identity Cards, due to various unforeseen reasons, could consult their respective examination authorities for advice and action.

Army thwarts LTTE counterattacks in Adampan South- Kilinochchi

Troops of the 57 Division have thwarted successive attempts made by LTTE to launch counterattacks in general area South of Adampan, Kilinochchi, Saturday (Dec 6).

Fierce fighting ensued between troops and LTTE which lasted from 3a.m., until 9p.m., Wanni military sources said. According to reports, terrorists have launched 3 successive counterattacks only to be left heavily beaten, with over two dozen LTTE fatalities and twice as many casualties.

Troops have engaged LTTE with heavy Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL), artillery and mortar fire, Wanni military sources further said.

Terrorists have withdrawn from the area abandoning dead, weapons and ammunitions, the sources said. LTTE's area ground leaders Velavan and Gopith were also involved in the failed attempt, military said citing intercepted LTTE communication.

The 57 Division troops are led by Major General Jagath Dias.

LTTE body recovered at Kumulamunai- Mullaittivu

Troops of the 59 division have recovered an LTTE body, a T-56 assault riffle and an I-com set following a search operation conducted in general area Kumulamunai at the eastern Mullaittivu battlefront, yesterday (Dec 6).

The search operation was conduct subsequent to a confrontation with a group of terrorist in the area.

Troops recover 2 claymore mines during search operation -Mannar

Security forces have recovered 2 claymore mines during a search operation conducted at South Bar in Mannar yesterday (Dec 6) at 4.30p.m.

The explosive charges were each weighing 3kgs, security sources said. Troops are conducting further search operations in the area.

Tha Story So Far..( 7th December 2008)

Introduction

Sri Lankan armed forces police, police Special Task Force (STF) and Civil Defenc Force (CDF) are engaged in counter terrorist operations against the world's most barbaric terrorist organization named Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) or commonly known as Tamil Tigers. Since 1983, the terrorist campaign unleashed against Sri Lankan citizens has cost almost 70,000 lives. The mission of the Sri Lankan security forces is to free the Island nation from clutches of terrorism and to make it a country where all Sri Lankans can live in peace and harmony. During last 3 decades LTTE has shown its incapacity to engage in any meaningful dialogue more than once by resorting to violence during several ceasefires had in the past.

Current counter terror operations commenced in July 2006 as an active defence against continued attacks at civilians by LTTE. This was when the ceasefire agreement singed in 2002 was still in force. The government launched limited military operations to liberate Mavil Aru sluice gates as the terrorists had closed down the gates denying water for 30,000 civilians in the Eastern Province. As LTTE resumed hostilities even after the Mavil Aru operations, the government continued its counter terror move and liberated the whole Eastern Province by February 2007. As LTTE did not show any intention to renounce terrorism, the government abrogated the 2002 ceasefires in January 2008, and now is in the process of liberating the Northern Province from terror clutches.

The area domination

The LTTE had its domination mainly in the Kilinochchi, and Mullaittivu and some parts of the Mannar, and Vavuniya districts in the Northern Province before the present operations began. Troops on completion of the operation in the Silavatura and Mannar front totally liberated the Mannar district. At present, LTTE has the domination in some parts of Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts and the Northern portion of the Vavuniya district. The area belonging to Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts are commonly called the Wanni region.

It should be noted that the term "area domination" refers only to military domination as the government is maintaining all the public services in the Wanni. It is only the civilians living in those areas have to obey the terror leadership while the government runs all the administrative and welfare activities. Free health service, free education system, public transport, state banks have been maintained by the government without any interruption on the part of the government, during last 3 decades of war on terror. Even LTTE cadres live on the food, medicine and other essential supplies provided by the government for the civilians in Wanni.

The Forces

The forces engaged in the counter terror operations include Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Police Special Task Force (STF) and Civil Defence Force.

Sri Lanka Army plays the key role in liberation operation by conducting offensive and defensive land operations against the terrorists. At present, troops are engaging the terrorists on several warfronts while maintaining the defences in newly liberated areas and other defensive fronts.

Sri Lanka Navy plays a vital role in denying the terrorist use of sea lines of communications through offensive blockades, marine surveillance, and maintaining defences in several strategic locations along the coast including all harbours. Also, Navy maintains the main supply route between Jaffna Peninsula and South as no road access possible across Wanni. The Navy via sea route is handling a large portion of troops transfer, and cargo transportation between Jaffna and South.

Sri Lanka Air Force makes an invaluable contribution to the success of the battle by carrying out of air raids at terror targets located deep behind enemy lines and close air support missions in support of forward deployed troops. In addition, Air Force assists Special Forces operating behind enemy lines by way of airmobile/ air assault missions. Other than the offensive role, Air Force provides vital assistance to the forward deployed forces through casualty evacuation, air surveillance/reconnaissance, and troops transfer and logistic support.

Police Special Task Force (STF) is the only paramilitary force in Sri Lanka specially trained in counter insurgency warfare. At present, STF personnel are deployed in the defensive fronts in the Vavuniya districts to maintain the active defence. Police and Civil Defence Force personnel also, deployed on the forward defences where no offensives are being carried out at present.

The Strategy

The Strategy in achieving the mission is to defeat terrorists through attrition warfare. In other words, it is to reduce the effectiveness of a force by causing losses to personnel and material. The strategy is a radical departure from earlier strategy of expanding land domination or engaged in "land grabbing" operations.

The Battlefield

There are two theatres of operations identified as Jaffna and Wanni, at present. Security forces' Forward Defence Line (FDL) in the Jaffna theatre stretches for about 12 km on the neck of the Jaffna peninsula. The Wanni theatre initially had a winding FDL stretches for about 115 km, on the mainland between the Mannar coast on the northwestern shores of the Island and the Kokkuttoduvai coast on the northeastern shores. However, the FDL often alters in its shape and distance with the progress of the operations in dynamic Wanni theatre.

In the Jaffna theatre, troops maintain active defence at 3 main frontiers namely, Muhamalai, Kilaly and Nagarkovil. The forward deployed forces in this theatre acted as the main defensive barricade against any terrorist attack coming from Wanni until recently, as the Jaffna Peninsula was cut off from the mainland due to LTTE's domination in the Wanni. However , the Jaffna Peninsula is no longer isolated from the mainland as troops opened a land route to Jaffna with the liberation of Pooneryn and Sangupiddi causeway. The 3 divisions manning the Kilaly, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil forward boundaries are now shifting their mode of operations from active defence to all-out offence.

At present, the main counter terror offensive is being carried out in the Wanni theatre. The Army initially deployed 2 divisions and a Task Force to lead the offensives along the Wanni Defence on 3 battlefronts namely; Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya. Later, the Mannar and Vavuniya battlefronts combined with each other making the largest ever battlefront fought against the LTTE. This battlefront jointly entered into the Kilinochchi district and proceeded up to Pooneryn liberating the complete stretch of Northwestern coast of the Island.

With the progress of the battle, the Army has increased its strength up to 4 divisions and 3 task forces while the battlefronts too have changed as follows:

Kilinochchi West

This was the warfront opened by Army Task Force 1 after fully liberating the Mannar district. The front became active with troops entering the Kilinochchi district from the southwestern district boarders following the liberation of Vellankulama. Troops recently completed their northwards march along the Northwestern coastal belt of the island and opened up the Mannar- Pooneryn road (A-32) running along coastal belt. The battlefront was considered to be of the highest strategic importance as the LTTE's main sea supply route lies across the Palk Strait.

At present, troops have turned their axis from South to North to West to East lining up themselves in the Western borders of the Kilinochchi outskirts.

During their march troops have gained control over 82 km long A-32 road, and liberated the

Adampan, Andankulama, Parappakadattan, Vidattaltivu, Iluppaikkaddavai, Vellankulama, Molonkavil, Nachchikudha, Vannerikulama, Manniyankulama , Pallawarayankaddu , Chunnavil, Nochchimoddai, Chempankundu, Vallaipadu, Devils point, Pooneryn and Nivil areas.

• 9 May, 2008 Troops liberated Adampan town.

• 24 June,2008 Troops liberated Mullikkandal, Minnaniranchan and Marattikannaddi situated north of Adampan town.

• 29 June, 2008 Troops wrested total control over Mannar "Rice Bowl", an area extends over 120 Square Kilometers. The Villages comes under this area are Alankulama, Andankulama, Alakaddiveli, Parappakandal, Parappukadatan, Papamoddai, Odupallam, Neduvarampu, Kannaputtukulama and Vannakulama. Loosing control over the "Rice Bowl" has also denied the LTTE of using 12 km stretch of the Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) main road and Uyilankulama - Adampan and Uyilankulama - Andankulama main roads.

• 30 June, 2008 The Army Task Force 1 linked up with the Army 57 division operating on the Vavuniya front creating the largest ever battlefront against LTTE in the West flank of Wanni. The combination of the two fronts took place at the southwest of Periyamadhu.

• 16 July, 2008 Troops liberated Vidattaltivu town and captures the strategically located Sea Tiger base on the Western Coast

• 20 July, 2008 Troops liberated Illuppaikkadavai township and captured the largest LTTE base in the Mannar district.

• 2 August, 2008 Troops liberated Vellankulam town.

• 2 August, 2008 Navy elites cleared off the Iranativu Islet.

• 12 August, 2008 Troops of TF1 gained total control over Mulankavil and Pallavarayankaddu areas.

• 21 August, 2008 Troops reach outer LTTE defences of Nachchikudha

• 16 October, 2008 Troops capture Maniyankulama area from LTTE

• 20 October, 2008 Troops commence mop up operations in Vannerikkulama

• 28 October, 2008 Troops dominate Nochchimodai area

• 29 October, 2008 Troops capture Jeyapuram

• 29 October, 2008 Nachchikuda falls to troops

• 10 November, 2008 LTTE bastion Kiranchi falls; LTTE suffers heavy casualties - Kilinochchi

• 11 November, 2008 Troops dominate another LTTE built-up - Kilinochchi

• 13 November, 2008 Twin blows to LTTE; Army enters Devil's Point and Vallaipadu

• 15 November, 2008 Pooneryn Terrorist Bastion falls : Army Task Force 1 -Task accomplished

Kilinochchi South

Troops of 57 division having liberated the Western region of the Vavuniya district and the Madhu area in the Mannar district, are now at the door step of the terrorist's administrative capital Kilinochchi. The battle frontage has been extremely active since its opening as the thrust has been directly at the Wanni heartland. At present, troops have reached the outskirts of Kilinochchi built up from the South and West and continue to push their forward boundaries to the Kilinochchi and Poonaryn-Paranthan road.

57 division troops commenced their operation opening up the Vavuniya front from Madhu road, Giant Tank East, Pandisurichchan and Thampanai areas and achieved the largest area domination by liberating Madhu, Palampiddi, Mundumurippu and Periyamadhu areas. Later, they combined with the Task Force 1 that was marching ahead on the Mannar front making the Mannar-Vavuniya front- the largest battlefront ever maintained against terrorists.

Then, they entered into the Mullaittivu district crossing the southwestern district boarder and so far liberated the Naddankandal, Chiraddikulam Kalvilan , Tunukkai, Mallavi, Vannivilankulam, Murukkandi, and Akkarayankulam areas.

The latest induction to the front is Task Force 3 , which is directing its thrust towards the East of the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) road. With in days after its induction, TF 3 troops cut off the A-9 road at Pannikkankulam denying the terrorist use of the road from Omananthai to Kilinochchi. The latest achievement of the Task Force 3 is the liberation of the Mankulam.

• 24 April, 2008 Troops of 57 Div liberated Madhu Church complex

• 16 May, 2008 Troops of 57 Div liberated Palampiddi town

• 23 May, 2008 Troops of 57 Div liberated Mundumurippu village

• 15 June, 2008 Troops of 57 Div liberated Periyamadhu village

• 11 July , 2008 Troops of 57 Div liberated Naddankandal village

• 13 August , 2008 Troops of 57 Div liberated Kalvilan

• 22 August, 2008 Army liberates Thunukkai and Uilankulam Towns

• 02 September, 2008 Army liberates Mallavi Town

• 29 October, 2008 Troops dominate Akkarayankulam tank bund

• 05 November, 2008 Troops overrun Akkarayankulam built-up in Kilinochchi

• 01 December, 2008 Kokavil liberated; another LTTE bastion on A-9 falls Kilinochchi

Mullaittivu

Troops of 59 division is the first ever Army battle formation to venture in to the Mullaittivu jungles forming a battlefront north of Welioya. Initially, troops started to move into the Mullaittivu forest from the north of Janakapura, Kiriibbanwewa and Kokkutoduvai areas and so far pushed their forward defence line for about 10 km north from the initial position.

At present, troops are maneuvering along the west of the Nayaru lagoon heading towards the Mullaittivu town situated on the Eastern border of the district. The present defence lies 15 km south of the Mullaittivu main terror bastion. During their march, troops have dislodged hundreds of enemy bunkers and captured prominent terror camps such as Munagam Base, Michael Base, Sugandan Base and most recently Jeevan Base.

• 30 May 2008 Troops captured the Munagam Base, the main logistic link between LTTE strongholds in Wanni and LTTE cadres in the east, across the Mullaittivu jungle. This camp is considered to be one of the most strategically important satellite base of LTTE's One-Four Base compound.

• 4 July, 2008 Troops captured the Michael Base another large satellite base of One-Four base compound located inside the Mulaithiuvu jungle.

• 27 July, 2008 Troops capture 'Sugandan' base a satellite base of the LTTE's 'One-Four-base' compound.

• 16 Aug, 2008 LTTE's 'Jeevan Base' falls to Security Forces- Welioya.

• 21 Aug, 2008 Troops advance along West of Nayaroo lagoon- Welioya.

• 23 October, 2008 Security Forces dominate Gajabapura - Welioya.

• 11 November, 2008 Troops dominate part of Kumulamunai village - Mullaittivu

• 29 November, 2008 Troops of the 59 Div enters Otiyamalai - Mullaittivu

• 04 December, 2008 59 Div troops enter Alampil sea tiger bastion

Vavuniya Front

Vavuniya front represent northern section of the Vavuniya district that lies between Omanthai and Mankaulam, and also on the either side of the A-9 road. Troops of Task Force 2, 56 division and 61 division are operating on the Vavuniya front at present.

61 division troops are mainly engaged in clearing operations in the recently liberated areas of both Mannar and Vavuniya districts. 56 division troops maintain the active defence on defence line that stretches from east to west across A-9 road at Omanthai.

Troops of Task Force 2 carry out the counter terror offensives along the northwestern border of the Vavuniya district on the west of the A-9 road. They have so far liberated the Navvi village and are now in the process of liberating the Palamoddai area.

• July 11, 2008 Troops of TF 2 liberated Navvi village

• December 04, 2008 Troops capture Puliyankulam

• December 05, Wanni hell gates further crumble; troops reach Kanakarayankulam