Friday, December 26, 2008

Army TF 1 thwarts LTTE counter attack- West of Paranthan

Battlefield commanders leading the battle in Paranthan (24 Dec)
















Sri Lanka Army Task Force 1 soldiers crushed an LTTE counter attack launched at their forward boundary south of Sinna Paranthan area this morning (Dec 24). According to battlefield sources, troops inflicted heavy damages to the terrorists.

The terrorists tried to regain their lost battlefield fortifications located about 6 km west of Paranthan on the Pooneryn- Paranthan road early this morning with a massive ground assault supported with artillery and mortar fire. However, well prepared troops engaged the advancing terrorists with armour tanks, artillery and infantry causing heavy damages to the terrorists.

According to the available information, at least 18 terrorists including an LTTE regional leader were killed while many others were injured. Intercepted terrorist radio transmissions have reveled that 34 LTTE cadres were wounded and 4 others went missing. So far , troops have been able to collect a body of an LTTE cadre while many others are still lying in front of their forward boundary.

Clearing operations are still on ...

LTTE wants 8000 students for combat training

(By: Dhaneshi Yatawara)

The LTTE has called all students in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts who have completed the recent GCE Ordinary Level examination to join combat training, latest military intelligence reports said.

According to these reports, over 8,000 students sat for the GCE Ordinary Level Examinations in these two districts Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told yesterday's media briefing on the current security situation.

Meanwhile reports from Northern parts stated that over 16,000 people from the Chavakachcheri area in Jaffna protested recently against Prabhakaran's activities demanding that the LTTE should give up terrorism and surrender.

"It is significant that these innocent people, aware of the reality are raising their voices in support of their own brethren trapped in Tiger clutches," Minister Rambukwella added commenting on these series of protests taking place in the Tamil community.

"Those so-called groups screaming for Human Rights must make a note of these events taking place among the civilians. These groups never protested against the LTTE terrorising people," he added.

"We doubt whether these groups ever bothered to send even a loaf of bread to these innocent people," he lamented.

"In addition, certain groups are trying to create a chaotic situation in the local political scene to undermine the military victories in the North," the Minister said.

He stated that it was pathetic to find that certain media and political groups seeking satisfaction by highlighting the losses our Security Forces' face.

Army Task Force 3 captures LTTE airstrip - North of Ampakamam

Sri Lanka Army Task Force 3 troops found an airstrip built by the LTTE terrorists from a jungle area south of Iranamadu tank this forenoon (Dec 24).

According to the battlefield sources, troops continuing their march further northwards from Ampakamam have made this discovery. The Airstrip is a 25m wide tarmac running about 350m from north to south, said the sources.

Sri Lanka Army has so far captured 3 airstrips of the LTTE during the ongoing counter terrorist operations. First airstrip was captured by the 57 Div in Panikkankulam area while the second was captured by the TF 1 in the Nivil area. The LTTE is the one and the only terrorist organization in the world to develop aerial capability. Defence observers are in the view that the latitude given to the LTTE sympathizers by certain countries has enabled the outfit to make a significant contribution to the global terrorism in terms tactics and weaponry.

Air Strikes on LTTE positions - Paranthan & Muhamalai

Sri Lanka Air Force has carried out 3 air strikes at LTTE positions in the Paranthan and Muhamalai area this morning (Dec 24).

According to the air force sources, air force jets have pounded LTTE gatherings in Paranthan at 8 AM and 10 AM respectively. Separately, another air strike has been carried out targeting LTTE defence line in Muhamalai at 10 AM.

Operational sources have confirmed that the targets have been accurately hit.

Soldier killed, 5 including 2 civilians injured in claymore explosion- Vavuniya

A soldier was reported killed and 5 others injured including 2 civilian by-passers during an LTTE claymore mine explosion in general area Sundarapuram, Vavuniya, Wednesday (Dec 24) at around 1.20p.m.

The claymore mine was triggered targeting an Army foot patrol, security sources said adding that the injured civilians were traveling in a tractor. The injured civilians and soldiers were admitted to the general hospital at Vavuniya, security sources said.

WFP dispatches largest food convoy since October to the Wanni region

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered the largest food consignment since October to the non liberated areas in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts yesterday (Dec 23). The WFP in press release said that a vehicle convoy carrying 870 tons of food had reached Puthukkudiyuruppu. The WFP is considered to be the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions. Next year, WFP plans to feed 98 million people in 77 countries.

The full text of the statement:

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFE) today completed its largest delivery of food to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Vanni region northern Sri Lanka since humanitarian convoys began delivering food in October. The convoy delivered 870 tons of food, enough to feed over 230,000 people for a week, to Puthukkudiyiruppu.

Since the beginning of the food convoy operations, WFP - in co-operation with the Government of Sri Lanka and other stakeholders - has dispatched a total of 4,990 tons of mixed food commodities to meet the food needs of an estimated 200,000 to 230,000 IDPs. In addition, a total of 781 tons of rice, locally procured by WEP in the Vanni, is part of the overall food distribution.

Although WFP planned to send 750 tons of food weekly, delays because of technical, administrative and weather-related constraints (security, bad road condititions, flooding) have prevented the full requirements to be met.

WFP is fully committed to continuing the regular dispatches of convoys to the Vanni to ensure that the IDP needs are met, and is receiving consistent support from all stakeholders. This convoy was the eighth to be sent to the Vanni, A ninth one is under preparation with 829 tons of food - enough to feed about 230,000 people for one week.

WFP provides food assistance to 1.1 million people in Sri Lanka, including IDPs, school children and other vulnerable people.

9 civilians seek protection with security forces - Mullaittivu

9 civilians including 2 men, 3 women, a boy and 3 girls have sought protection with security forces in the recently liberated Otiyamalai area, at Welioya in Mullaittivu, Tuesday (Dec 23).

The civilians have fled from the non-liberated Mullaittivu District fearing severe reprisal from the LTTE, military sources said.

The Human Rights watch last week accused the LTTE terrorists of stepping up forced recruitment and child conscription in the non-liberated territory. These civilians are also used as human shields, the HRW further stated in the report.

"Trapped in the LTTE's iron fist, ordinary Tamils are forcibly recruited as fighters and forced to engage in dangerous labor near the front lines," HRW Asia Director Brad Adams was quoted saying.

"By refusing to allow people their basic rights to freedom of movement, the LTTE has trapped hundreds of thousands of civilians in a dangerous war zone," he further said.

59 Div troops expand FDL at Kumulamunai: 4 terrorists killed, 9 wounded

The established forward defence line (FDL) at Kumulamunai was further expanded, as troops of the 59 Division made fresh advances into LTTE held territory since early morning on Tuesday (Dec 23), Wanni security sources said.

A soldier was also reported injured during the initial clashes with LTTE, according to sources. The terrorists had regrouped and made successive attempts to regain the loss territory but were left with defeat including soaring battle casualties, ground sources said.

Fighting continued till late evening as the valiant soldiers have reportedly expanded the defences further, the sources further added.

'Sinna-Paranthan' falls to security forces: Over 20 terrorists killed, 5 bodies recovered- Kilinochchi [Updated]

Troops of the Task Force -1 now engaged in counter terrorist offensives West of Paranthan, consolidated 300m further southwards along the LTTE built earth bund cum ditch, reportedly capturing a terror strongpoint, 'Sinna-Paranthan' this morning (Dec 23).

Latest reports received from the battlefront confirmed over 20 LTTE terrorists killed and many injured during the confrontations. Troops have recovered 5 LTTE bodies, similar number of T-56 assault riffles and an I-com set while consolidating defences in the area.

According to Army media, troops faced stiff resistance from LTTE in the battle for Sinna-Paranthan, which is located along the A-35 main road, 6km West of Paranthan Township. Farmers inhabited the village before terrorists dominated the area, the sources said adding that LTTE bunkers and trenches were built in close perimeters of the government buildings including a school and the Divisional Secretariat office.

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

Foreign Minister highlights destructive impact of terrorism on civilian life

"Everybody who leaves home for his or her work place expects to return home safely. However, the destructive impact of the evil force of terrorism on civilian life in Sri Lanka has meant that no longer can we take this for granted".

These remarks were made by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at a simple function held at the Foreign Ministry today (Dec 23) to hand over Fixed Deposit Certificates, worth Rs.1.2 million to the two sons of the late Mrs. Priyani Ranasinghe, a former staff member of the Ministry who lost her life in the LTTE terrorist bomb attack on a commuter train in Dehiwala on 26th May 2008.

The Minister speaking further said that, "such incidents, unfortunately have become all too common in the country, since terrorists do not have any respect for the sanctity of human life. This is the reason that President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Government has embarked on a campaign to defeat the scourge of terrorism that has plagued the country. There are many forces, which are placing obstacles in realizing this objective. However, the Government is determined to fulfil its commitment to eradicate terrorism, in order to safeguard the lives of civilians.

Therefore, it is important that we keep reminding ourselves constantly on occasions of this nature of the cruel hand of terrorism that has robbed Sri Lanka of thousands of innocent lives".

The Foreign Minister also pointed out that terrorism had claimed the lives of two of his predecessors, Lakshman Kadirgamar and Ranjan Wijeratne, and during this year itself, two former Ambassadors, namely Major General Janaka Perera and Dr. Raja Johnpulle had fallen victim to LTTE terrorism.

Minister Bogollagama, referring to the generous financial contribution made by members of the staff of Sri Lankan Missions abroad towards the scholarship fund that has been set up for the education and welfare needs of the two children of the late Mrs. Ranasinghe, namely Ranindu Gimhan Perera Jayawardana and Thisal Anjula Perera Jayawardana, aged 13 years 9 years respectively, said that no amount of financial assistance will compensate them for the loss of their beloved mother. He thanked all staff members of the Sri Lankan Diplomatic Missions who had made personal donations towards this noble and worthwhile cause, stating that it was a tangible expression of their strong solidarity with people in distress. This is also an indication of the people oriented Foreign Policy approach of the Government. The Minister expressed his hope that Mr. Garvin Jayawardana the husband of Mrs. Ranasinghe would shoulder the responsibility of looking after the two little children, in the absence of their mother and provide them with a sound education so that they would bring credit to the family.

Mr. Jayawardana speaking on the occasion, thanked Minister Bogollagama and Mrs.Deepthi Bogollagama for their personal initiative in arranging this substantial financial assistance, which would be beneficial for his children's educational and day to day needs. He also expressed his profuse thanks to the Minister for responding promptly and taking action to obtain admission for his younger son to the Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa.

Director General/ Public Communications Division, A.M.J. Sadiq and Director General / Overseas Administration Division, W. Hettiarachchi of the Ministry also addressed the gathering. Acting Secretary, Jayantha Palipane and members of the staff of the Foreign Ministry were present on the occasion.

Intense fighting results heavy damages to LTTE - Kilinochchi

Intense fighting erupted with troops and LTTE terrorists as the troops of 57 Division and Task Force 1 continued their offensive operation to breach the LTTE built earth-bund, the final obstacle and resistance point, few Kilometers away from Kilionochchi yesterday, 22 December.

Following hours-long fighting reported in west of Paranthan, Iranamadu and Adampan area, troops have gained control over 2Km stretch breaking the LTTE's earth bund in several locations. Troops continue their operation despite heavy resistance given by the terrorists.

According to the available sources, forty-two terrorists were killed and fifty-five others were wounded in confrontations reported in 57 Division while fourteen LTTE terrorists were killed and thirty-two sustained injuries in confrontations reported in Task Force 1.

Ten army personnel have laid their lives for defending the motherland and fourty soldiers sustained injuries in intense fighting ensued breaching the LTTE-built final obstacle.

LTTE sniffs defeat at Kilinochchi: Nadesan crash on BBC interview

Following days of heavy and intense fighting between troops and LTTE at the fringes of Kilinochchi, west of Paranthan, Adampan, Nevil, Puthumurrippukulam and Iranamadu since Tuesday (Dec 16), the terrorist mouth piece Nadesan has finally made acceptance of the probable fall of its main terror bastion township, Kilinochchi, but remained persistence of heavy resistance as battles are expected to shift for the eastern Mullaittivu theater.

The terror propaganda chief unexpectedly crashed during an e-mail interview with the BBC service yesterday (Dec 22). "Even though Kilinochchi falls we will continue fighting", he was quoted replying to the news service. Earlier, the psychotic terror chief, Prabakaran in mid-November assured to defend its main garrison, while promising to stall the surging military offensives at Kilinochchi.

Nadesan's cry comes in the verge of losing Kilinochchi and its satellite bases to security forces who have already breached sections of the LTTE built earth bund cum ditch, stretching from the outskirts of Paranthan towards Iranamadu. Terrorists were also left with soaring deaths and casualties as battlefield reports estimates over 170 killed and twice as many injured since last Tuesday (16). Troops of the Task Force -1 and 57 Division continued making good ground into LTTE territory amidst stiff resistance and heavy torrential rains in Wanni, security sources said. Mobility of heavy guns and troops were restricted due to the lashing floods the sources said adding that the string of air assaults had disintegrated LTTE concentrations in the areas further easing ground advances.

Meanwhile, fighting had ensued in the western fronts of Kilinochchi for the forth consecutive day between 57 Div troops and LTTE yesterday (Dec 22) from 6a.m., till 6p.m. According to military sources, pitched battles were reported in areas South of Adampan, Puthumurrippukulam and West of Iranamadu. The infantrymen were also assisted with close combat air support provided by the SLAF strikers the sources further said.

Over 50 terrorists were reported killed and twice as many injured ground sources said, citing intercepted LTTE communication. Troops have also uncovered 3 LTTE bodies during subsequent search operations conducted, the sources further added.

Also, troops of the TF-1 now operating in general area Nevil have captured a stretch of the LTTE built earth bund reportedly destroying 6 LTTE bunker overheads while inflicting heavy damages in the duel from 7a.m., till 4p.m. According to military, snipers deployed in the area have also taken 2 successful enemy targets.

Security forces rescue 26 Tamil civilians - Pooneryn

Security forces personnel have rescued a group of Tamil civilians comprising twenty-six including two infants and two children while crossing Kilaly lagoon to arrive at security forces controlled area seeking safety for their lives last Sunday, 21 December.

According to the defence.lk correspondent in Task Force 1, the civilians of Elephant Pass were able to escape LTTE's grip on board a boat flying white flag for their safety. The boat, heading towards Pooneryn carrying 26 civilians, was out of order while crossing Kilaly lagoon putting the lives of innocent Tamil civilians on jeopardy.

Troops of Task Force 1 has immediately reacted once observed a boat flying white flag floating in Kilaly lagoon area and make safe the lives of Tamil civilians who were able to escape LTTE's trapping as a human shield.

The escapees speaking to our correspondents said that LTTE terrorists are intensifying child conscription as they having lack of manpower to face security forces' military push. "LTTE terrorists forcefully recruiting underage children and youth, and we also have to face serious difficulties under LTTE's jungle rule", one of the mothers among the escapees said.

Troops have brought them to the newly constructed children's park in Pooneryn area after providing them with meals, medical treatments and other necessities.

Counter terrorist operations continue in Mullaittivu

Troops of the 59 Division mounted heavy attacks at LTTE positions in general area Kumulamunai, Mullaittivu as troops confirmed inflicting serious damages to LTTE, yesterday (Dec 22).

A terrorist was reported sniped in the same area on Monday morning at 7, security sources said. LTTE terrorists have suffered more damages during separate confrontations ensued with troops ahead of Kumulamunai defences throughout yesterday, according to the sources.

Meanwhile, troops of the TF -3, observing an LTTE movement in general area East Olumadu have directed heavy artillery causing terrorist to retreat with many casualties, ground sources said.

Free innocent Tamils or face ban - President to LTTE

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today(Dec 22) called on the LTTE that to release all innocent Tamils it is holding hostage, in bondage and using them as human shields, with the dawn of 2009, and allow them to come to the safe areas provided for them by the Government and the Security Forces.

Failure to do this would lead the Government to proscribing the LTTE with all its consequences for the terrorist organization and will ensure that 2009 is the true Year of Heroism for the troops and also see the wiping out of LTTE terrorism from the pages of history.

He said the only enemy faced by the people is the terrorism of LTTE, and that he will not agree to any ceasefire that will strengthen the LTTE in any form.

President Rajapaksa was addressing religious dignitaries, ministers, senior administrators and leading members of the private sector to thank them for the cooperation extended to the government in this year and to inform them of the progress of the military operations against the terrorism of the LTTE and state of the economy of the country. The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo.

There is only one enemy in the country, and that is terrorism. The Sinhala people are not the enemies of the Tamils, as the Tamils are not the enemy of the Sinhalese. Separatism and terror is the enemy of all, be they Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or Buddhists; Hindus, Christians and followers of Islam. All people should come together in unity to fight the savagery of terrorism.

He told the audience that the people of the country had given him and the government the strength top fight terrorism, and bring the LTTE to the weak position it is in today; the strength to free the motherland from the grip of terror.

"I will not agree to any ceasefire that will strengthen the LTTE in any form" he said.

"The New Year 2009 will be the fourth year with the country under my leadership. There will be very decisive challenges in 2009, to face which there will be the need for the widest unity among all people. 2009 will be the year when the country will be freed from the menace of tiger terrorism. Many evil forces will conspire to prevent the victory against terrorism, but we shall overcome them all. There will be many attempts to create division, crisis and unrest in the country, all of which are targeted at helping the cause of tiger terror. Attempts will be made to create a negative public mood in the battle against terror. But, we will face the biggest challenges and obstacles to make 2009 the Year of Heroic Victory against Terrorism," the President said.

He called on all political parties and forces to unite with the government to defeat terrorism and take the country towards development. This is the message as to the NFF that voted with the government in the last budget, to the JVP that helped me in the victory in the last presidential election and to all patriotic sections within the UNP, too, who should preserve the honour and dignity of their party by joining the government in the great patriotic tasks that lay ahead.

Fuel prices

Referring top the prevailing debate on fuel prices and economic policy, President Rajapaksa said the Government had to act with responsibility, and its responsibility was to the people. The Government needed revenue to meet the demands of development and the costs of the ongoing military operations to defeat terrorism.

It was from revenue that the government earned that it was possible to give free books to schoolchildren, provide healthy services to the people, milk food to mothers and children and also carry on the necessary operations to free the country of terrorism. Any decisions on the prices of essential items had to be taken with responsibility and concern for the actual needs of the people. The needs of a mere 04 per cent of people who use petrol for cars could not supersede the needs of more than 90 % of the people who traveled by bus and train.

He said that those who petitioned the courts on the price of petrol were the same people who campaigned abroad against the extension of the GST+ relief for the country. If they had succeeded in that, all workers in the garment industry would have suffered.

President Rajapaksa said that the government always respected the orders of the courts, even when they went against some of the policies that were being implemented to combat terrorism. These orders such as the ban on searching homes at night, and issues involving High Security Zones were observed with due respect to the courts and as there were alternate policies to be followed, despite adverse consequences, some of which were tragic.

He said the government was committed to reducing prices of essentials we when they went down in the international markets, and this was clearly seen in the reduction of the prices of petrol diesel, kerosene and other fuels in the recent budget. However, as much as the government benefits from the reduction in prices of such imports one had also to be aware of the loss the country faces with the drop in prices earned by commodities exported from the country, due to the prevailing condition s in the world.

The issue of taxation and duties should not be looked at in isolation, but as a whole, taking into consideration the needs of the entire economy. There was the need to raise duties on the import of many items to help local industry and production to benefit. Speaking in lighter vein, he said some people may today seek relief in court against the 300 % duty on cigarettes and arrack, the 450% duty on whisky or the 500 % duty on imported luxury cars.

President Rajapaksa stressed that that the function of good government required proper understanding among the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The Executive should not try to grab the powers of the Legislature, and likewise the other arms of government should also not seek to grab the powers of any other. He was fully conscious of the responsibility of the government to the people, and all decisions that affect the people would be taken ion all honesty to discharge that sacred responsibility that he bore.

Courtesy: priu.gov.lk

Six air raids at LTTE positions - Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu

Sri Lanka Air Force carried out six more air raids targeting identified LTTE positions in Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi fronts between 1.30 pm and 6.00pm today, 22 December.

Air force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, said that fighter jets attacked at two Sea Tigers boats detected 3 km north of Mullaittivu around 6.00 p.m. The boats had been camouflaged and they were engaged after detecting those using close observation cameras. Two boats were completely destroyed due to the air attack, spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, air force fighter jets raided the same location around 1.30 pm, air force sources added.

In Kilinochchi front, air force launched three successive air sorties targeting LTTE strong points observed north of Iranamadu between 2.50 pm to 3.50 pm. Air attacks were launched in support of advancing troops of 57 Division, heading towards Kilinochchi.

Separately, SLAF MI-24 Helicopters raided LTTE strong point located east of Pudumurippukulam tank around 5.30 pm in support of troops of 57 Division.

Troops march towards Kilinochchi; LTTE suffered heavy damages in confrontations - Kilinochchi

Troops of Task Force 1 on mission to capture LTTE's heartland, Kilinochchi, had several confrontations with detected groups of LTTE terrorists in general area Nivil yesterday, 21 December.

Army Soldiers attached to 582 Brigade have extended their defences destroying LTTE strong points observed in general area Nivil yesterday. Electronic Warfare sources confirmed that terrorists received heavy damages in intense fighting reported in the area. Troops also sustained minor damages.

Meanwhile, troops of same formation attacked at LTTE bunker line last morning inflicting maximum damages to the enemy.

Separately, army snipers deployed in 582 Brigade have taken three targets ahead of the own defence line in general area Nivil, the military report received from the battlefront said.


Wanni exodus continue, 60 civilians seek protection with security forces- Mullaittivu

60 more civilians including 24 males and 36 females from the non-liberated areas of Mullaittivu District have arrived at Tanduwan general area, 4km Northwest of Nedunkerni today (Dec 22) morning.

These civilians all locals in Mullaittivu district have sought protection with security forces following a desperate escape made from the LTTE Wanni hellhole. Thousands are reported stranded with LTTE as defence observers believe the actual figures to be more than the elaborated numbers recently.

Apart from carrying out genocidal attacks targeting both the Muslim and Sinhalese communities in the south, LTTE terrorists are also shrinking the Tamil populace in Wanni, luring both young and old to its insane separatist cause through intimidations and brutal methods, the sources asserted.

Nedunkerni was liberated by the Task Force -4 troops on Sunday (Dec 21), after hours of fierce fighting with LTTE.

59 Div troops extend their defences; LTTE body found - Mullaittivu

Troops of 59 Division heading towards Mullaittivu had a series of clashes with LTTE terrorists in general area Kumulamunai yesterday (21 Dec) from morning hours, the military report received from the battlefront said.

Two military formations, 591 and 593 Brigades, actively engaged in consolidating operations in newly gained areas confronted with groups of LTTE terrorists in Kumulamunai area, military sources said.

Troops have found a body of LTTE terrorist killed along with two hand grenades during a search operation conducted following the confrontation, sources added.

Army sniper guns down a terrorist - Muhamalai

Troops deployed in northern battlefront further strengthen their defence line conducting consolidating operation yesterday, 21 December.

According to the military report received from the battlefront said that army snipers gunned down an LTTE terrorists ahead of the forward defence line in Muhamalai.

Jets strike at identified LTTE positions, attack craft destroyed

SLAF fighter jets made successive air sorties at identified terror targets located in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts since 6.30 this morning (Dec 22).

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, 2 air raids were made at identified LTTE resistance positions, North and East of the Iaranamadu battlefront at 6.30a.m., and 8.20a.m., respectively.

The sorties were made in support of the advancing 57 Division troops, the Spokesperson said.

An LTTE craft beached North of the Mullaittivu lagoon was also confirmed destroyed in a separate air attack launched at around 7.10a.m., he further said.