MORE THAN 30,000 ESCAPE DRAMATICALLY AFTER SECURITY FORCES CREATE SAFE PASSAGES FOR THEM TO FLEE FROM TIGER TERRITORY
Apr 20, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Reuters
Openly defying Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam orders and braving the brunt of gunfire and at least three suicide bombers more than 35, 000 Tamil civilians made a dramatic exodus from the Tamil Tiger held area in the North East of Sri Lanka, assisted by the Sri Lankan security forces , eye witnesses said.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Sri Lanka Air Force headquarters to watch videos taken by spy planes , and said the continuing exodus of civilians would bring “complete defeat” of the Tamil Tigers.
The President was delighted to see an unending stream of civilians flowing into the government held areas as they were getting out of danger. As the Commander in Chief of the Sri Lankan security forces he also gave a twenty four hour notice for LTTE supreme Velupillai Prabhakaran and his top aids to surrender.
Describing the spy plane movies, the President reportedly said, "The footage clearly shows that the people are defying the rebels and escaping. They are running to safety."
The Sri Lanka government and people like Sir John Holmes of the UN have been from the beginning telling that the LTTE is using the civilians as a human shield. The President is of the opinion that when their final dastardly cover is removed it would definitely bring their last down fall. The security forces in clearing passages for the civilians were involved in heavy fighting with LTTE gunmen before some passages were cleared. In the gun battles 17 LTTE cadres were killed and scores of others were injured.
He told a news agency, "The process of the complete defeat of the LTTE has just begun. It is now all over for the Tigers."
Mentioning about LTTE Supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran, the President said, "The only thing Prabhakaran can now do is to surrender.” I don't want him to take cyanide and commit suicide. He has to face charges for his actions."
The Ministry of Defence said, “World's largest hostage rescue mission has become a success and over 30,000 have been rescued .It added. Latest reports received from the Sri Lanka Army 58 Division indicate that over 30,000 civilians held hostage by LTTE terrorists at Puthumathalan and Amplalavanpokkani areas have been liberated. According to the sources, several thousands of others are waiting them to be rescued by the armed forces. All hostages held in Ampalavanpokkanai and Valayanmadam areas have been rescued.”
The Ministry of Defence further said, “ The mass rescue operation reached a significant phase when troops captured the 3 km long earth bund built by the LTTE, on the western border of the No Fire Zone this morning (Apr 20). With this capture troop opened a safe route for the hostages to come out of the LTTE grip which was occupied by tens of thousands civilians seeking refuge.”
Reports said desperate by the mass exodus of Tamil civilians, LTTE machine gun bullets were sprayed on the civilians and later three suicide bombers ran to them and exploded.
An eye witness quoted by the Ministry of Defence said, "The terrorists initially fired at the civilians on the causeway using heavy machine guns. When they stepped into the lagoon to avoid LTTE machine gunfire, three LTTE cadres ran on to them and exploded themselves", Initial reports said at least 17 Tamil men women and children fell dead by the suicide attack. (EOM)
World's largest hostage rescue mission becomes success; over 30,000 rescued
Apr 20, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - SLRC
Latest reports received from the Sri Lanka Army 58 Division indicate that over 30,000 civilians held hostage by LTTE terrorists at Puthumathalan and Amplalavanpokkani areas have been liberated. According to the sources, several thousands of others are waiting them to be rescued by the armed forces. All hostages held in Ampalavanpokkanai and Valayanmadam areas have been rescued, the sources added.
The mass rescue operation reached a significant phase when troops captured the 3 km long earth bund built by the LTTE, on the western border of the No Fire Zone this morning (Apr 20). With this capture troop opened a safe route for the hostages to come out of the LTTE grip which was occupied by tens of thousands civilians seeking refuge with the soldiers.
Meanwhile, defence sources on the field said that LTTE terrorists have launched a cowardly attack at the Tamil civilians leaving their grip. Defence.lk special correspondent in the area said that three LTTE suicide cadres have exploded themselves killing dozens of refugees including women and children.
"The terrorists initially fired at the civilians on the causeway using heavy machine guns. When they stepped into the lagoon to avoid LTTE machine gunfire, three LTTE cadres ran on to them and exploded themselves", he said.
More information will follow...
Source of the article
OBTAIN A MERE ONE HOUR, NOT 48, FROM PRABHAKARAN FOR TAMIL CIVILIANS TO GO IF YOU CAN, RAJAPAKSA TELLS INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTS
Apr 20, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - AFP
President Mahinda Rajapaksa challenged the international elements who asked him to prolong the forty eight hours of truce he granted recently to facilitate the Tamil civilians to cross over to the Sri Lanka government controlled areas, if they could, to obtain not forty eight hours but a mere one hour of truce for the same purpose from the Tamil Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
“I could assure them that granting of a mere one hour by Prabhakaran would make all the Tamil civilians crossing over to the government side immediately,” said Rajapaksa.
Addressing a ruling party meeting at Temple Trees in Colombo the President of Sri Lanka said no decision of whatsoever , including ceasefire, that would harm the national interests of Sri Lanka would never be taken by his government because there is international pressure. “The people of Sri Lanka, “ said the President, “has got the sole responsibility of approving what this government is going to do.”
Sir John Holmes of the United Nations said, that during the forty eight hours of Sinhala and Tamil New Year truce granted by President Rajapaksa , by working overtime , the Tamil Tigers have prevented people from leaving the war zone by using methods such as shooting, burning boats etc. The military sources said The Tamil Tigers have exceeded 72,000 to reach the army controlled areas from the No Fire Zone where the Tamil Tigers have entrapped the civilians, overcoming such obstacles.
Further addressing the ruling party rally, the President said certain elements have called him, Army Commander Sarath de Fonseka and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as war criminals and threatened to take them before a military tribunal and punish them on an electric chair. He said Sri Lanka’s Opposition leaders are already collecting so called evidence for the case.
He said he wanted tell all those people that it is greater joy for him to give his life for the motherland than betraying the country and its people for few silvers.
The president said some opposition leaders who travel round the globe betraying the country do not have any authority to make decisions for the country.
"We are not willing to take any decision regarding the country based on international influence. The decisions taken by the government for the betterment of the country are based on the expectations of its people," he told the gathering.
"The only request made by me is that people of the country should be united and not divided," the President said. The President said he was not shaken as long as the people are behind the government.
He said the international powers who do not want him to act against terrorists should ask Prabhakaran to release all the civilians he is holding as hostages.
He said obviously referring to the forth coming elections, that the people should give a clear verdict against people who drew up agreements to divide the country into few pieces to give birth to more than one nation.(EOM)
IT WAS TOO BAD LTTE DID NOT SURRENDER SINCE PRABHAKARAN’S ACTIVITIES WILL COME TO AN END SAYS PRESIDENT
Apr 19, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
President Rajapaksa said it was too bad the Tamil Tigers did not surrender to the government troops during the two day truce and expressed his confidence that too soon Velupillai Prabhakaran will be captured alive or his end will be witnessed.
Addressing the ruling party’s women’s organizations at the Temple Trees in Colombo the President said he was able to visit the valiant soldiers and the IDP’s at Kilinochchi recently because the people put their country at war before their stomachs, and no achievement could have been gained otherwise.
The President said it was unfortunate, that Prabhakaran did not surrender or release the Tamil civilians he has been holding hostage. He alleged that the LTTE wanted to use them as a human shield.
He said Prabhakaran deliberately did not allow the Tamil civilians to enter government held areas.
On the opposite, LTTE cadres' snipers targeted and killed two of our soldiers during this period on April 13 and 14, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period. My army is strong, effective and efficient, Rajapaksa said.
The Lankan army will put an end to Prabhakaran's activities very soon, said the President.
Rajapaksa said he gave the LTTE leader his "few remaining leaders 48-hours of respite to surrender to the military along with their cadres."
President Rajapaksa said the government achieved all these military gains defeating a precarious position created by certain leaders by drawing up agreements to divide the country, since the people was behind it..
Addressing another meeting of three wheel drivers associations the President said he was amazed to see the millions of cash sent to Kilinochchi for the improvement of the living standards of the Tamil people have been spent to luxurious air conditioned bunkers for the LTTE leaders and to buy military ware. He said unfortunately not even a a proper road has been spent using that money. (EOM)
First visit by a head of state: President in Kilinochchi; Visits soldiers’ barracks and supervises facilities:
Apr 17, 2009
Source: Daily News - By Rasika SOMARATHNA
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday made a historic visit to Kilinochchi, considered to be the first ever done by a Head of State.
Kilinochchi, the so-called political headquarters of the LTTE fell on January 2, 2009 as the Security Forces brought the entire town and it’s immediate environs under their full control.
The surprise visit by the President had lasted more than three hours, where he had visited many important locations within the city, including the hospital and soldiers barracks. According to sources, he had walked freely in the streets, personally inspecting several sites.
The President had reportedly arrived in Kilinochchi around 7.30 am, in a helicopter, after making a brief stop at Vavuniya.
He had personally looked into facilities provided to soldiers and civilians.
The President’s goodwill visit yesterday coincided with the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year. He met with the troops, IDP’s and other civilians in the area.
Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda, Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramarathne had also accompanied the President.
According to a member of his entourage, the President had personally inspected the town visiting several important locations within the city.
The town’s main water tank (destroyed by the fleeing LTTE cadres), had come under close scrutiny of the President. Also former LTTE political head quarters building, Peace Secretariat building too had been visited.
Later the President had made a visit to the 58 division headquarters, and the soldiers’ barracks in the immediate vicinity, to the surprise and delight of forces personnel.
He had paid special attention over facilities provided for the soldiers, while personally visiting their lodgings. During the visit he had personally observed the operations room in the 58 Division Head Quarters and also had viewed aerial visuals on the ‘no fire zone’ obtained from UAV’s. The President had later gone to the Kilinochchi hospital, spending time with the injured soldiers and other civilians. He had distributed gift packs, after having a traditional new year meal consisting of ‘Kiribath and Kevum’ with the hospital inmates.
During the occasion, the GOC of 57 Division, Major General Jagath Dias and 58 Division GOC Brigadier Shavendra Silva had briefed the President regarding recent military achievements. According to sources, the President on the occasion had also paid close attention to the prevailing situation in the ‘No Fire’ Zone and plans ahead with regards to freeing trapped civilians.
Later addressing the troops stationed in the area, the President commended their courage and commitment. While saying that their selfless dedication had brought the present victories, he had urged the soldiers to continue the good work as victory was at hand.
The President had also emphasised the importance of safeguarding innocent civilians and ensuring them a safe passage to escape from the Tiger clutches.
During his visit, the President had also visited Vavuniya and had addressed troops located in the area. He had also advised officials to expedite relief and welfare activities with maximum efficiency. For a major period during the last three decades, the LTTE has given Kilinochchi a symbolic importance, calling it their administrative capital, even though the Government had been running most civil administrative functions including banking, healthcare, trade, education and welfare.
The LTTE first took hold of the town in 1990, when the Army withdrew it’s forces from the area. Then later the security forces once again regained control of Kilinochchi during operation Sathjaya 1, 11 and 111 in 1996. The Kilinochchi town fell into terrorist hands once again in September 1998, and has been their administrative nerve centre until forces liberated the area fully in January 02, 2009.
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FONSEKA SAYS SECURITY FORCES WILL ELIMINATE TERRORISM FROM SRI LANKA VERY SOON ,IN A NEW YEAR MESSAGE
Apr 15, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Sri Lanka Army Commander Sarath Fonseka said over the years the Sri Lanka security forces were able to kill 18,000 cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and make them lose most of its heavy arms and he vowed to eliminate terrorism from the Indian Ocean island nation.
“We were able to crush the Tiger’s dream of a separate state and we have destroyed most of their weaponary, planes and sea craft,” Fonseka said in a message on the occasion of the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year.
He triumphantly declared that the Tamil civilians held by the LTTE have now completely come to trust the security services and he lauded the men of the armed forces who in a dedicated service have rendered to win the hearts of the Tamil people.
"Hospitality, friendliness, kindness and other noble qualities shown towards the civilians on their arrival to cleared (government-controlled) areas have proved that we are a disciplined and friendly army," Fonseka said.
Promising all Tamils who are still under the bondage of the LTTE freedom soon Fonseka said, "Ever rising number of civilians reaching cleared areas .... Confirm this truth” about their ever increasing trust in us. (EOM)
MARKING THE NEW YEAR PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA RESTRICTS TROOP ACTIONS TO DEFENSIVE PURPOSES ONLY TO EASE ENTRAPPED CIVILIAN MOVEMENT.
Apr 14, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - By Sudath Silva
After finishing a successful official tour to Libya President of Sri Lanka commenced his duties visiting Army Hospital, Colombo early hours of Sunday 12th April .President Mahinda Rajapaksa accompanied with the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. President and First lady distributed Sinhala and Tamil New year gifts to Ranaviru Soldiers at the hospital.
President of Sri Lanka ordered his security forces to restrict their actions for defensive purposes only to ease the movement of the Tamil civilians entrapped by the Tamil Tigers marking the New Year celebrated by both the Tamil and Sinhalalese communities of the island nation.
The New Year is celebrated on 13th and 14th of April.
The President’s office said in a statement, “As the nation celebrates the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year, His Excellency the President is deeply conscious of the need to give the civilian population entrapped as hostages by the ruthless actions of the LTTE, the opportunity to celebrate these festivities in a suitable atmosphere and to have uninhibited freedom of movement from the No Fire Zone to the cleared areas.”
The statement further said, “With this objective in view, His Excellency has directed the Armed Forces of the State to restrict their operations during the New Year to those of a defensive nature.
“The Sinhala & Tamil New Year is symbolic of the amity prevailing amongst all communities in Sri Lanka. In the true spirit of the season, it is timely for the LTTE to acknowledge its military defeat and lay down its weapons and surrender. The LTTE must also renounce terrorism and violence permanently.”
TNA SNUBS INVITATION OF INDIAN GOVERNMENT FOR TALKS AND SANGAREE SAYS THEY MUST RESIGN THEIR SEATS IF NOT INTERESTED IN LANKA TAMILS
Apr 12, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
The proxy party of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka(LTTE) , the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) in a snub has refused to meet India’s Foreign Secretary Shivashankar Menon to discuss about the Tamils in Sri Lanka refusing his invitation.
Criticising the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam parliamentary group’s decision, the President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Ananda Sangaree said he learnt the “foolish and detrimental decision” with “dismay not to accept the invitation of the foreign secretary for a meeting with him next weeks.”
TNA parliamentarian N.Sri Kantha told an |Indian news service the majority of the TNA members of parliament were not interested in meeting India since they were upset with the regional power for not coming and stopping Sri Lanka’s war with the LTTE. He was quoted having said, “majority of the lawmakers opposed a TNA delegation meeting with Indian officials given the fact that India has never asked Sri Lanka to stop the war in which innocent civilians are being killed." He added repeating the LTTE demand of a ceasefire and insisted that they are willing to meet any Indian official if India takes "diplomatic efforts to get an immediate ceasefire."
Ananda Sangaree, the leader of the oldest democratic Tamil party who represented Kilinochchi, the Last capital of the Tamil Tigers in an earlier parliament, said , “Shree Menon would not have extended this invitation without a reasonable cause. All the TNA Parliamentarians know fully well that they have no moral right to represent the Tamils of the North and the East. Yet the Government of India had invited them giving them recognition as representatives of the Tamils, knowing fully well that they are interested not in saving the lives of several thousands trapped in Vanni but only trying to redeem the LTTE.“
Sangaree further said the TNA “ are duty bound to accept the invitation and place before the Government of India, represented by Shree Shivshankar Menon, their grievances and save our people about whom they had not taken any interest up to now. The TNA is the only organization that had not demanded or even pleaded with the LTTE to allow the people to go anywhere they want. When the casualty rate among the trapped IDPs has disturbingly increased several fold during the pat few weeks the TNA can’t adopt the “dog in the manger” attitude. They must either do it or quit Parliament, declaring their inability to function as people’s representatives.
“At a time when all the TNA Parliamentarians should be at the station, surprisingly only ten had met and taken a decision detrimental to the cause and the other 12 are scattered all over the world. As long as they claim to represent the Tamil people they must be prepared to fall at any body’s feet and seek assistance for the liberation of the people, without confronting anybody. I hope they will not repeat the same mistake they made when they rejected the President’s invitation two months back, which if they had attended, a lot of things could have been sorted out.
“Mr. Mavai Senathirajah had failed to give proper direction to his colleagues in Parliament. This clearly shows as to what they are up to. In all sincerity I warn the TNA Members of Parliament to keep out of the Tamil Nadu Politics at least till the Parliamentary elections are over. They should reconsider their earlier decision and go to Delhi to meet the Foreign Secretary.” (EOM)
BANKI MOON AFTER PHONE CONVERSATION WITH RAJAPAKSA SAYS CIVILIANS OF THE WAR TORN AREAS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE
Apr 11, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - AFP
Issuing a statement in New York after a telephone conversation with the visiting President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa in Libya Secretary General of the UN Ban Ki Moon said “that civilians should be allowed to leave the affected areas” of the war-torn North East of Sri Lanka.
The Secretary General said, “The Secretary-General reminds all concerned of their obligations to do all they can to protect civilians, and stresses that civilians should be allowed to leave the affected areas.”
Meanwhile in a statement issued in Colombo President Rajapaksa’s office said,
“President Mahinda Rajapaksa has told the UN Secretary-General Ban- ki-moon that the suffering undergone by the Tamil civilians in the No Fire Zone in the north of Sri Lanka is the sole responsibility of the LTTE that was holding them as a human shield, despite many calls for their freedom.”
The Colombo statement said Mr. Ban Ki-moon had a telephone conversation with President Rajapaksa in Libya yesterday (April 9) where the he is at present on a three day State Visit.
The Colombo statement said, “In the telephone conversation initiated by the UN Secretary-General to discuss the prevailing humanitarian situation regarding Tamil civilians in the North of Sri Lanka, Mr. Ban Ki-moon had expressed his concern about the thousands of civilian trapped in the No Fire Zone.
“President Rajapaksa told Mr. Ban Ki-moon that he understood the Secretary-General’s deep preoccupation with the fate and condition of this civilian population, and informed him that all of the suffering of the civilians was due to the LTTE continuing to hold them hostage and as human shields, ignoring the many calls by the UN and humanitarian organizations to free them.
“He had also informed the UNSG of the continuing numbers of civilians who were fleeing the LTTE’s hold in the rapidly diminishing land they control, where these civilians are held people forcibly, and facing great danger to come to the Safe Zone established by the Government.
“President Rajapaksa had also assured the UNSG that Sri Lanka was aware of and observes all international obligations to protect civilians, and repeated his call on the UN and all interested parties to bring increased pressure on the LTTE to give the people the freedom to leave the affected area.
“The UN Secretary-General and the Sri Lankan President agreed to continue working together in the coming days for the interests of the affected civilians in the North of Sri Lanka.
The Secretary General’s statement issued in New York on April 9 is as follows:
The Secretary-General and President Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka spoke again today about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Vanni region and their shared concerns about the civilians still trapped in the area.
The President understood the Secretary-General’s deep preoccupation with the fate and condition of the civilian population. They agreed to continue to work together urgently on ways forward in the coming days.
The Secretary-General reminds all concerned of their obligations to do all they can to protect civilians, and stresses that civilians should be allowed to leave the affected areas. (EOM)
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE INITIATED AGAINST VAIKO AFTER HE THREATENED BLOOD BATH IN TAMIL NADU IF PRABHAKARAN HARMED
Apr 10, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Indian police filed a first information report(FIR) against Marumalarchchi Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko for threatening a blood bath in India if alleged Rajiv Gandhi assassination conspirator Velupillai Prabhakaran is harmed.
Under Indian criminal law the first step of starting a criminal investigation is to file a FIR compiled by the police or a citizen.
Vaiko also said that if new Delhi does not stop the war in Sri Lanka, “India would not remain one country” threatening separatist action.
By London demonstrations and inflammatory speeches in Chennai LTTE proxies are trying to save the LTTE leader, whose days are believed to be numbered, analysts in Chennai said.
Vaiko , alleged by his political opponents to be in the payroll of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) faces this police action over the inflammatory statement he made about the banned LTTE and its besieged leader now cornered out gunned and outnumbered, by a victorious army in the North East coast of Sri Lanka.
The North Beach Police station in Chennai said, "Charges have been made against Vaiko for spreading disaffection among people and speaking against the banned LTTE." The FIR has been registered at that police station as the speech had been delivered in that particular police area.
Vaiko said, the mind of the people in Tamil Nadu had become a “volcano.” It was now a long time since they had forgotten the Sriperumpudur incident (assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi), downplaying the political importance of the alleged LTTE crime on the people of Tamil Nadu.
Prabakaran had a place in the hearts of Tamils the world over and they would not tolerate the slightest harm to him, Mr Vaiko said, adding people in Tamil Nadu also would not have a different attitude.
Speaking in Tamil Vaiko said, “"Prabhakaran lives in the hearts of Tamils. Tamils all over the world do not want even a small harm happening to him. If anything happens to him there will be a bloodbath in Tamil Nadu."
Vaiko said the LTTE leader Prabhakaran, now beleaguered, is an invincible man war. Vaiko said the sea between India and Sri Lanka could not permanently prevent the Tamil youth from visiting that country with arms. “If the Argentine-born Che Guevara could fight for the Cubans, why not the youth from Tamil Nadu for the Tamils in Sri Lanka, with whom they have an umbilical cord relationship,” he asked.(EOM)
JOHN HOLMES OF THE UN SAYS IN GUARDIAN THAT LTTE IS REFUSING CIVILIANS TO FLEE THE WAR ZONE THAT CONTRAVENES THEIR STAND
Apr 9, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - AFP
The UN Under Secretary General Sir John Holmes said that although the Tamil Tiger leadership say that the Tamil civilians accompanied them into the war zone voluntarily and they do not want to leave there are continuing reports of shooting at fleeing civilians, destroying boats to prevent them leaving and forcing them to fight against their will by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
He said, “. It is clear that the LTTE is refusing to let people flee, though many are managing to escape somehow, and I fear the combatants may be gearing up for a final confrontation. This is a very grave situation.”
Sir John Holmes writing in the London’s Guardian newspaper April 8 said they have told the terrorist group that civilians trapped by the fighting in the North must be allowed a free choice of whether to leave or stay.
The Under Secretary General for humanitarian affairs of the United Nations said, “. The LTTE's leadership claims the civilians in the conflict zone do not want to leave because they accompanied the LTTE voluntarily in the first place and are afraid of government reprisals. Yet there are continuing reports that the group's fighters are shooting at fleeing civilians, limiting fishing and sabotaging boats that might be used to escape, and forcing people to fight against their will.”
Holmes further added, “Civilians trapped by the fighting must be allowed a free choice of whether to leave or stay, as we have made clear to the LTTE. If the LTTE truly has the best interests of the Tamil people at heart, they should contribute to ending this unnecessary civilian suffering.”
“There have been many hundreds of civilian deaths caused by firing from both sides, though exact numbers and who fired what and when are impossible to verify. It is clear that the LTTE is refusing to let people flee, though many are managing to escape somehow, and I fear the combatants may be gearing up for a final confrontation. This is a very grave situation.
“As a full-scale, long-term ceasefire is unlikely to be agreed now, the only way to get the civilians out of harm's way is a temporary humanitarian lull, during which aid workers and relief supplies must be allowed into the conflict zone, and those who want to leave must be given the chance to do so.
He also wrote :“Both sides have a duty to bring this about. The LTTE's leadership claims the civilians in the conflict zone do not want to leave because they accompanied the LTTE voluntarily in the first place and are afraid of government reprisals. Yet there are continuing reports that the group's fighters are shooting at fleeing civilians, limiting fishing and sabotaging boats that might be used to escape, and forcing people to fight against their will. Civilians trapped by the fighting must be allowed a free choice of whether to leave or stay, as we have made clear to the LTTE. If the LTTE truly has the best interests of the Tamil people at heart, they should contribute to ending this unnecessary civilian suffering.
“For its part, the government of Sri Lanka must stick to its promise of not using heavy weapons while the fighting lasts, and hold off from any final attack in the conflict zone while the pause is negotiated. With so many people packed into such a small area, further military action not only risks more civilian deaths and injuries but also threatens to undermine the government's credibility with the international community and the national groups with whom it must soon seek reconciliation.
“At this critical juncture independent aid workers must be allowed to bring in more aid, assess the situation and help civilians to decide their own fate. Indeed, unless better access for supplies and aid workers is urgently secured, the ravages of disease, untreated wounds and hunger will kill many more people.
“The government must also show flexibility by recognising that many of the civilians in the conflict zone have genuine fears about possible mistreatment, whether the government deems them well-founded or not. It must also make clear that the safety of all civilians will be guaranteed, and that all those laying down their arms will be treated in accordance with the rule of law.
“A vital part of this is ensuring that treatment of internally displaced people is in line with international standards - including the need for transparent screening and registration processes, guaranteed freedom of movement, and commitments to ensure speedy return to their places of origin. If the UN can play a role in bringing this about and monitoring it with other international groups, it is fully ready to do so.”(EOM)
BRITISH TAMIL FORUM, THE FRONT ORGANIZATION OF THE BANNED TERRORIST OUTFIT DEMONSTRATE WITH TIGER FLAGS AND ONE IS ARRESTED UNDER TERRORISM LAW
Apr 8, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Getty Images
The Metropolitan Police used anti-terrorist laws to arrest a demonstrator in front of the British parliament for brandishing a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam flag.
The Police said, “ police took into custody an individual on suspicion of carrying articles in support of a proscribed organization.”
When the demonstration blocking the Westminster Bridge in front of the parliament started, hundreds of demonstrators were carrying the red flags of the leaping Tiger , known as the Eelam Flag, which are hoisted by the terrorists at their functions , that contravened Terrorism Act 2000 of UK.
At 12.45 a man was detained for brandishing a Tiger flag. Before that the police conveyed to the demonstrators that the flags should be removed.
Before that the Metropolitan Police of London have made four arrests, one for violent disorder, two for public order and one for the breach for peace when the British Tamil Forum , the front organization for the banned Liberation of Tamil Eelam organized a protest by blocking the Westminster bridge in front of the British parliament to demand “a ceasefire” to save the cornered , battered terrorist leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
The front organization’s spokesman Suren Surendiran told a television station, "People are blocking the street because they want (a ceasefire) implemented."
In the course of the demonstration they threatened the Police saying that they would jump into River Thames if they were not allowed to speak to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. They did not get a chance of speaking to the Prime Minister and at least one protester did jump into River Thames who was rescued by the police and sent to hospital for treatment. Police said about 2000 participated in the demonstration. The demonstration has been organized illegally without obtaining permission from the police. When the pro-LTTE demonstrators started pouring in it took the police by surprise. After they were pushed to the parliament square after many scuffles, they once again defied the police by coming in hundreds to the square defying orders to disperse..
A police statement said, “Police marine units and lifeboats were on standby after one man jumped into the River Thames and was taken to hospital.”
Sources close to the British Tamil Forum said the demonstration has been held as a prelude to a bigger demonstration on the 11th of April, once again with the intention of saving the terrorist leader using British influence over the Sri Lanka government. Prabhakaran is wanted by India and Sri Lanka for the assassinations of Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa.
Bringing an insurgency which had cost the lives of more than 70,000 people during many decades the Sri Lankan army killed a dozen leaders of the LTTE and cornered the most feared Velupillai Prabhakaran and his close lieutenants who escaped into a free fire zone created for civilians to escape to zones out of war danger where the refugees are taken to welfare centers.
Sri Lanka refused to declare a ceasefire as earlier ceasefire agreements have been used by the LTTE not for peace settlements but to regroup, recruit and rearm for another pro-longed war, the government said.
The United Nations say tens of thousands of people are being held as human shields by the LTTE against their will, and has urged the Sri Lankan military to protect them during a final offensive in the 17 sq km of coastal coconut groves.
On Monday Sri Lanka said more than 2,100 people fled the no-fire zone where the military expects to wipe out the separatists.
As the people started sleeping with blankets in front of the Westminster parliament the police was attempting to negotiate with them. Finally there were about 500 left and the police said they would be moved. In the morning they had been moved towards the parliament square.
The British Tamil Forum members were openly demonstrating the flags of the banned terrorist movement during the demonstration and told the police by implication that they were in fact Tamil Tigers, and made no bones about it. Britain has banned the LTTE as a terrorist organization, but the LTTE operates through the British Tamil Forum as if the law is an ass. (EOM)
LTTE LOSES ITS LAST FOTRESS AND RETREATS INTO THE NO FIRE ZONE DEMARCATED FOR CIVILIANS WITH PRABHAKARAN AND POTTUAMMAN
Apr 6, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Defence.lk
Indicating grave ominous signs for its future the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam lost 420 cadres during the last three days including half a dozen leaders of the second rank, a major portion of its heavy and light weapons and the last square meter of its land it held tight described as the outfit’s last fotress, Sri Lanka military said.
The most sought out leader of the Tamil Tigers Velupillai Prabhakaran and his trusted lieutenant and the outfit’s intelligence chief Pottuamman , together with his other senior leaders are believed to have escaped to the adjacent No Fire Zone demarcated by the government for the protection of the civilians.
The army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Among the 420 bodies killed were the bodies of known leaders of the LTTE Vidusha( leader of Malathi female wing), , Nagesh, Durga( leader of Soothiya female wing head), Naguleshan and Gadaffi (the personal bodyguard of the leader Prabhakaran). Among the other leaders who fell were Deepan (LTTE’s former Northern Region Chief) Panjan ,Keerthi, Kamalini , Mahindan, Amuthab (leader of the Elite Charles Anthony wing) and Gobith the former leader of the same unit).
After intense fighting with 58th, 53rd and 8th Task Force the Tamil Tigers lost their last fotress Pudukudiyiruppu and Iranapola that caused heavy damages to the rebel force which abandoned most of its weapons and ammution including heavy artillery and light weapons and withdrew to the area demarcated for the civilians.
Since the Sri Lanka Army entered the last bastion of the LTTE, once described as invincible by pro-Western NGO writers stationed in Colombo, in rapid succession the army captured the very secretive hideout of Prabhakaran discovering his personal data files buried under ground, and the LTTE’s main operations center, the Ponnambalam memorial hospital they were operating with the help of NGO’s, the main supply route for which the LTTE was dependent for its logistical supplies and a great lot of weapons almost paralyzing the terrorist outfit.
Acccording to intelligence reports about 500 LTTE cadres with their leader have retreated to the 20 square kilometre No Fire Zone to hide among the thousands of civilians. On the request of the co-chairs of the Sri Lanka aid group , Norway through its minister Eric Solheim informed the LTTE that it should not take any measure that would harm the civilians. The United States and Japan are the other co-chairs of the group. (eom)
Troops unshackle LTTE grip on Puthukkudiyirippu: Over 250 terrorists killed
Apr 5, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - Defence.lk
Over 250 terrorists were reported killed including senior LTTE rankers Theepan(LTTE's former 'Northern region' chief), Ruben, Nagesh, Gadaphi (former body guard of Prabakaran), Vidusha ('Malathi' female wing head), Durga ('Soothiya' female wing head) and Kamalini following pitched battles that ensued between troops and LTTE, East of Puthukkudiyirippu since last night (April 4), military sources reported.
Troops have also gained total control over Puthukkudiyirippu considered LTTE's last stronghold at the Mullaittivu battlefront, neutralizing pockets of terrorist resistances military said adding that troops are now positioned to make further tactical moves into the remaining territory to free hundreds of civilians held hostage by LTTE.
According to latest information received, the 53 Division, Task Force -8 and 58 Division troops have forced into the remaining LTTE resistance positions killing scores and seizing a large haul of LTTE weaponry. Battlefield reports citing 53 Division infantrymen confirmed observing over 120 terrorist bodies scattered at the battle zone. A total of over 400 terrorists are believed killed since military began fresh advances towards the remaining LTTE defences on 1st April, security sources said.
Meanwhile, 58 Division have also located over 140 LTTE bodies scattered ahead of the battlefront East of Puthukkudiyirippu. LTTE's intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman, Theepan and Bhanu have led the LTTE fighting formations while, ground sources citing intercepted enemy communication said that Bhanu have sustained injuries during yesterday's fighting.
More information will follow.
Source of the article
PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA TELLS PUBLIC RALLY THAT HE IS READY EVEN TO CLIMB TEN GALLOWS TO SAVE MOTHERLAND
Apr 4, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Daily News
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in Colombo that some representatives of a most cruel terrorist organization have said he should be sent to the gallows for suppressing terrorism and he wanted to tell them that he was ready to climb not only a single gallows but ten to save his motherland from terrorists.
The President said in an obvious reference to recurring statements issued by hired US lawyers by the LTTE that the Sri Lankan President should be sent to the gallows for alleged war crimes in the war against them.
He said, “They tell that I should be sent to gallows for waging war against them. To protect this country I am ready not only to climb single gallows but even ten.”
He was speaking at a reception held at the Temple Trees, the President’s official resident grounds where 6000 opposition United National Party members converged from Kalutara District to obtain the governing Sri Lanka Freedom Party membership opposing the policies of their former political party.
During the past few months there had been mass exodus of members from the opposition UNP against the policies of UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe who has not been cooperative with the policies of war waged by the government.
The President said the UNP had been predicting victory for them due to these policies since the Western Province which also encompasses the city of Colombo, described as more cosmopolitan , as they thought they would not follow the other provinces that gave a resounding victory to the President’s Party.
President Rajapaksa said, the Western Province despite the UNP belief , would vote for the government for the suppression of terrorism, the war against terrorism and the vast development work it had undertaken.
The President said the world is waiting to see how the Western Province is going to vote on these policies and he was optimistic of the results. (EOM)
LTTE confined to No Fire Zone: Troops encircle over 200 Tigers
Apr 2, 2009
Source: Daily News - By RANIL Wiajayapala
Photo of the day - Reuters
The entire Puthukudiyiruppu township and Iranapalai area came under Security Forces control last evening with 58 Division troops and 53 Division troops surrounding the last terrain controlled by the LTTE in the North East of Puthukudiyiruppu after capturing Pachchapulmudai junction the last supply route connected to the No Fire Zone from the mainland under 58 Division troops control.
A senior military official told the Daily News that fierce fighting raged North East of Puthukudiyiruppu as 58 Division and 53 Division troops surrounded the last square kilometer stretch under LTTE after 58 Division advanced from the North to South and 53 Division moved in a south to north direction.
The troops of the 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry Regiment attached to the 58 Division under the command of Brigadier Shavendra Silva and the 5 Vijayaba Infantry Regiment attached to the 53 Division under the command of Major General Kamal Gunaratne linked up, south of Pachchapulmudai junction encircling hundreds of Tiger cadres inside.
”We believe that more than 200 Tiger cadres were trapped inside this terrain and troops are conducting search operations in search of them,” the official added.
Fierce battles are expected to rage in this terrain as possibilities are high for the LTTE to launch counter attacks to rescue the Tiger cadres trapped inside, officials added. The 58 Division troops took control of Pachchapulmudai junction on the Puthukudiyiruppu Ampalavanpokkanai Road the last supply route linked to the No Fire Zone after a fierce battle with the LTTE. The LTTE used this supply route to send reinforcements to the Puthukudiyiruppu area through the lagoon that separates the No Fire Zone from the mainland.
Earlier the 58 Division troops captured and cut off the Puthukudiyiruppu-Puthumattalan road and another road leading to Ampalavanpokkanai from the North of Iranapalai.
The Task Force 8 troops operating under the command of Colonel G.V. Ravipriya cut off the links the LTTE had to Puthukudiyiruppu through the A-35 road.
During the search operations conducted in the area yesterday the 58 Division troops found 19 bodies of Tiger cadres along with their personal weapons and large stocks of arms and ammunition and vehicles left behind by the fleeing cadres.
The 53 Division troops also found13 bodies of Tiger cadres, eight personal weapons and other military equipment belonging to the LTTE during the search operations conducted yesterday.
With these moves by the 58 and 53 Divisions the LTTE has been confined to the No Fire Zone alone with thousands of civilian detained by them.
The 55 Division under the command of Brigadier Prasanna Silva is also heading towards the northern edge of the No Fire Zone after capturing the fifth earth bund created by the LTTE.
”Troops on the Vanni liberation operation are now at its most decisive phase as they are poised to rescue the civilians trapped inside the No Fire Zone”, a military official added.
Source of the article
THE AMBASSADOR TELLS THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL IN LOS ANGELES TO COME AND INVEST IN THE POST CONFLICT SRILANKA
Apr 1, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Onlanka News
Jaliya Wickramasuriya with Curtis Mack President WAC
The Sri Lanka ambassador to the US Jaliya Wickramasuriya told investors, professionals and the diplomats of the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles that the post conflict future in Sri Lanka would open many a doors to the US investors in the island nation.
He said , Demining ,Demilitarization, Democratization and Development would take place in the country’s Northern province where the security forces are at the tail end of defeating terrorism and added, “We will love democratization at the top of the list but the government is compelled to do away with the thousands of mines buried under the ground and disarming unauthorized parties before democracy and development is introduced to the area.”
During remarks Monday with the World Affairs Council in Los Angeles , the Ambassador for Sri Lanka to the U.S. , Jaliya Wickramasuriya, presented his views on a post-conflict future for Sri Lanka and the prospects for a strong business climate for U.S. investors.
"We will rebuild the north," said the Ambassador, "by using a plan that worked well in our eastern province. We call it the four Ds, which stands for: de-mining, de-militarization, democratization and development."
Concerned about land mines and other remnants of militarization, the Ambassador warned about the need to de-mine and de-militarize before proceeding with democracy and development. Citizens in the Northern provinces of Sri Lanka - similar to those in the East prior to 2007 - have not had the opportunity to democratically elect their representatives for decades.
"We would love for democracy to be at the top of that list," he continued. "But the machinery of war must first be dismantled to make sure that the fighting never returns. We have before us the hard work of removing mines and disarming. We will then begin the work of democracy, bringing the rule of law to places where violence was customary."
The Council members were buoyed by the prospects of peace taking hold in the North and East and multiplicity of businesses rising in war-torn areas, through a live give-and take session about the situation in Sri Lanka .
Consuls General from many Asian countries such as Thailand , Pakistan and Bangladesh , Los Angeles County representatives, health care specialists and educators, as well as many management experts, attended the Ambassador's address to the Council. Described as a clarion call to would be investors to take a close look at the emerging investment climate in Sri Lanka , the two-hour long presentation and question and answer session was presided over by Chris-Vigeria Crabtree, Director of the Council.
The Ambassador's main theme was that after decades, the Sri Lankan government was now putting post-development into top gear in Sri Lanka . Noticeable and quick-paced growth in the liberated Eastern province - where a Tamil Chief Minister is in charge - was also highlighted. The Ambassador explained how the country had worked hard to re-develop the areas in the East formerly infested with LTTE terrorist groups and is now returning to normalcy. That work began two years ago, "after Government Security Forces liberated our civilians from the Tiger terrorists," he said.
Answering questions about the success in dealing with terrorism, he said, "Since the fighting stopped [in the East], we have resettled 150,000 people - 80 percent of those forced out by the war. We have also cleared thousands of land mines. Land mines, used exclusively by the LTTE, are just one of the challenges that we will soon face when reconstruction begins in Northern Sri Lanka .”
He added that the LTTE has refused to surrender, or to release the 70,000 civilians it forcibly holds in the conflict zone. The government was now closing in on the last vestiges of resistance by the LTTE. The United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Human Rights Watch all report that the LTTE is using Tamil civilians as human shields, which is a war crime.
Regarding democratization in the East, five Council Ministers have been elected - two Tamils, two Muslims, and one Sinhalese. One former child soldier and former LTTE regional leader, who came forth for democracy, was even chosen as the province's Chief Minister.
The Government has also sought to include Tamil leaders - there are now 12 Tamil Ministers in office. Earlier this month, the Government even appointed a former top LTTE deputy as a Minister.
The Ambassador said the renewal efforts in the North will include construction, the implementation of a rural development initiative and a national infrastructure development plan.
The Ambassador also praised the trade relations that Sri Lanka and the United States have shared for two centuries. He is hopeful that partners - in the private sector and in government - will be able to visit and invest in Sri Lanka .
He said the time for Sir Lankan Tamils, Sinhalese and Muslims and others in the North to live in harmony like they do in the rest of the country is drawing near. It is time for a fresh start. He stated that "for inspiration we, of course, look to the United States - history's best example of a civil society that honors the rule of law and true freedom among its citizens. We can hope no less for Sri Lanka .” (EOM)
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH QUOTES TAMILS FROM TIGER ENCLAVE WHO SAY THE REMAINING PEOPLE TRAPPED DO NOT LIKE LTTE AND THEY WANT THE ARMY TO COME AND RESCUE THEM
Mar 31, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Reuters
The mass circulated Sunday Telegraph of the United Kingdom in a full page article said the people who escaped from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) controlled area had told them that the remaining people do not like the Tamil Tigers’ dictatorial mini-state any more and they want the Sri Lankan army to rescue them..
Quoting such a man who escaped to Kilinochchi Sunday Telegraph’s Nick Meo said, “What the man had to say about the Tigers would have been unthinkable for a subject of their dictatorial mini state a few weeks ago. ‘The people do not like the Tigers any more,’ he said angrily . ‘They are trapped by them and they are scared. They want the Sri Lankan army to rescue them.”
Reporting from Kilinochchi the Sunday Telegraph staffer said, people are being used as human shields by Tamil rebels who have promised to fight to the death.
The report further said, “The haunted eyes of the grandfather who had just escaped from the Tamil Tigers at their most furious betrayed the horror he had left behind him ‘I want to live not die, and that’s why I have come here with my family’, he said.
“The exhausted businessman was safe in a Sri Lankan army base after weeks trapped with …other civilians in a seven square mile strip of land on Sri Lanka’s North East coast, short of food and fresh water and incessantly pounded by shells.
“The rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who for last 26 years have claimed to be fighting to protect Sri Lanka’s Tamil ethnic minority , have forbidden the refugees to leave – on pain of death.
“But the civil war grinds slowly towards its end with the Tigers apparently facing final defeat , conditions within their enclave have become so grim that in the past week alone that an estimated 5000 men women and terrified children have risked their lives to flee. Many have been shot by rebel gunmen and some of those caught have been executed.
“The elderly man wearing a grimy Tshirt and sarong and clutching a single bag that contained all that remained of his possessions , had managed to get out that morning. He described how he had gathered his family and friends as quietly as possible in the dead of night before slipping past guards. They had been wading across muddy lagoon towards Sri Lankan army lines when things went wrong.
‘We left at 2 a.m. today in a group of 23 but the Tigers fired at us and only 12 of us arrived here.’he said as his bewildered grand daughter aged seven looked on. ‘I do not know what has happened to the rest. We became separated in the confusion.’
The Daily Telegraph staffer is the first British reporter allowed inside Kilinochchi after it fell in January and he interviewed the people at the town, which was once the Tigers heaquarters.
The Sunday Telegraph said that some time ago Tigers ran a third of the country but much of the money collected by the Tamils all over the world were creamed off by corrupt Tiger leaders.
The article quoted Brigadier Shavendra Silva who said the civilians in the LTTE grip were forcibly taken there and now the security forces cannot bomb the Tigers because of the human shield.
For this article the Sunday Telegraph also interviewd a 25 year old female teacher who had been forcibly recruited by the LTTE. She and the others had been indoctrinated into believing of army torture on capture. So she said, two of her younger comrades , without surrendering committed suicide by blowing themselves with the help of grenades. She surrendered and faced no torture.
A 18 year old school girl who was forced to fight but later managed to escape told the Sunday Telegraph that she cried for her other friends who could not escape as they were scared of the Tamil commonaders. “They are only there because of fear of the Tamil commanders. They told us so many lies. The people will hate them after this.” (EOM) The original article on which this news item is based appeared on March 29 2009.
Intense fighting in north of Palamathalan; a senior sea tiger leader killed; 13 LTTE bodies found
Mar 30, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - Reuters
Troops of 55 Division, operating in north of Palamathalan to rescue the innocent Tamil civilians held in no fire zone, have already breached the LTTE built earth bund and continued their offensive beyond the earth bund by last evening, 29 March, inflicting heavy damages to the enemy, latest military report received from the battlefront said.
LTTE terrorists unable to face the effective offensive push have fled the area leaving the bodies of LTTE cadres killed in hours-long fighting took place in the area, military sources added.
Intercepting LTTE communication channels, it is learnt that a senior sea tiger leader known as Uththaman who commanded the ground battle making desperate attempt to hold the area was also killed during the battle.
In subsequent search operation conducted in the area following the intense fighting, troops have found 13 bodies of LTTE terrorists killed along with more military items left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
13 x T-56 assault riffles, 1 x Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) were also uncovered during the search operation.
The offensive operation is being continued beyond the LTTE built earth bund gaining control over more areas in north of Palamathalan. 55 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Prasanna Silva have breached LTTE defences and gained control over an LTTE built earth bund cum ditch constructed North of Palamathalan, Saturday (March 28). Unable to face the military onslaught terrorists have fled putting-up less resistance security sources said adding that at least 8 terrorists were killed and 17 others wounded in yesterday's fighting. Terrorists are continuously mounting heavy artillery and mortar attacks from the government declared No Fire Zone, and this has been the only response the losing terrorists could give avoiding direct engagement with military, security sources said. During subsequent search operations conducted, troops have found 2 LTTE bodies along with 2 T-56 assault riffles, the sources further said.
Source of the article
SRI LANKA SAYS IT WOULD HOLD FIRE TEMPORARILY IF THE LTTE ALLOWS THE CIVILIANS TO LEAVE THE WAR ZONE
Mar 30, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Reuters
Sri Lanka took an extremely humanitarian compromise and said if the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Ltte) who are forcibly holding the civilians are allowed to go to the government held areas the government would hold their fire temporarily.
Sri Lanka’s permenant representative H.M.G.S. Palihakkara at the United Nations said in New York , “.“If the LTTE is ready to let these people (Tamil civilians) go, at least part of them go,” the government may agree to a modality to facilitate a temporary truce.”
Palihakkara further said, ““You can call it a pause or as I said government had earlier given a 48-hour period,” he told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, referring to the January 30 Step of President Mahinda Rajapaksa when he announced a two-day ceasefire in order to give a safe passage to the civilians in Wanni.
“The issue is LTTE is not willing to let them (civilians) go. They are trying to hold this human shield,”
The LTTE has been effectively using the civilians as a human shield and trying to using some international body to impose a ceasefire to save their skins, Sri Lankan security forces have charged. The Tamil Tigers have lost 99 percent of the extent of land they were previously holding.
“The issue is LTTE is not willing to let them (civilians) go. They are trying to hold this human shield,”
Palihakkara added that the Sri Lankan Army was not using heavy weapons in the safe zone which is also held by the LTTE currently.
He said.“There is no military sense in firing at such short range heavy weapons because one remains in kind of a house-to-house combat situation.(EOM)
RAJAPAKSA TELLS 12 SRI LANKAN MINORITY PARTIES THAT PEOPLE WILL BE GIVEN POWER AND DEVELOPMENT WILL COME TO NORTH IN A FASTER RATE THAN ERADICATION OF TERRORISM
Mar 28, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - FILE
President Rajapaksa assured twelve Tamil political parties who met him that after restoring democracy in the North to give power to the real elected representatives of the people the area will be developed at a faster rate than the rate used to defeat terrorism in the area.
"I will assure you that the democratic rights of all the minorities of the North will be restored soon," he told the Tamil political party representatives who discussed the issues pertaining to the Tamil speaking people for more than 3 hours .The proxy party of the LTTE , the Tamil National Alliance led by R. Sambanthan who were personally invited by the President to take part in the discussions few hours before the meeting announced that they were boycotting .
Sambanthan demanded that the military action against the LTTE should be halted as a condition to take part in the discussions. Although many TNA parliamentarians would have personally preferred to have come for the meeting due to intimidation they dared not come, informed sources said.
Confident that the defeat of the LTTE in the North is only a matter of time President Rajapaksa informed the Tamil parliamentarians that democratic processes such as elections at the local government and provincial government level would eventually take place.
He said as soon as the security green lights are given by the security forces , as a start local government elections will be held initially.
The President said the well-beings of the civilians who are trapped by the LTTE will be looked into by the government as a matter of priority. He said food and medicine had been sent to the combat zone by the government.
The president said all citizens in the North will be treated , with an equal status like all other citizens in the country , without any discrimination whatsoever.
Noting the absence of the TNA the President said the meeting was arranged for all representatives of the minorities who were concerned about them. The absence of the TNA suggested that their interests were not Tamil People but someone else, in an obvious reference to the LTTE.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa led government delegation included Leader of the House and Minister of Health-care and Nutrition Nimal Siripala De Silva and Minister of Human Rights, Disaster Management Mahinda Samarasinghe. Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of National Integration Vinayagamoothri Muralitharan (alias Karuna) and Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (alias Pillayan).
The minority political party representatives who participated included : Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), the Ealam People's Democratic Party, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eaalam (PLOTE), the Ceylon Democratic Unity Alliance, the National Congress and the National Unity Alliance.
Representatives of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal, (TMVP), the Up Country People's Front (UCPF), the Democratic People's Front (DPF) and the Padmanabha Ealam People's Revolutionary Front were also present.(EOM)
MANMOHAN SINGH SAYS RAJAPAKSA GOVERNMENT HAS RESPONDED WELL TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR SUFFERING TAMILS
Mar 27, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - FILE PHOTO
The Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the Sri Lankan government has enthusiastically and positively responded to the Indian proposal of evacuating the internally displaced civilians in the Northern conflict and establishing the already functioning field hospital for the evacuees from the war torn area, in a letter written to Muthuvel Karunanidhi , the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
“Certain suggestions to ameliorate their conditions were proposed; the most important being an offer to set up a field medical unit/hospital to cater to the civilians and internally displaced persons evacuated from the war zone. The Sri Lankan side has responded enthusiastically to our offer. The field hospital has been set up and is functioning well,” he said in the letter Manmohan Singh also said the Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa “very recently affirmed his commitment to a devolution package, which he said would fully satisfy the Tamils.
“He [the Sri Lanka President] has also said that steps in this direction are being initiated immediately. We may wait and see what steps area actually taken,” said the letter dated March 19, a copy of which had been released to the press.
The Indian Prime Minister said in the letter that the Sri Lankan government should come up with a package of devolution of power.
“We have indicated that this should also include assurances of equality and equal rights for Tamils, as is the case for other citizens of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Dr. Singh further added that “the plight of thousands of innocent Tamils, who have become unfortunate victims of the on-going conflict, is indeed pitiable. There are, in addition, thousands of others outside the war zone who live in makeshift camps, where conditions are hardly any better,” he said.
Engagement with the Sri Lankan authorities was on at different levels and one outcome of the multi-level engagement was the establishment of a field hospital.
“Contacts are being maintained at several levels, including at the very highest level…Our concerns regarding the plight of Tamils were explicitly reiterated.
Certain suggestions to ameliorate their conditions were proposed; the most important being an offer to set up a field medical unit/hospital to cater to the civilians and internally displaced persons evacuated from the war zone. The Sri Lankan side has responded enthusiastically to our offer.
The field hospital has been set up and is functioning well.” India had repeatedly stressed the need to temporarily stop the war.
“We have consistently proposed a temporary cessation of hostilities, which could be utilised to facilitate the movement of the Tamil population out of the war-affected areas to the safety zones, where proper rehabilitation facilities could be arranged,” he said. (EOM)
RAHUL GANDHI, CONGRESS GENERAL SECRETARY SAYS HE IS NOT FOND OF THE LTTE SINCE THE OUTFIT KILLED HIS FATHER
Mar 26, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - File
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi told a press conference in Puducherry that he is particularly not fond of the terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) because he killed his father Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
He said, “"The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) is a terrorist group. I am not particularly fond of LTTE myself. It killed my father."
A LTTE suicide bomber killed the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, grandson of Jawaharlal Nehru the founding father of modern India, and son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at an election rally at Siri Perumbudur near Chennai in Tamil Nadu in May 1991. LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman is wanted in India for the assassination.
Rahul Gandhi however said India was doing its best to protect Tamil civilians caught in the conflict in Northern Sri Lanka.
He said, “We are trying to help the situation there.”
Recently LTTE political head S. Nadesan refused to answer a question whether the outfit regret the assassination.
LTTE’s former ideologue Anton Balasingham once tried to say that the assassination was a historical and monumental blunder which he regretted.
But later the LTTE backtracked on the regret through another spokesman. (EOM)
One dead, over 148 hospitalised: Food poisoning in Trinco
Mar 25, 2009
Source: Daily News - By Rafik JALALDEEN
Photo of the day - Daily News
One died and over 148 were hospitalised, including schoolchildren after consuming bakery made food items in Trincomalee yesterday morning.
A bakery located in Kings Road, Trincomalee has been sealed following a report of the death of an old man and the hospitalizing of 148 others including schoolchildren after consuming buns and other bakery products.
Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunaskera said Selvaraja Dhuraisingham (62) died possibly from food poisoning after admission to the Trincomalee hospital.
According to Trincomalee hospital sources, four persons were admitted to the hospital on Sunday night after consuming bread from a particular bakery.
“The four were suffering from stomach aches and diarrhoea. One of them died and the other three are recovering,” sources added.
”We are unable to identify the actual cause of the sickness since the medical examinations are not completed yet. But they were all victims of food poisoning”, Trincomalee hospital Director Dr. Anushia Rajamohan told the Daily News.
She said blood samples and specimen of food had been dispatched to the Colombo Medical Research Institute for further analysis.
”District Medical Officer and a team from the Food and Drug Investigation Unit have commenced an extensive investigation to identify the cause of food poisoning”, Dr. Rajmohan said.
Some people who had consumed food items from the same bakery, panicked as the news of food poisoning spread and reported to the hospital to ensure their health status.
Most of the victims were schoolchildren from schools in Trincomalee town, Uppuveli and 3rd mile post areas. Trincomalee police are investigating.
Source of the article
Navy attacks LTTE boat with suicide cadres; Major tragedy averted:
Mar 23, 2009
Source: Daily News
Photo of the day - Daily News
The Sri Lankan Navy yesterday attacked an LTTE boat with five suicide cadres that tried to enter the Government controlled area along with civilians.
Navy spokesman told the Daily News that a flotilla of four boats approaching was observed around 4.30 a.m. yesterday in the Mullaitivu Palamattalan area.
The boats, which were under observation, reached the Chundikulam-Vettilaikerni area by dawn. It was observed one boat had five persons on board which aroused suspicion. It was found to be an LTTE boat with suicide cadres. The rest were civilian boats. The Navy isolated the LTTE boat and attacked it killing all five suicide cadres.
On inspection it was found that the boat contained one night vision glass, one pistol and ammunition, I grenade, two T 56 weapons and ammunition, two army camouflage uniforms, five maps, dry rations and two army packs, pair of deck shoes, diving compass and one land compass.
Fifty four civilians came in the other three boats.
Commenting on the incident the Navy spokesman said that the LTTE cadres would have come to enter the Government controlled area along with the civilians with the objective of causing death and destruction in a big way.
The Navy's vigil and timely action averted disaster, he added.
Source of the article
CLAD IN CIVILIAN CLOTHING PRABHAKARAN AND SON CHARLES ANTHONY SEELAN SEEN IN NO FIRE ZONE
Mar 21, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - File
Sri Lanka Army sources said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) leader has been seen several times in the Puthukudiyiruppu area’s No-fire zone declared by the government for escaping civilians.
The same sources said the Tamil Tiger leader has been seen with his son Charles Anthony Seelan and both of them for most of the time are hiding in an underground bunker.
The army sources quoting Tamil civilians who have escaped the area said both of them have from time to time have come out from the bunkers and explained to the non-cadres of the LTTE the importance of rising up against the government forces who are not very far away from the area of the no-fire zone.
The LTTE cadres are now stationed in the Eastern sector and the No-fire zone of the area.
The escaped civilians had reportedly told the army sources that Prabhakaran and Charles Anthony Seelan come out of the bunker in non-military attire , to mix up easily with the civilians. But they had said they are always surrounded by heavily armed special bodyguards.
Meanwhile the 58th Division of the Sri Lanka army during its operations in Iranapalai area has nabbed the driver of Pottuamman, the intelligence chief and deputy leader of the movement.
He has told his army interrogators that he had escaped from the Tigers leaders and hidden himself in the area when the army had caught him. Army sources said so far he had revealed many confidential pieces of information about the Tamil Tiger leaders.
Army sources believe that Prabhakaran will try not to leave the Sri Lankan shores right now as he would rather prefer to create a humanitarian crisis into his favour
by harming the civilians and imposing a ceasefire that would benefit him.
Terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratne has said, “Prabhakaran can leave the country. But he will become extremely vulnerable if he leaves Sri Lanka, because he is in the Interpol's Red Notice., and he is wanted by most governments in the world. And Prabhakaran is the proclaimed offender in the Rajiv Gandhi case. So, certainly he will not survive for more than a year. If he leaves Sri Lanka he will be killed.”
“ Prabhakaran is Asia's master of terror. He has brought untold suffering to the Tamils. Today he is holding more than a 100,000 Tamils as hostage. Prabhakaran has created a humanitarian crisis and a few countries overseas have fallen to this trap. I don't think any country will flirt with Prabhakaran. I think that country's reputation will be tarnished if it gives refuge or if it gives even a day's sanctuary to Prabhakaran. Prabhakaran is a very ruthless leader. No one will risk giving him sanctuary,” he has added. (EOM)
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL JAYALATH WEERAKKODY MEETS THE HERO WHO SAVED OUR CRICKETERS FROM TERRORIST BULLETS TO CONVEY THE GRATITUDE OF OUR NATION
Mar 20, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo by M.H.M.N. Bandara
Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody said in Islamabad that he wanted to congratulate Mehar Mohamed Khalil , for having , first of all, the courage of saving himself from a shower of bullets of terrorists and then having the presence of mind to drive Sri Lanka’s precious cricket team to safety in the midst of immense danger of nightmarish rockets, grenades and gunfire.
Addressing Sri Lanka’s new envoy Weerakkody, in Urdu, through an interpreter Khalil , acclaimed as the new hero of Pakistan, replied, “I received all this courage from Almighty Allah and my mother. I am so honoured of having saved the Sri Lankan cricket team, the world so fondly loves.”
The two men met at a function organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission to hand over travel documents and an invitation to visit Sri Lanka to Khalil who will be travelling to Sri Lanka during the first week of April for a week’s holiday with his family on an invitation extended by the sate owned Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Weerakkody told this correspondent that Khalil during his holiday will visit places, take part in a banquet hosted by the cricketers, and meet the President ,Prime Minister and the Sports Minister of the country to receive their gratitude and presents.
The Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad organised the function for Khalil , who visited the mission with a friend . They also arranged 50 students of the Public School and College of ‘Modern Age’ at Abbottabad , about 200 kilometres from the capital city ,who wished to visit the Sri Lanka High Commission to express their sympathies to the Sri Lankan people and cricket fans, to take part in the function and meet Khalil. The students brought a huge banner expressing their concerns with their signatures. High Commissioner Jayalath Weerakkody said since the day of the terrorist attack the High Commission has been flooded with thousands and thousands of cards from Pakistanis , most of them hand made, faxes , emails and other messages “that expressed the eternal bond of the two South Asian nations cemented by cricket.”
When Khalil arrived at the High Commission the first question he asked was how was cricketer Samaraweera who was ailing with injuries of the attack. He was delighted to learn that he had already left the hospital.
High Commissioner Jayalath Weerakkody even before he presented his credentials, had to be active in the crisis. Since the cricket match was handled by the provincial Punjabi government , and central government was out of it and the provincial officials were too numb with shock not knowing what to do, it was Weerakkody, who used his old Air Force contacts, and with the permission of President Rajapaksa who was in Kathmandu, got the cricketers transported to the officers quarters of the Air Force headquarters using a Air Force helicopter. Within three hours he flew from Islamabad to Lahore using a Pakistani Air Force plane to operate from Lahore. He said , the air force headquarters is a hop step and a jump from the Air Port from where the cricketers were transported by a special plane sent by President Rajapaksa. For security reasons he wanted them to avoid road travelling.
He said the Pakistani Air Force did an excellent job in helping to send the cricketers home as soon as possible. (EOM)
Intense fighting in Iranapalai; 10 LTTE bodies found
Mar 18, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - Defence.lk
Battlefront report on yesterday's (17 March) military offensive against LTTE terrorists indicated heavy defeats to them as troops advanced further into LTTE hiding areas with the falling of strategically vital Iranapalai junction in Puthukkudiirippu.
According to the reports, infantrymen of 11 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (11 SLLI), 7 Sinha Regiment (7 SR), 10 Gajaba Regiment (10 GR), 9 Gemunu Watch (9 GW), 12 GR, 8GR and 20 GR continued the advance and strengthen their defenses in Inarapalai east amidst heavy LTTE resistance. However, troops were able to inflict maximum damages to the LTTE, battlefront sources confirmed citing intercepted terror communication channels.
Following the clashes ensued since last morning troops found 10 bodies of LTTE cadres, 22 x T-56 riffles, 12 x radio communication sets. Further, the snipers deployed in the forward defences confirmed 3 LTTE terrorists were killed yesterday.
Source of the article
ARMY DISCOVERS LTTE WARE HOUSE CONTAINING THOUSANDS OF BAGS OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZER TO BE USED AS EXPLOSIVES.
Mar 16, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Onlanka
Sri Lanka Army soldiers who are continuing to venture into the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) held Pudukudiirippu area have discovered a large warehouse containing thousands of tons of chemical fertilizer issued to the Northern farmers for rice cultivation.
Army sources said, “This is another discovery of chemical fertilizer suppled to the Tamil farmers in the North suspected to have been plundered by the LTTE to be used as explosives.”
The Sri Lanka government issues chemical fertilizers to the farmers at a subsidized prize to boost the agricultural production of the country.
Soldiers of the Sinha Regiment 8 have made the discovery of the fertilizer warehouse at a place called Udayar Kattu in the Pudukudiirippu West area.
The LTTE is one of the pioneering terrorist groups in the world to use fertilizer as explosives even before the Western governments knew its use as a terrorist weapon.
Initially , Western governments thought that the control of fertilizer to the terrorist prone areas by Sri Lankan administrations of yester year was a violation of human rights of the Tamil farmers.
But after the deadly bombing of the Oklahoma Federal building by terrorists it became widely known that Amonium Nitrate and urea, two widely used fertilizers can be used to make deadly bombs.
Because of its easy availability due to the ability of the LTTE to plunder the government’s subsidized stocks of fertilizer , easy assembly of the bombs and the magnitude of destructive force unleashed upon detonation it had become an item of demand by the LTTE.
The attack of the USS Cole, naval destroyer on October 12 2000 in the port of Aden in Yemen, believed to have taken place under the influence of the LTTE but by a different terrorist group, is supposed to have been carried out with an ANFO- a fertilizer explosive device.
ANFO is a “stoichimetrically balanced mixture of approximately 94 percent ammonium nitrate and 6 percent fuel oil or kerosene. To explode an ANFO , as a detonator a blast cap or dynamite is used.”(EOM)
ANANDA SANGAREE TELLS PRABHAKARAN TO STOP HIS SHELLING AND ARTILLERY FIRE TO TAKE FOOD AND MEDICINE TO PEOPLE IN HIS ENCLAVE
Mar 15, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Onlanka
While maintaining strongly that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) leader Velupillai Prabhakaran should lay down his arms and stop the war the moderate Tamil leader V. Ananda Sangaree in a letter to Prabhakaran proposed that he must agree as an interim measure to stop the artillery attack and shelling enabling food and medicine convoys for civilians trapped in his enclave.
In return Anandasangaree proposed to persuade the government to stop artillery fire, shelling and aerial bombardment to cause minimum casualties during that period.
In an open letter issued to the press the moderate TULF leader said, “As an interim arrangement I suggest that without asking the Government to stop the war, if you agree to act reciprocally we suggest to the Government Forces to stop aerial bombing, artillery attack and shelling which will bring the casualties to the very minimum. In such a situation a request can be made to the Government to send sufficient food and drugs for the people’s survival. You also in turn should stop artillery attack and shelling.”
“If atleast at this stage you give up your arms and put an end to the war,” said Sangaree, “clearing the landmines with International support won’t take much time and very soon people of Vanni can get back to their homes and salvage what is still left of their belongings. If you do not listen to my advice atlease now, you should take the blame for the loss of properties of these people, if taken together, will be worth several hundred billions in addition to what they had already lost. Long delay in these people going back to their places of residence will result in their finding nothing left in their houses. This is my desperate call to you and perhaps the last too. I humbly beg of you to concede to my request and bring back peace to all of us Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and all the other ethnic groups, so that all of us can live in peace and tranquility as equals in a United Sri Lanka. You are one who destroyed peace and you are the only one who can bring permanent peace to all of us.”
Speaking about the vast number of people Prabhakaran is holding in his enclave Sangaree said , they“ will not let you live in peaces and it will follow you and your heirs for many more generations to come. Those who support you even now will not be spared. Please change your mind at least now and release those detained, to freedom. People have started dying of starvation for which you should take the responsibility.”
Sangaree further said, “Out of sheer desperation only, I am writing to you this time, an open letter, since your where-abouts are not known. I want to ask you whether, atleast at this stage, you are not going to undo some of the things that you had done. As usual I am not expecting a reply from you, but I honestly believe that you will take some positive steps to save the people whom you have brought to this state. It is very unfortunate that you had not taken any of my letters seriously, all of which were written with good intentions, although most of them had been very critical of your activities and those of your cadre. I did not have any selfish intention in doing so and also did not act as anybody’s agent. I never supported your armed struggle and firmly believed only in non-violence. I still believe that we could have sorted out matters in a non-violent way, without antagonising anybody. The criticism I had been leveling against you, mainly had a duel purpose. One, I thought by systematically pointing out your mistakes I could bring you into the democratic process. You will remember how I had been even assuring our support to you for the peace process, without asking for any positions for us. The other purpose was to liberate the Tamil people who had been subjected to live under constant fear and tension and undergo untold hardship, for almost quarter of a century, under your control. In the process I am sure I would have hurt you to the maximum and earned your displeasure and the wrath of your cadre. I did not mind it. I was prepared to face any risk to my life, since I was convinced that my mission was not self-centred but very genuine and honest. I am sure you will appreciate this stand of mine as it reflects my genuine concern for the welfare of the Tamil People. The humiliations and the embarrassment I suffered for taking this stand through the print and electronic media supportive of you, all over the world, were far beyond a man’s limit of tolerance and although very de-meaning I had to face them.”
The following some excerpts from the letter: “I very politely ask you, to take your thoughts back to the days when you were involved in a series of assassinations of political personalities like Hon. Rajiv Gandhi, Ex-Prime Minister of India, President R. Premadasa, Presidential Candidate Gamini Dissanayake and several Ministers and Members of Parliament along with him and the attempted assassination of President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunga. What did you gain by those acts? You only earned the hatred of the whole of India including Tamil Nadu and also the wrath of the Sinhalese. The recent uprising in Tamil Nadu on the Sri Lankan issue is only a political ruse for political gains. Inspite of my repeated requests, not a single leader from Tamil Nadu ever bothered to pay a visit to Sri Lanka to study the ground situation.
“A large number of prominent Tamil leaders like Mr. A. Amirthalingam, Secretary General of the TULF, Jaffna D.D.C. Chairman Mr. S. Nadarajah, the Mayor of Jaffna Mr. P. Sivapalan, a great constitutional Lawyer Dr. Neelan Thiruchelvam, the Mayoress of Jaffna Mrs. Sarojini Yogeswaran and a long list of Public Servants, Academics, Heads of Schools, Teachers, Parliamentarians, Local Politicians and many such others had been assassinated by you. Your killings created a big vacuum in the Tamil leadership. Killing of top rankers gave way for the emergence of many leaders among the Tamils. Several new leaders cropped up like mushrooms. You did not even spare the TULF, the only moderate party that functioned without confronting any other groups. You killed some of the TULF leaders and bought over some others with the offer of seats in Parliament. What harm did the Tamil leaders do to you for you to drain out the entire leadership of the Tamil people, none of whom was ever harmed by any Sinhalese or Muslim? I still weep for a Muslim Government Agent for Mannar Mr. M. Macbool a good friend of mine and an authority on Hinduisms, assassinated by you. What did you gain by his killing or by the killings of the others whom a Sinhalese or a Muslim never dared to touch? You only lost your credibility day by day.
“Tamil Language is the mother tongue of the Muslims also. You did not allow them even to celebrate the National Milad-ud-Nabi festival peacefully and had 15 innocent civilians killed and over forty seriously injured. Atleast now have you quenched your thirst for blood. This is one such attempt of yours to spark off a communal riot. Please don’t have hopes that you will ever succeed in making the people of this country fall into your trap.
“How many innocent Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims to whom you had given blood bath. You had massacred innocent Muslims while they were praying in mosques more than once. You had massacred Buddhist pilgrims at Anuradhapura the most sacred place for Buddhists. You tried to destroy the world famous temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy. You had the heart to massacre a bus load of children who had ordained themselves as Buddhist priests. You mercilessly drove away all the Muslims from the North compelling them to take only Rs. 500 each and to leave behind all their possessions. You did not spare even infants at the border villages. You had gunned down several innocent chena cultivators for no reason.
“How many clay-more mine, land mine and hand-grenade attacks you were involved in to take the lives of several thousands of innocent people, mainly Sinhalese, along with Tamils and Muslims? How many widows, widowers and orphans you have created in all communities? How many had lost their limbs and eye sights? How many rich had become paupers over-night? What did you spare for them? What happened to their agriculture and industry? What had happened to their houses, house hold items and their vehicles? What happened to their education? Every thing is lost. Is this retribution? – people are asking. If so why should that happen to innocent people who had been under-going all these hardships living under your control, while the expatriates who had been encouraging you with financial assistance to do all these, are enjoying life. Can one assess the losses sustained by these innocent people and describe the agony they under went during your control. All that is now over. What is done cannot be undone but there are remedial steps if taken by you without further delay, a lot of things can be sorted out. It will be a great relief for the people who are now on the verge of losing even the little things that they left behind, to save them.
“All these and many more things had happened. When even an abridged version of your activities will run into several volumes, what I have written here is just like a drop in the ocean. Your destructive activities would have cost our people hundreds of billion rupees. Did you ever realize that the people who got displaced in the past found nothing left in their homes. I found nothing in my house in Kilinochchi. Every time the people got displaced they took with them only what they could carry, leaving behind all the rest of their belongings and on return hardly found anything left. The entire Tamil population that lived in areas under your control starting from Mannar had to abandon all their belongings when displaced. It is the same with the people of Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitheevu. This is exactly what happened in the East. Some of the displaced are brought and accommodated in a few newly constructed temporary villages in the Vavuniya and Mannar District. When they will get back to their respective homes, is not known. It may take many months or even years. When they get back they will find nothing left.
“If by any chance the letters I wrote to you are available with you or if you can recollect what I wrote, you will realize your folly. How many times I pleaded with you to lay down the arms and go for negotiations. If at some stage you had taken my advice in the right perspective all the Tamil people would have had something left. Now after fighting for over quarter of a century and sacrificing thousands of lives you have made every one of us paupers. How many people in the North, having lost all their possession, have to fall in the queue to collect food parcels? To my recollection Vanni did not have any beggars.
“Please don’t take things for granted. Anything can happen during the next few days. More and more people may die of thirst and hunger. Already 13 people had been reported dead due to starvation. In a situation like this out-break of an epidemic cannot be ruled out. Be warned of any unforeseen disaster falling on the inmates of Vanni.
“Now what do you gain by keeping innocent people under your compulsion. . Many are sick and wounded. Some are feeble and old. I do not think that you will ever regain your position even after many years of fighting. As far as we could see the war is over. What is happening today is mopping up and winding up operations in a small area where 81000 families had been squeezed into. Detaining these people indefinitely will not help you in any way. The future position of your entire group is also highly insecure. Rather than losing all of them please come to your senses and save the remaining members of your cadre. Please surrender them and all of them can be saved under a general amnesty. Also disband your organization and surrender to the forces. This is one way by which you could save them.
“Except those who claim to represent you, who never gave you proper advice and some people in Tamil Nadu, thoroughly mis-led by some political leaders, the whole world has turned against you. You are being accused by the International Community of ill-treating the people. The UN and the EU have condemned your action. The UN High Commission for Human Right and Organisations like the Human Right Watch also have accused you of compulsorily detaining the innocent people. The gathering of Tamils in important cities all over the world had demanded that the Tamils should be saved and they did not speck for you. The message for you is to release our people. The responsibility of saving the Tamils is now entirely in your hands. You should feel more for them, because it is you who have brought them to this state. Hence without any more delay please allow the people to go any where they want to go. For heaven’s sake don’t hand them over to the self centred political hawks who are awaiting to take your place and prolong the agony of all Tamil people who had suffered enough and now want to be free. They don’t want to see the sight of a fire arm any more, not even a toy pistol.
“If atleast at this stage you give up your arms and put an end to the war, clearing the landmines with International support won’t take much time and very soon people of Vanni can get back to their homes and salvage what is still left of their belongings. If you do not listen to my advice atlease now, you should take the blame for the loss of properties of these people, if taken together, will be worth several hundred billions in addition to what they had already lost. Long delay in these people going back to their places of residence will result in their finding nothing left in their houses. This is my desperate call to you and perhaps the last too. I humbly beg of you to concede to my request and bring back peace to all of us Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and all the other ethnic groups, so that all of us can live in peace and tranquility as equals in a United Sri Lanka. You are one who destroyed peace and you are the only one who can bring permanent peace to all of us.
“As an interim arrangement I suggest that without asking the Government to stop the war, if you agree to act reciprocally we suggest to the Government Forces to stop aerial bombing, artillery attack and shelling which will bring the casualties to the very minimum. In such a situation a request can be made to the Government to send sufficient food and drugs for the people’s survival. You also in turn should stop artillery attack and shelling” EOM
THIS NATION SHOULD BE SECURED FROM DISASTERS LIKE TERRORISM FOR THE TEN GENERATIONS TO COME SAYS GOTABHAYA
Mar 14, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - AFP
Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said under the clear plans of the government this nation should not only be secured for the next generation from devastating terrorism but for the next ten generations to come so, that no similar harm could come upon the country.
“My idea is not for the next generation but even for the next ten generations some thing similar should not be allowed,” the determined Secretary of Defence said, referring to the devastating insurgency of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, that maimed and killed thousands and ruined the economic prospects of the nation through acts of insensate violence.
He was addressing during a very rare public appearance of him at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) to declare open the website entitled www.udayagammanpila.com for Udaya who is entering the provincial council politics as a candidate of the Jathika Hela Urumaya.
Rajapaksa, the younger brother of the President and man believed to be behind the military success of the Sri Lankan security forces said they won the war due to the clear unwavering and straight military policy of government regarding the elimination of terrorism from the country.
He said to day the LTTE is cornered in to an area thought about to be about 35 square kilometres. But when you consider the lagoon adjacent to the area, the land mass cannot be even bigger than twenty square kilometres. When the security forces capture that the whole island will be under the law and order of one government within a matter of days, he said.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said the determination of this government had always been not to pass over the solution of the burdening problem of terrorism to the next generation but to bring an end to the sorry legacy during our own time . He said he thinks the nation should be secured from such a devastating phenomenon not only during the next generation but also for the next ten generations to come. For that leaders like Udaya Gammanpila are needed, he said. (EOM)
THE UNITED NATIONS CONDEMNED THE DIVERSIFICATION OF CHILDREN’S FOOD TO TAMIL TIGERS IN COMBAT
Mar 13, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - AP
The United Nations have condemned the diversion of therapeutic high energy food meant for malnourished children to the to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Tigers (LTTE) terrorists currently fighting the Sri Lankan security forces in the North.
A statement issued by the United Nations, March 11, said that the UN food supplied to malnourished children was found with a dead Tamil Tiger who was killed at the front. The food found in the possession of the dead Tamil Tiger was in fact issued for the ill-nourished children of Kilinochchi and Mulaitivu, the UN statement charged.
“The UN deplores that such life-saving items, destined for severely malnourished children, were diverted from their intended purpose,” a statement issued by the UN Sri Lanka office said.
The United Nations office identified the high energy food found in the possession of the Tamil Tigers as BP-100 and had come from the stocks supplied to the government health authorities in Kilinochchi and Mulaitivu.
“The last shipment of BP-100 was sent with all due government authorisations by the UN Children’s Fund [UNICEF] to the Ministry of Health Regional Directors of Health Services in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu in June 2007, for the treatment of severely malnourished children in those districts.”
The UN statement said “the treatment of malnutrition among children remains a priority for Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, UNICEF and the World Food Programme”.
The UN related IRIN news agency filed the following report: “The latest UNICEF humanitarian update of 4 March stated that nutritional levels in the war-affected areas of Sri Lanka are still lower than the national average due to the conflict and lack of supplies.
“There is a dire lack of clean water, food, proper sanitation and medicine. In turn this has further worsened the nutritional status of affected populations, with malnutrition rates in the north higher than the national average,” the report stated.
Heavy fighting between government forces and the LTTE in the northern Vanni Pocket, Mullaithivu District, has forced thousands to flee
Evacuation cancelled
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said its latest attempts to evacuate sick and wounded civilians out of the combat zone by sea was postponed on 11 March due to lack of security guarantees from the two parties to the conflict.
“We did not receive the proper security guarantees to proceed with the evacuation,” Sarasi Wijeratne, ICRC spokeswoman, told IRIN. “We will try to go ahead with it as soon as we receive the guarantees.”
The ICRC started evacuating sick and wounded civilians by sea on 10 February when overland convoys could not proceed due to security fears. In eight sea evacuations, more than 2,700 sick and wounded civilians and their relatives were evacuated from Putumattalan, at the edge of the combat zone, south to Trincomalee District, in government-controlled areas.
“This is a vital lifeline into the areas of fighting and we will make our best efforts to maintain it,” she said.
The sea route has also been used to send food supplies and medicine to the combat zones, but Wijeratne said the latest supply ship returned to Trincomalee without offloading its full cargo. A ship carrying 500MT of supplies, the largest single consignment by sea, was advised to return to Trincomalee on 9 March by the Sri Lanka Navy due to bad weather. It had offloaded about 140MT when it returned.
“It was a government vessel that was carrying supplies from the government and the ICRC was escorting it under its flag,” Wijeratne said.
She told IRIN the ICRC planned to deliver the remaining supplies once the weather cleared.
“Obviously we would need security assurances from both parties for the supply ship to also make the trip.” (EOM)
MUSLIMS SHOULD LEARN FROM THE SINHALESE HOW TO STAND UP TO THE PROVOCATIONS BY THE TAMIL TIGERS SAYS SANGAREE
Mar 12, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Reuters
The Muslims of Sri Lanka should learn from the Sinhalese lessons of tolerance as how to stand up to the provocations by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and keep calm without being played into the hands of the enemy said Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) President V. Anandasangaree referring to the LTTE suicide bombing at a Muslim festival.
In a statement issued he said, “. I have a special massage for my Muslim brothers. We have got to learn some thing from our Sinhalese brothers. All acts of the LTTE are so provoking that they are beyond a man’s limit of tolerance. Yet we have to restrain ourselves without playing into the hands of the LTTE.”
Condemning the act of sending a LTTE suicide bomber to kill and maim at a festival of Milad-ud-Nabi at a mosque in Southern Sri Lanka the TULF President said, that the LTTE who have become a frustrated lot would not leave one stone unturned in exhibiting their atrocities and day by day they are fast losing their credibility eroding the little support they are having.
He appealed to all ethnic, political, and religious groups to unite against the LTTE closing all ranks to destroy them.
The following is the full text of his statement:-
“The Tamil United Liberation Front very strongly condemns the suicide attack on a religious precession in which the Chief Guest and other Guests were being taken to the Mosque where a function was organized to celebrate the National Milad-ud-Nabi festival. This is yet another incident in which the LTTE had shown its thirst for blood. The LTTE is now a frustrated lot. They will not leave one stone unturned to show the world their atrocious character. Day by day they are losing their credibility and the whole world is fast changing their attitude against the LTTE. Even the little support they had internationally has now gone to the rock bottom. This is the time the country must unite irrespective of political, racial and religious differences and work together to destroy them. This should be the only agenda on which all should work, by closing ranks.
“This is another attempt of the LTTE to spark off a communal riot. We should prove that they will fail not only in this attempt but will also fail in all future attempts. I have a special massage for my Muslim brothers. We have got to learn some thing from our Sinhalese brothers. All acts of the LTTE are so provoking that they are beyond a man’s limit of tolerance. Yet we have to restrain ourselves without playing into the hands of the LTTE.
“I express my deepest sympathies for the families that lost valuable lives and had many injured. I also convey my deepest sympathies to the Sri Lanka freedom Party and the Communist Party of Sri Lanka both of which had lost very progressive and young leaders representing the people in Various Local bodies and to the kit and kin and also to their constituents who loved them dearly. I pray to god for the early recovery of all those injured Civilians, Members of Political Parties and the Hon. Minister Maninda Wijesekara.
“May all these souls for whom I have the greatest respect, rest in peace.” (EOM)
SRI LANKA GOVERNMENT SAYS IT CONDEMNS IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS “LTTE SUICIDE ATTACK ON MUSLM FESTIVAL”
Mar 11, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Onlanka News
The Sri Lanka government said that it condemns in the strongest possible terms the LTTE suicide bomb attack killing 14 people and injuring scores of others including Mahinda Wijesekera , the telecommunication minister of Sri Lanka at a Muslim festival of Prophet Mohamed’s birthday at a procession of a mosque.
“The attack reaffirms the fact that the LTTE is not only a ruthless terrorist outfit but also one which has no regard or respect for religion. This is an attack that deliberately targeted the Muslim Community and one that has sought to sow ethnic and religious disharmony”, the statement said.
1.4 million Muslims live in Sri Lanka representing 7.5 % of the islands´19 million inhabitants. Islam is the nations third largest religion after Buddhism (over 13 million faithful, 69% of the population) and Hinduism (circa 9 million).
“This reminds us of the LTTE’s massacre of more than 200 Muslims at worship in three Mosques at Kaththankudy and Eravur in the East, in August 1990, in its war of terrorism”, the government’s statement added.
The statement further said, selecting of a Muslim shrine and a day sacred to Muslims, both in Sri Lanka and the world over, to carry out this attack, underscores the hatred the LTTE has towards the Muslim population of Sri Lanka, who have suffered considerably under its policies of ethnic cleansing both in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
The following is the full text of the statement:
“The Government condemns in the strongest possible terms the LTTE suicide bomb attack on the Milad-un-Nabi Muslim Festival to mark the birthday of Holy Prophet Mohammed, at Godapitiya, Akuressa, Matara this morning around 10.a.m. in which 10 persons were killed and many others injured, including a Government minister.
“The Government notes with utmost contempt this wanton act of terrorism and observes that the attack bears the unmistakable signature of the LTTE. The attack reaffirms the fact that the LTTE is not only a ruthless terrorist outfit but also one which has no regard or respect for religion. This is an attack that deliberately targeted the Muslim Community and one that has sought to sow ethnic and religious disharmony.
“Selecting of a Muslim shrine and a day sacred to Muslims, both in Sri Lanka and the world over, to carry out this attack, underscores the hatred the LTTE has towards the Muslim population of Sri Lanka, who have suffered considerably under its policies of ethnic cleansing both in the North and East of Sri Lanka. This reminds us of the LTTE’s massacre of more than 200 Muslims at worship in three Mosques at Kaththankudy and Eravur in the East, in August 1990, in its war of terrorism.
“The Government is of the view that this is another desperate act that the LTTE terrorists, now on their last legs, have perpetrated to divert the attention from the humanitarian mission of the Security Forces, to flush them out from their last remaining foothold in the Wanni.
“The Government remains unwaveringly committed to rid the country of the terrorist menace and bring about peace. This attack will only serve to strengthen the resolve of the Government and the security forces in this regard.
“The Government urges all citizens to remain calm and unprovoked, and support the Security Forces and Police by exercising utmost vigilance as the LTTE, facing imminent annihilation, could very well resort to other similar acts of desperation.
“The Government offers its condolences to the families of victims of this brutal attack and wishes speedy recovery of the injured.” (EOM)
LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival - Akurassa [Updated]
Mar 10, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
An LTTE suicide bomber has attacked the Jumma mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 11 , this morning (Mar 10).
According to the defence sources , the LTTE terrorist has targeted the Islam devotees attending the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration , held at the mosque. The Milad-un-Nabi , the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile , hospital sources say Minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was also attending the celebration has suffered injuries, in the explosion. The sources add that another 15 people with injuries have been admitted to the government hospital Matara.
The LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate state for Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. Lead by its psychopathic chief V. Prabhakaran, the outfit has slaughtered tens of thousands of innocent civilians during its three decades of terror campaign against Sri Lankan citizens.
The LTTE has been engaged in a systematic and brutal ethnic cleansing campaign against Muslims and Sinhalese living in the North and Eastern Provinces in it fanatical attempt create an ethnically pure Tamil State in the Island nation.
More information will follow...
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LTTE suicide bomber attacks Milad Festival - Akurassa [Updated]
Mar 10, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
An LTTE suicide bomber has attacked the Jumma mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 11 , this morning (Mar 10).
According to the defence sources , the LTTE terrorist has targeted the Islam devotees attending the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration , held at the mosque. The Milad-un-Nabi , the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed is celebrated as a national festival in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile , hospital sources say Minister Mahinda Wijesekara who was also attending the celebration has suffered injuries, in the explosion.
More information will follow...
Source of the article
BREAKING NEWS >> LTTE suicide bomber attacks Mosque - Akurassa [Updated]
Mar 10, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
An LTTE suicide bomber has attacked a mosque at Godapitiya, in Akurassa , in the Matara district around 11 , this morning (Mar 10).
According to the sources , the LTTE terrorists has targeted the Muslim devotees attending the national Milad-Un-Nabi celebration , held at the mosque today.
More information will follow...
Source of the article
BREAKING NEWS >> LTTE suicide bomber attacks Mosque - Akurassa
Mar 10, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
An LTTE suicide bomber has attacked a mosque at Godapitiya , Akurassa in the Matara District short while ago. , More information will follow.
VIETNAMESE PRIME MINISTER SAYS HE WANTS TO MAKE SRI LANKA A BRIDGE TO TRADE WITH SOUTH ASIA
Mar 9, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Onlanka News
Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said he hoped Sri Lanka would serve as a bridge for Vietnam’s economic , trade and investment cooperation with South Asian countries.
Receiving Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in Hanoi the Vietnam Prime Minister said , “Viet Nam supported Sri Lanka’s efforts to stabilise national security and social order and fight terrorism in the name of national construction and development .”
Trade circles hope that the trade and investments between Sri Lanka and Vietnam would open the huge Indian and Pakistani markets to the Vietnamese products due to the very liberal trade agreements Sri Lanka has established with the two South Asian giants , India and Pakistan.
The Vietnam Prime Minister further said, Vietnam
Viet Nam and Sri Lanka should intensify co-operation to reap more practical benefits for both sides.
PM Dung said he was pleased to see good development in the two countries’ rapport and said he hoped the visit would help boost bilateral co-operation.
Citing recent growth between the two countries the PM added that both bilateral trade and co-operation in other fields had grown in recent years, but the potential of the two countries had not been fully tapped. Bilateral trade topped US million in 2008, marking a 4 per cent year-on-year increase.
He said the two countries should soon convene a session of inter-governmental committees, sign an agreement on investment protection, and intensify exchanges of delegations.
The Vietnamese leader said he appreciated Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development achievements, particularly its high economic growth rates over the recent years, which helped raise the country’s per capita income to the highest level in South Asia.
Viet Nam supported Sri Lanka’s efforts to stabilise national security and social order and fight terrorism in the name of national construction and development, the PM said. He added that he hoped Sri Lanka would serve as a bridge for Viet Nam’s economic, trade and investment co-operation with South Asian countries.
FM Rohitha Bogollagama told the PM about the results of his talks with Deputy PM and FM Pham Gia Khiem, during which they agreed to boost relations in trade and investment to match the two countries’ potential, and expand co-operation to other fields such as agriculture, education, culture, sports and tourism for the mutual benefit of both countries.
They also agreed to further co-operation between the two countries at international and regional fora, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the United Nations.
The Sri Lankan FM said he appreciated Viet Nam’s increasing presence in the international arena, especially its performance as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
He affirmed his government’s wish to further traditional friendship and multifaceted co-operation with Viet Nam.
He said he wanted to welcome PM Dung on an official visit to Sri Lanka, saying the visit would be a milestone in the two countries’ co-peration. (EOM)
LTTE takes heavy beating: 24 terrorist bodies, weapons uncovered - Mullaittivu
Mar 8, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - Defence.lk
As Mullaittivu battles reached its last phase LTTE terrorists made several desperate attempts in vain, to infiltrate the military forward defences which left over 100 terrorists killed and as many injured since Friday dawn (March 6).
LTTE terrorists were preparing for a large scale offensive towards the existing military defences at Palamathalan and North of Puthkkudiyirippu, inducting over 200 cadres including suicide bombers and sea tigers. Following the initial thrust terrorists had planned to send waves of 100 odd cadres to provide reinforcements. Bahnu, Lowrence, Soosai and few other high profile LTTE terrorists were directly involved in master minding the preemptive assault, security sources said. According to military, this is the first time during recent battles LTTE has inducted many of its 'high profiles' to the battlefront. Yet, timely detection and precise INTEL information received proved decisive as terrorist offensive waves were received with intense military counter attacks at the crack of dawn on Friday (6). Over 30 terrorists were killed during the initial thrust while the rest were hunted down by 2nd Commando Regiment troops, 12 GR, 12 GW and 8 GW troops during the past 48 hours.
Terrorists had taken the liberty of the military tolerance of not engaging LTTE positions within the declared No Fire Zone. The land stretch of about 4kms south of Pudumathalan, is been continuously used as a launching pad for LTTE attacks, who despite the high density of the civilian population have located its heavy mortars and artillery batteries to mount attacks towards advancing military troops, ground sources revealed. Reflecting upon the LTTE's crude tactic to trigger a civilian catastrophe a senior defence observer said that, security forces will continue with its 'Zero Civilian Casualty (ZCC)' policy despite continuation of LTTE provocations.
According to latest information received from the battlefront, over 50 terrorists were killed during fighting ensued in general areas North of Puthukkudiyirippu and South of Palamathalan, between troops and LTTE yesterday (March 7). Troops of the 58 Division have uncovered 24 LTTE bodies alone and seized weapons security sources said. 13 slain terrorists were identified to be from the 'Imranpandiyan' band of the LTTE who were killed following a heavy gunfire exchange with 8 Gemunu Watch (GW) infantrymen, the sources said.
20 x T-56 assault riffles, 02x Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, a grenade launcher, 03 x I-com sets and a vehicle with a mounted anti-air gun were also among the items seized, the sources further said.
Meanwhile, Task Force - 8 troops continued advancing North and Eastwardly after consolidating positions along the A - 35 road stretch leaving LTTE resistances in total disarray.
Source of the article
LTTE endgame reaching its final phase: scores killed in Mullaittivu battle
Mar 7, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - Reuters
At least 32 LTTE terrorists were killed and over dozen reported wounded during separate confrontations ensued between troops and LTTE in general area at Palamattalam, Tamarakulam and Puthukkudiyirippu at the Mullaittivu battlefront yesterday (March 6).
According to finalized military reports received, LTTE terrorists now confined to a mere 45 sq.km land stretch are making desperate efforts to prolong its imminent defeat, locating clusters of heavy mortar and artillery batteries inside the declared no fire zone.
Meanwhile, Task Force- 8 and 58 Division troops forging into the remaining LTTE territory have reportedly inflicted heavy damages to terrorists also recovering 15 LTTE bodies and a cache of military hardware.
In general area South of Palamattalam, 58 Div infantrymen made swift advances killing 11 terrorists and injuring a dozen others, security sources said. Also, troops of 12GW(Gemunu Watch) operating in general area Tamaralankulam have uncovered 14 LTTE bodies(10 male and 4 female) including 36 T-56 assault riffles, 02x LMG weapons, 15x hand grenades, 06x I-com sets and 3000x T-56 ammunitions. Subsequently, 11 SLLI troops have also found another LTTE body along with 10 T-56 assault riffles, one T-81 assault riffles and a GPS.
Meanwhile, TF-8 troops continuing offensive operations in general area Puthukkudiyirippu have engaged identified LTTE resistance positions killing 6 terrorists and injuring 13 others, security sources said. During subsequent search operations conducted troops have also uncovered an LTTE body, 04x T-56 assault riffles, an I-com set and 03 underground containers.
Source of the article
PAKISTAN GOVERNMENT OFFERS $ 125,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION THAT HELPS TO ARREST TERRORISTS IN THE ATTACK ON SRI LANKA CRICKETERS
Mar 5, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - AFP
The Pakistan government offered US $ 125,000 (or 10 million Pakistan Rupees ) as reward for anyone giving help to catch the terrorists who attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team near Lahor’s Gaddafi Stadium.
At a joint press conference held together Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Quereshi said in Islamabad that the Pakistani law enforcement authorities have “important leads”
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in a statement broadcast by a state owned television channel in Sri Lanka said that the Pakistani President Asif Ali Sardari has telephoned President Mahinda Rajapaksa and had expressed his apology to the President, the government and the people of Sri Lanka over the incident.
So far , no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. A news agency quoting a shocked juice shop owner near the Liberty Chowk traffic circle where the attack took place quoted him as saying , “We just can’t understand why anyone would want to kill Sri Lankan players. They have nothing to do” with the fight against Islamic militants.
A US State Department spokesman, Gordon Dugid has said, “We condemn this vicious attack on innocent civilians, but also on the positive relations that Pakistan and Sri Lanka are trying to enjoy. This is not just an attack on individuals; this is an attack on peaceful, normal relations. And we utterly condemn this terrorist attack.We send our condolences to the families of the victims, and we send our condolences to the injured and the wounded. The Pakistani police, I am given to understand, were extremely brave in protecting their charges and should be commended.”
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have maintained excellent relations with each other for decades and together with China is the principal supplier of military hardware in the on going war with the Tamil Tigers at present.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said that Pakistan has promised to share all the relevant information with Sri Lanka.
Geo Television reported the police has taken into custody about 100 suspects but did not reveal its source. (EOM)
STATE OWNED INDEPENDENT TELEVISION NETWORK SAYS LTTE IS BEHIND THE LAHORE ATTACK OF SRILANKA CRICKETERS
Mar 4, 2009
Source: Onlanka News - By Walter Jayawardhana
Photo of the day - Onlanka News
The state owned Independent Television Network of Sri Lanka, the country’s premier television channel said in its night time news bulletin that the country’s separatist terrorists, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who are currently engaged with the island nation’s security forces could be behind the attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore.
Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, the cabinet spokesman said , “Since the LTTE is connected with all other terrorist groups in the world this could be their work with the assistance of another terrorist group.”
The attack has shocked the sports world since this is the first time sportsmen have been directly attacked since the Munich Olympic massacre of Israeli athletes by the Palestenian terrorists.
Yapa further said he wholeheartedly condemned the attack on the cricketers as a cowardly act by the terrorists.
During the morning hours of March 3 , CCTV cameras near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore show that at least 12 gunmen who came in two vehicles attacked the coach carrying the Sri Lanka national team of cricketers who were arriving for a test match with AK-47 rifles, rocket launchers and grenades. Altogether 35 people were injured including six cricketers with a coach and killed five Pakistani policemen.
The country’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was on a three day state visit to Nepal, despatched his foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama to Pakistan to arrange for the immediate and safe return of the injured cricketers to Sri Lanka and cut short his visit to Nepal to return to Sri Lanka.
Minister Yapa said that the incident has certainly not harmed the close friendship with Pakistan. He thanked Pakistan for care it has shown for the cricketers.
In a separate statement issued from Kathmandu President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemned the act of terrorism on the Sri Lankan cricketers.
After arriving in Pakistan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said it is indeed a sad day for cricket. India’s External affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee also issued a statement condemning the act.
The coach containing the Sri Lankan cricket team was ambushed when the terrorists who came in two white coloured vans when the coach and the the other vehicles coming to the Gaddafi Stadium were slowing down at a round about. Eye witnesses said a rocket was fired at the coach but it missed. A grenade thrown underneath the vehicle apparently exploded seconds after the coach went over the grenade. But the coach showed heavy damage by bullet marks of the AK-47 rifles which were constantly fired at it.
The Police was also able to discover a large haul of arms and ammunition from the vehicles in which the terrorists came.
Sri Lankan authorities said, none of the injuries received by the cricketers were life threatening.
Batsmen Tharanga Paranavitana and Thilan Samaraweera suffered gunshot wounds, according to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Four more players -- team captain Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Thilina Thushara -- and assistant coach Paul Fabrece were reportedly hurt by glass shrapnel.
The terrorists who came to attack the Sri Lankan team also had prepared other methods of attacking the Sri Lankan team. Pakistani security men defused one car bomb set to explode near the Liberty Square where the ambush took place and another at Firdus carpark close to the place. The two car bombs have been defused by the Police bomb disposal unit.
Grenades, three kilograms of explosives, a pistol and a one-metre detonating cable had been also recovered by the police from the same place.
The driver of the coach had driven the vehicle to safety in a rain of AK 47 bullets to save the cricketers. (EOM)
Sri Lanka President condemns cowardly terrorist attack on cricketers
Mar 3, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
Photo of the day - Reuters
President Mahinda Rajapaksa unequivocally condemned the cowardly terrorist attack targeting the Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore, Pakistan, today (March 03) emphasizing that the Sri Lankan team had gone to Pakistan as ambassadors of goodwill.
The President, who is at present in Nepal, has instructed that immediately action be taken to bring back to Sri Lanka all members of the team, ensuring their safety and security.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs who is now in Nepal has been instructed to leave for Pakistan immediately in this regard. Instructions also have been given to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad to facilitate the arrangements with Pakistani authorities on medical attention for the players in hospital, and their safe return of the team to Sri Lanka .
The President expressed his sincere good wishes for the speedy recovery for all injured players and officials and their well being.
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Sri Lankan cricketers now safe: shootout at Pakistan
6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured including skipper Mahaela Jayawardene, wicketkeeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara and Tilan Samaraweer in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources, the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before commencing of the 3rd day's play of the second test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Reports received confirm that seamer Chaminda Vaas, open batsman Tharanga Paranawithana, spin sensation Ajantha Mendis also among the injured including 4th umpire Ashan Raza.
Latest information from Lahore confirms that the Sri Lankan players are now out of danger and had received minor injuries.
At least 5 Pakistan policemen providing security to the Sri Lankan players were reported killed who had valiantly fought with the unidentified gunmen. According to available information, 4 unidentified gunmen who had arrived in a white car had opened indiscriminate small arms and RPG grenade attacks at the bus and the escort vehicles that were transferring the Sri Lankan cricketers to the stadium. Tension prevails in the area with Pakistan security forces and Police engaged in hot-pursuit of the gunmen.
Meanwhile, the Punjab provincial governor making an initial comment to media has said that the attack bears hall marks of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on 2008.
Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona speaking to news agencies on the Lahore attack said that this incident is unlike to cause restraints between the two countries who also emphasized commitment from the cricketing world to certain the presence of Pakistan as a major player in the game. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India are all nations that are making stringent efforts to defeat the terrorist outfits in the South Asian region including the LTTE terrorists.
Also, praising the Pakistani security forces for securing the safety of the cricketers, Foreign Secretary Kohona evoked the solidarity shown by both Pakistan and India towards the island nation during the famous 1996 cricket world-cup, when Sri Lanka was blacklisted as an 'unsafe' destination by foreign propagandists.
Answering to a question raised by a foreign journalist on the probability of shadows of LTTE terrorists behind the attack, Dr. Kohona said that, "We have to wait until Pakistan conclude initial investigations before drawing speculations", yet admitted the very existing links between LTTE and extremist terrorist organizations in the troubled borders of the south Asian region.
Also commenting on the Sri Lankan situation itself, Foreign Secretary viewed hope of returning peace in the island, with the elimination of LTTE terrorists who are now cornered in a mere 40 Sq.km patch in Puthkkudiyirippu. Earlier, the terrorists refused all avenues provided by the GoSL to enter to mainstream politics.
BREAKING NEWS >> 6 Sri Lankan cricketers injured in shootout at Pakistan [Updated]
Mar 3, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured including wicketkeeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, Tilan Samaraweer and Ajantha Mendis in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources, the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before the commence 3rd day's of play of the second test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Latest reports received confirms, that open batsman Tharanga Paranawithana and spin sensation Ajantha Mendis also among the injured.
At least 5 Pakistan policemen providing security to the Sri Lankan players were reported killed who had valiantly fought with the unidentified gunmen. According to available information, 4 unidentified gunmen who had arrived in a white car had opened indiscriminate small arms and RPG grenade attacks at the bus and the escort vehicles that was transferring the Sri Lankan cricketers to the stadium.
More information will follow...
BREAKING NEWS >> 6 Sri Lankan cricketers injured in shootout in Pakistan
Mar 3, 2009
Source: Defence.lk
6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before the 3nd day of play was about to commence. At least 5 Pakistan policemen were also reported killed during the incident.
More information will follow...
Sri Lanka President in Nepal on a three-day state visit
Mar 3, 2009
Source: Asian Tribune
Photo of the day - Asian Tribune
President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Kathmandu yesterday for a three-day state visit at the invitation Nepal President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav.
Sri Lankan President, who reached Nepal in a chartered flight of the Sri Lankan Airlines, was received by Minister for Foreign Affairs Upendra Yadav at the Tribhuwan International Airport.
President Rajapaksa is the highest-level dignitary to visit Nepal since 2002.
Issues of bilateral cooperation dominated the meeting between Rajapaksa and Nepalese President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav which was held on the first day of his three day visit to Nepal. The two met at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, where they held talks for half an hour.
President Rajapaksa will hold further bilateral discussions with the Nepal President, Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Upendra Yadav and other political leaders of Nepal.
President Rajapaksa who is the current President of SAARC, is also scheduled to visit the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu.
During his visit, the Sri Lankan president will sign two agreements with the Government of Nepal. According to one agreement, thrice a week, Sri Lankan and Nepal’s national carrier Nepal Airlines will start direct Colombo-Kathmandu flights.
Rajapaksa, will also fly to Lumbini in southern Nepal to visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha and other Buddhist pilgrim sites there, including the monastery built and maintained there by the Sri Lankan government.
He is accompanied by Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister for Export Development , International Trade G.L. Peiris and Lalith Weeratunga Secretary to the President.
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