No negotiations with the LTTE in this moment, says Sri Lankan PM

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake said the Sri Lankan government would not hold any discussions with the LTTE until they lay down their arms. He said Tiger organization is facing its biggest defeats now.The Prime Minister at a meeting with the new New Zealand ambassador to Sri Lanka Rupert Hall Biro at the Prime Minister’s office on Thursday said that the LTTE must lay down their arms before arriving at the negotiating table.

The Prime Minister has reiterated that the Sri Lankan government is committed to safeguard the rights of the Tamil people. He further pointed out that the government was able to liberate the Eastern province from the terrorists due to the implementation of a systematic programme.The Prime Minister requested the New Zealand Ambassador to assist in the development of the local dairy farming. Ambassador Biro has pledged to assist Sri Lanka in the programme to eradicate terrorism.

Periyamadu Tank area captured

According to the sources, despite the heavy resistance given by the LTTE terrorists, soldiers who were inching towards LTTE territory captured the entire bund of the Periyamadu Tank which is about 2.5 Km long.
Seven soldiers were suffered injuries during the gun battle and damages to the LTTE terrorists are yet to be known. It is a major set back to the LTTE terrorists as the security forces gained the whole tank area under their control.

The Sri Lanka navy outpost at Erukkalampiddi in the Mannar Island has come under a predawn attack by the LTTE terrorists. According to defence sources, a group of LTTE terrorists had come in 6 boats and launched the attack around 2.15 am.
The sailors have defended their post effectively causing the terrorists to withdraw with their casualties. According to available information, 4 terrorists including their leader Sirimaran have died in the battle. Also, 3 sailors have been killed and few others wounded during the confrontation.
Meanwhile , Sri Lanka Air Force MI 24 helicopters pounded withdrawing terror boats in the Gulf of Mannar . According to the Air Force sources , the air assault has been launched around 4.45 a.m., targeting the terror boats fleeing towards Veddithalthievu area.
Defence observers are in the view that the terrorists have carried out this attack with the intention of stopping the people in Wanni escaping to the cleared areas. On 5th June , 13 civilians belonging to 3 families sought refuge from the Navy personnel at the Erukkulampiddi navy detachment. The refugees who resident of Silavanthei in Mullaithivu had told the navy personnel that 1000s are waiting to escape the terror clutches at a given opportunity. Therefore, the terrorist might wanted to remove the closest place of refuge to the Tamil people held hostage in the Wanni, they further said.

Second air raid launched at Terror FDL

Sri Lanka Air Force launched its second air raid at selected targets on the LTTE forward defence line (FDL) around 3 this evening (June 10). According to Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanaykkara , the raid was undertaken by fighter jets, following thorough air surveillance.

Three LTTE suspects gunned down

Latest reports from the East confirm that the body of the remaining LTTE suspects has been found with gunshot injuries. Two LTTE suspects were gunned down during a Police and Army combined cordon and search operations at Pallaikudiruppu in Akkaraipatuwa this morning (June 10). According to the defence sources in the area, an armed group of 3 suspects had lobbed two hand grenade at the Police and Army personnel engaged in the search operation around 7 am.

Government troops captured 14 base in Mullaitievu

The security forces have entered Mullaitievu and they have already taken control of the One Four Base Camp where the LTTE leader at one time was hiding. The forces captured the camp yesterday after the sudden attack. The troops are in complete control of the area.

Meanwhile defence sources say the Sri Lanka Air Force attacked a LTTE bunker in the North of Alankumala area in this morning. Air Force Media Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara says the attack was launched around 11 AM today using MI 24 fighter craft. Air force pilots have confirmed that the attack was successful.

The Media Centre for National Security says 17 LTTE terrorists were killed in clashes with the security forces in the past 24 hours in Jaffna, Vavuniya and Welioya. The Army has recovered a corpse of terrorist and several military equipments.

Helicopter gunships raid terror bunker line

Sri Lanka Air Force MI 24 helicopter gunships have raided an LTTE bunker defence located in the North of Alankumala area this morning (June 9). Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said that air raid has been launched at 11 am in support of troops of 58 divisions.

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Five suicide jackets found

Police acting on an information received from intelligence sources found 5 jackets designed for the LTTE suicide bombers from Maina Doopatha (an islet) in the Chilaw area this evening (May 30). According to the police sources, only four out of the five jackets were filled with high explosives.

Police said the jackets were unearthed from a location close to an abandoned Hindu Temple around 6.30 pm. A person was also detained for further inquiries, the sources added.

21 Terrorists killed

Troops engaged in offensive march in Wanni and Jaffna theatres killed 21 terrorists and injured 21 in yesterday's (22 May) clashes. More 12 terrorists were reportedly killed or wounded as the report reached from the warfront stated.

On Wanni front, in Vavuniya front, troops attacked fortified LTTE defences in general area Periyamadu killing 5 terrorists and injuring 3 others during day hours yesterday. 2 soldiers also suffered injuries due to LTTE's retaliation. Meanwhile, troops ambushed an LTTE movement in general area Mundimurippu. Intercepting terror transmission it is leant that 4 terrorists were killed while 7 others injured. An army soldier also suffered injuries and he was rushed to Ampara hospital.

Security News

An LTTE terrorist was reported killed by SL Army snipers deployed ahead of enemy defences in general area Alanakulama, Mannar yesterday(May 16), security sources said.

Eight LTTE terrorists were reported killed during intermittent clashes erupted between troops and LTTE ahead of the Wanni and Northern battle fronts on Thursday (May 15), security sources report. On the Jaffna theater of battle, a terrorist was reported killed sniped in general area Muhamalai. A soldier was also injured due to an AP mine explosion in the same area, in addition to another who sustained injuries in a similar explosion at Kilaly.

The Sri Lankan Air Force fighter craft made precision air sorties at the Iranamadu runway yesterday evening in Mullaittiuvu, Air Force sources said.

LTTE Claymore Explodes

Police personnel in route clearing petrol in general area Thambalagamuwa have narrowly escaped from an LTTE claymore explosion took place this morning (19 Apr).
The police personnel were returning after completing a duty in a vulnerable area where an electricity transformer located in Thambalabamuwa along Pokurani - Kinniya road, when the terrorists activated the claymore around 6.15 am, sources said.

77 LTTE Cadres Killed

According to the reports received by this morning (April 13), intercepted radio transmissions have confirmed terrorists numbering 77 killed and at least 26 others injured on Mannar front alone. In addition, 12 soldiers died in the battle while 29 others suffered injuries, reports revealed.

During these operations, 8 LTTE bunkers located at various positions on the battlefront came under army. During the search operations conducted so far 1 body of slain LTTE cadres have been found.

40 terrorists killed

Sri Lankan security forces further advanced into LTTE defences in multi fronts from Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya killing a total of 40 terrorists, including 22 alone in clashes North West of Parappakandal, yesterday (January 14).

According to SLA Jaffna sources, at least 10 terrorists were killed and two LTTE bunkers destroyed in clashes escalated along the defences at Averikadu, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil in Jaffna. Six soldiers were also wounded in separate incidents at the Northern defences including four, due to an IED explosion at Muhamalai, sources said.

Meanwhile, troops removed 7 anti-personnel (AP) mines laid in general area Ponnar, Jaffna security sources said. During clearing operations conducted in general area Marakayarkulama, Vavuniya troops defused 10 AP mines, Wanni sources said.

Military sources in Vavuniya front said that, eight more terrorists were killed yesterday (14) in clashes erupted at defences of Periyapantdivirichchan, Vilathikulama, Kattikkulama, Palaikkulai and Kokkuthuduvai. SLA said that, three soldiers received injuries due to an AP mine explosion at Kurisuddakulama, and were rushed to the general hospital at Vavuniya.

Intercepted LTTE communication revealed that many terrorists were badly wounded in the fighting, though exact figures were not available.

Meanwhile, during a search operation conducted at general area Palaikkuli, troops recovered 23 AP mines, 05 'Arul' type mortar shells, 08 hand grenades, a hoard of Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) ammunitions and 550x T-56 assault riffle rounds. Separately, in a search operation at Palaikkuli, yesterday evening, troops recovered 18 more AP mines, security sources added.

According to military, two soldiers laid their lives in confrontations yesterday (14), while 24 others were wounded.

Claymore/AP mines recovered in Thoppigala

Troops engaged in clearing operations in the general area of Meeyangolle in Thoppigala, today (January 05) recovered 20 claymore mines and 1057 AP mines, according to defence sources. The mines had apparently been buried and hidden inside barrels. Items recovered include shotgun cartridges (1112), anti-personnel (AP) mines (1057), AP mine fuses (805), claymore mines (08Kg x 01 and 05Kg x 19), detonator cord (12m x01), safety fuses (8m x 17) and M-16 ammunition (3380).


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SLAF jet attack LTTE strategic location

Sri Lanka Air Force supersonic fighter jets pounded on LTTE strategic location in the Mullaittiuvu area this noon, December 28.Air sorties have launched around 12.00 noon and the target was the LTTE's coordinating centre for international activities, a well identified LTTE strategic location through the series of ground and air surveillances conducted for long period, Air forces sources said.

Meanwhile, the intelligence sources said that the details of the targets have been obtained on real-time ground information received through reliable sources. The targeted location was identified as a key LTTE location where most of the LTTE top leaders used to visit regularly to discuss international activities of the outfit, sources added.

Sri Lanka Air Force raided this same place few months back on 18th April 2007 and the 2nd In-Command of the LTTE's coordinating centre for international activities, who was given a self-styled "Lt Colonal" rank, Kalaialagan was killed due to this air raid.

Army hold out at Jaffna FDL

Reports from Jaffna Forward Defence Line (FDL) indicate that two LTTE bunkers and a hut were destroyed and five terrorists were killed in today's clashes between army and LTTE (December 27). In addition, two army soldiers were killed, one went missing and four injured in the same incidents.

On the Kilaly front, troops undertook a surprise attack at an LTTE bunker around 2.40.a.m. Ground troops have confirmed that the bunker was destroyed and two terrorists were killed in the incident.

At Ponnar, on the same Kilaly front troops confronted with LTTE terrorists around 6.12 this morning. Troops advanced unto the terrorists' first line of defence and attacked two LTTE bunkers and a hut located in the area. Ground troops have claimed that three LTTE cadres were killed and one bunker and the hut were destroyed in the incident.

In a similar incident on the same Kilaly front, troops confronted with a group of terrorist around 6.45.a.m. One soldier has been killed and another was reported missing in the incident. Further four soldiers have suffered injuries. The injured were rushed to the military hospital at Palaly. Terrorists' casualties are not known.

SLAF raids major LTTE facility

SLAF super sonic MiG-27 and K'Fir combat fighters made dashing sorties this morning (December 27) at a major LTTE facility at Vellamullavaikkal, North of Mulaithivu, at around 6.10 a.m.

Air force fighter pilots have acquired the target successfully destroying the LTTE facility during the precision aerial sorties, Air force sources said. According to sources, the aerial raid was launched following ground surveillance and real time air reconnaissance information. Defence sources citing reliable 'intel' said, LTTE were conducting a special training session at the facility which was continuously functioning since 2001.

Defence sources said, the target was kept under constant reconnaissance, which was located northwards along the coast of Mulaithivu. LTTE has been conducting multi-pronged war exercises at the facility when it was hit, by the SLAF jets.

Security News

• P 413 sinks after destroying two suicide boats

Sri Lanka navy sources today (December 27) stated that the Ceylon Dockyard built Fast Attack Craft (FAC) P413 sank whilst being towed to Kankasanthurai Harbour. The craft was seriously damaged during the sea battle erupted in the South of Delft sea yesterday (December 26). Navy's diving and salvage unit is now being engaged in a salvage attempt, sources added.

P413 crew commanded by Lieutenant Commander Lalith Ekanayake yesterday demonstrated the sheer determination and gallantry possessed by the sea warriors of Navy's Fourth Fast Attack Craft Flotilla by destroying two explosive laden suicide craft of LTTE. Having detected the terrorist's sea move P413 along with other FACs valiantly engaged the terrorist boats despite being heavily out numbered by the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Ekanayke made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland while eleven of his men have gone missing in action.

• Civilians traumatized in LTTE claymore explosion

LTTE elements triggered off a byroad claymore mine this morning (December 27) laid in close perimeters of Kalavanchchikuddi general hospital injuring two including a 15 year old, Kalavanchchikuddi Police said.The claymore mine was tripped to a bicycle and triggered targeting a combine Police/STF route clearing patrol, along the Kalavanchchikuddi-Kalmunai main road at around 7.50a.m, Police sources said.

One Special Task Force (STF) constable was killed while another received minor injuries, during the incident. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area while assisting innocent civilians and patients, who were traumatized due to the claymore explosion.

LTTE takes heavy beating in Wanni

Troops forced into LTTE territory thrashing terrorist bunker lines and defences during a pre-emptive strike at Pallaikuli, south of Adampan killing 15 and seriously injuring over dozen terrorists, SLA sources said.

Ground clashes broke into a fierce artillery duel between troops and LTTE since 6.40a.m, today lasting until 12 noon. Terrorist resistance faded during intense fighting where reports were received of a mass LTTE flight into non-liberated areas in Kilinochchi and Mulaithiuvu Districts, defence sources said.

Meanwhile, security forces have destroyed six LTTE bunkers in the strategic military advance, defences sources added.Two soldiers made their ultimate sacrifice, while 12 others wounded were admitted to the general hospital at Mannar, security sources said.

SL security forces have stepped-up strikes at defences of the LTTE run mono ethnic hell hole in the Island's North, in response to the plea of thousands stranded, under worsening 'humanitarian' conditions, defence observers state.

Wanni liberation in progress

Sri Lanka security forces continue to beat in terrorists' defences of Wanni causing heavy damages to LTTE. As per the latest reports from the battlefronts troops had dislodged 6 LTTE bunkers and killed over 28 terrorists in yesterday's (December 23) clashes.

In the Jaffna theatre of battle, troops deployed at Ponnar on the Kilaly front, attacked LTTE bunker line around 6.15 last evening. Ground troops have claimed that three terrorists were killed and two bunkers destroyed in the incident. No casualties reported to own troops.On the Muhamalai front, SL army soldiers manning the defence line opened fire at a group of LTTE terrorists stalking towards the own defence. Ground troops confirmed that one LTTE cadre was killed in the incident that took place around 11.45 a.m.

Earlier on the same day morning, army claimed that eight terrorists were killed and four LTTE bunkers destroyed when troops attacked LTTE bunker line at Nagarkovil.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka navy sailors uncovered four suicide belts and a military pack at 12.p.m. yesterday. The sailors acting on information provided by the civilians made this recovery at Velani, in the Kaytes Island.In the Wanni theatre of battle, troops moving ahead from the Vavuniya front attacked an LTTE stronghold in the Vilathikulama area around 9.40, last morning. Troops having located the terrorists' gun and radar positions called in artillery fire on the same. Also, the terrorists responded using heavy mortars. Army radio monitoring elements have revealed that three terrorist were killed and 10 others were injured in the incident. One soldier was also killed and nine sustained injuries in the same incident.

At Kuduruvitankulama, troops laid an ambush at terrorists' movement around 2.15, last afternoon. Monitored radio transmissions have revealed that two terrorist were killed and one injured in the incident. No casualties reported to own troops.At Kallikkulama, troops confronted with a group of LTTE cadres around 2 on the same day afternoon. Ground troops claimed that three terrorists were killed in the incident.Meanwhile, four soldiers suffered injuries due to anti personnel mine explosions occurred in Thampanai and Kuduruvitankulama area during yesterday's clearing operations. The injured were admitted to Anuradhapura hospital.

In the Mannar theatre of battle, troops confronted with LTTE terrorists at three separate incidents. Reports indicate that eight terrorists and one soldier were killed in the incidents that occurred in the Narikkulama, Palaikkuli, and Tettakkuli areas yesterday.