LTTE offensive bids thwarted: 10 terrorists killed

Ten terrorists were killed yesterday(16) at Jaffna and Vavuniya defences, as security forces continued to pound LTTE bunker positions, security sources said.During a pre-emptive strike launched at LTTE positions ahead of Muhamalai FDLs at around 6.10p.m, troops destroyed an LTTE bunker killing three terrorists, Northern military sources report.

At Vilathikulam in Vavuniya, SLA repulsed two successive LTTE offensive bids killing at least seven terrorists in heavy resistance attacks, yesterday evening security sources said.According to ground sources, no damages were cause to own forces.

Tamil Nadu asked to act against pro-LTTE leaders

Expressing concern over reports of increasing activities of the LTTE in Tamil Nadu, Congress leader and Union Minister E. V. K. S. Elangovan asked the State Government to be vigilant and take action against political leaders expressing support to the banned outfit.

Referring to the reported speech of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal (VC) President Thol Tirumavalavan, an ally of the ruling DMK, in support of the LTTE, he told reporters that the Government should take action against him if there was prima facie evidence.

He also recalled the State DGP's notice last month, announcing a ban on taking out processions, holding public meetings or condolence meetings in support of the LTTE.

Citing reports about the recent arrest of two LTTE cadres in the state, Elangovan said the State Government should be on high alert and take measures to check the activities of the banned outfit.

Pointing out to the release of VC leader Vanniyarasu on bail the same day he was arrested on the charge of supplying computer spare parts to the LTTE, Elangovan cautioned that such incidents would disturb peace in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier, speaking at a diploma awarding ceremony for Sri Lankan journalists, organised by the city-based SRM university, Elangovan said the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka could be amicably resolved, but some people in Tamil Nadu were politicising the issue.

Air rehearsal causes panic

A rehearsal carried out by air force created panic in Watala with people in the area getting alarmed after seeing two planes flying with lights off a short while ago. Residents in the area said there was a power cut soon after the flights were sighted. The Air Traffic Control unit of the Katunayake airport confirmed that that it was a rehearsal.

Mega projects for Eastern development

Susantha Punchinilame, Minister of Nation Building and Eastern Development said Rs. 8,000 million has been allocated to develop the Eastern Province from this year's budget and of Rs. 2100 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Nation Building at a press conference held at Ratnapura.

He said Rs. 8,000 million will be invested to develop Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu districts which have 50 divisional secretariat areas including 1208 rural villages and an area of 11514 square kilo metres.

The people living in this areas will be benefited with their basic needs and their living standard will be upgraded. State income will be increased and a population of 1,819,555 will be granted with facilities in the year 2008.

Japan pledges to eradicate terrorism

Japanese Prime Minister Yasao Fukuda said Japan would always reject terrorism and his Government would take every possible step to stop terror acts.He made these observations when he met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on Monday night.

Addressing a joint news conference at the Prime Minister's Office, the 71-year-old Japanese leader said his Government condemns all forms of terrorism and would take every possible action to eradicate terrorism.He expressed confidence in Sri Lanka's efforts to achieve peace and assured the Japanese Government's fullest support and cooperation to President Rajapaksa's peace efforts.

"I conveyed to the President, Japan's intention to cooperate for peace in Sri Lanka as well as economic development," Fukuda told the media.The Japanese Government increased assistance to Sri Lanka under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme from US$ 320 to $ 400 million per year.

Prime Minister Fukuda is no stranger to Sri Lanka as he was the former President of the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Association. He held that position for several years before stepping down on his election as Japan's Prime Minister last September.

Eastern Tamils rally against alleged LTTE

housands of Tamils and Muslims are flocking to Batticaloa town today (December 10) with slogans and banners condemning alleged LTTE, TNA coalition's obstruction of resettlement and development work, in a demonstration organized by the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), reports our Eastern Area defence correspondent.

Latest reports said that an estimated crowd over 9000 participated in the event to stage their strong protest against the self-claimed Tamil representatives.

People were seen coming in from all parts of the recently liberated Eastern Province to stage a mass protest against the LTTE - TNA axis, said defence sources observing the activities.

According to available information many Tamil and Muslim civilians from Kallady, Chenkallady and Valachchenai and many other areas are making their way towards Batticaloa, where the demonstrators are expected to hand over a memorandum to the Batticaloa GA, to be forwarded to H.E the President.