LTTE air strike successfully thwarted -Government

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) activated their air defence systems in Colombo, Katunayake and Ratmalana as two LTTE light aircraft approached Colombo and suburbs early morning on Sunday. As the air defence systems were activated, the two aircraft fled the area and dropped four explosive devices in Kolonnawa area and Muthurajawela area around 1.50 a.m., Media Centre for National Security reports.

Of the two dropped in the Muthurajawela area, one has fell in the Pump House area without causing any damage and the other has fell around the premises of a private gas company fire hut resulting a minor fire which was put out, MCNS reports further state. No damage was reported from Kolonnawa area.

Air Force was alerted about two LTTE aircraft 20 minutes before their arrival at Katunayake and the air defence systems were immediately activated, Group Captain Ajantha Silva said. Three Air Force aircraft were also airborne as a defencive step. Immediate defence action has prevented the LTTE aircraft from attacking any defence or economic installation.

As the security forces opened fire in the air after activating their air defence systems the LTTE air crafts have left the area immediately.

As the MCNS further reports SLAF fighter jets hit identified targets near the Iranamadu LTTE airstrip in Kilinochchi in the uncleared areas of Vanni, during the wee hours of this morning. Earlier, around 1.00 a.m. Air Force hit another well identified LTTE target in Vishwamadu in east of Iranamadu.

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