Wanni operation 27 th 28 th 29 th June 2008

Video Source,
http://www.defence.lk/videos/20080629_SLRC.wmv

Sri Lanka army chief says just a year needed to finish Tigers

Sri Lanka's army chief said Monday his forces had wiped out the military capability of the Tamil Tigers, and that they needed just one more year to totally defeat the rebels.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) guerrillas had been forced to resort to hit-and-run attacks.

"From about the beginning of the year, the LTTE has lost its conventional capability," Fonseka told Colombo-based foreign correspondents. "They are no longer fighting as a conventional army."

He said the Tigers were not using heavy artillery and mortars, but that there were clashes in the island's embattled northern areas on a daily basis.

"We have already defeated them (as a conventional army). They have lost that capability. Although they are fighting with us, it is not in the same manner."

"Earlier, we couldn't move one kilometre for two, three months. That type of resistance is not there any more."

He estimated that the Tigers would lose even their current reduced capability in about a year but he cautioned that a Tigers' insurgency could rumble on indefinitely

The Tamil Tigers still have a few fixed-wing planes and a formidable sea going capability, a rarity for any guerrilla outfit in the world.

Led by 53-year-old Velupillai Prabhakaran, the LTTE also has a band of suicide bombers known for their spectacular strikes, including a damaging attack on the island's only international airport in July 2001.

Read more,
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gXx0b_qgX1p9cPSse6ru-KuSbIzg

High level Pakistan trade delegation leaves for Colombo

A high level Pak trade delegation led by President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry,Tariq Sayeed left for Colombo Wednesday to participate in chambers competition to be held on June 27.

Deputy leader of the delegation VP SAARC CCI, Pakistan chapter,Iftikhar Ali Malik told this evening that it is great honour for Pakistan that Tariq Sayeed,a Pakistani business leader and SCCI Chief have especially been invited to inaugurate the chambers competition, a prestigious event organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka at Colombo on Friday (June 27).

Sri Lanka attached great important to private sector of Pakistan in the region and signed free trade agreement with Pakistan on August 01,2002 followed by singing of the protocol on Feb 09,2005 and full implementation of the free trade agreement on June 12,2005.

Another member of the delegation Shahzad Ali Malik,Chief Executive Guard Rice said that Pakistan has granted tariff rate quota (TRO) arrangements to Sri Lanka for export of 10,000 MT tea,1,200 MT betel leaves and 3 million pieces garments every financial year (July-June) while Sri Lanka has granted TRO arrangements to Pakistan for export of 6,000 MT Basmati Rice and 1,000 MT Potatoes for every calender year .

However,import of potatoes is permitted only during the off-season period in Sri Lanka.

The pak delegation will return home on July 29.

Extracted from,
http://www.daily.pk/business/businessnews/55-businessnews

Terrorists kill AGA in uncleared area of Thunkkai

The Assistant Government Agent (AGA) of the Thunkkai division of the Mullathivu district was killed in a roadside claymore mine last evening (29), reports revealed. The area has yet not being liberated by the security forces and is presently controlled by the LTTE.

Reports revealed that AGA N.Nanthakumar (36) succumbed to a claymore attack when riding a motorcycle. The incident is reported to have taken place between Ampalaperumal Kulm and Koddaikasiya Kulam.

Meanwhile refuting the claims of pro-LTTE media which said that troops are responsible for this attack, Military Spokesmen Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told www.news.lk that the security forces have not entered this area yet and a 21 km distance has to be covered to reach it from Welioya.

"The AGA may have refused to carry out LTTE orders," he added.

It has been the regular practice of the LTTE terrorists to blame on the military for assassinations carried out by LTTE with the intention of disgracing the military and thereby to apply external pressures to stop the humanitarian mission engaged in by the security forces.

The dead body of AGA Nanthakumar is now at the Akrayan hospital.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6304&Itemid=44

Sri Lanka denies arrival of any foreign troops for the security of visiting heads of states

Sri Lanka denied yesterday the news reports about the arrival of the elite Indian and Afghanistan troops for the special security of Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Indian delegation and President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.

A highly placed Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry official flatly denied those reports appearing in a section of the Sri Lankan newspapers that 3000 elite Indian troops are coming from India to give security to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the Indian delegation coming to participate in the 15th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 3, in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo.

Furthermore, news paper reports revealed that President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan is also arriving with a pose of his elite commandos for his personal security in Colombo.

A section of the Sri Lankan press at the height of their imagination came up with reports that 1500 India’s elite forces have already arrived in Colombo and balances are expected shortly.

Sri Lanka foreign ministry official speaking to Asian Tribune said these are fabrication and there is no truth behind these reports.

He added that it must be pointed out that even our President Mahinda Rajapakse when he visits to Rome or London or any other countries, he too use to take his own personal security officers for his own security arrangements. He added that Head of states use to take their own security staffs whenever they visit foreign countries and this practice has already become a mandatory security requirement after the 9/11 incident.

In an interview with a news agency, Sri Lanka's military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara has also concurred that 'Not only India, all the other leaders will also bring their own security personnel for their own security. This is a common practice everywhere. But we have our own special security arrangements for the SAARC summit as a whole.'

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11994

LTTE receives heavy beating: Troops takeover Mannar 'Rice Bowl'

The advancing Security Forces took total control over the entire Mannar 'Rice Bowl' area this afternoon (June 29), denying terrorists its main and heavily fortified defences at the Mannar front after days of heavy fighting ensued between troops and LTTE.

The capture of this area stands to be a significant breakthrough made by the security forces following the liberation of Periyamadhu area from LTTE on 26th June. According to military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, the total area brought under control is approximately 120sq.kms, which mainly consists of the Island's most fertile paddy fields. In 1991, farmers have gathered a record-breaking paddy harvest from this area; the Spokesperson said adding that the famous 'Giants Tank' itself provides water to 153 small irrigation lakes.

Manthai, Manthottam, Adampan, Pallekuli, Kurukkandalkulama, Vellankulama, Vadakkandal, Alankulama, Andankulama, Marattikannadi, Alakaddiveli, Parappakandal. Parappukadatan, Tenveddiyan, Minukkulama, Vilayankulama, Papamoddai, Odduppalan, Kuruvil- Sluice, Neduvarampu, Kannaputtukulama and Vannakulama, were the main areas that was liberated by the security forces as troops are said to have consolidated and poised within striking distances to LTTE's strategically important coastal stronghold in Veddithalthivu.

Read More,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080629_03
Photos,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080629_03

'Indian military to protect Manmohan during SAARC summit'

Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa has approved a "heavy Indian military presence" in Colombo to provide security for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the upcoming SAARC summit in Colombo, said a media report here Sunday.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit is scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 3 in the capital city of Colombo.

"The formal request to have Indian troops, helicopter gun ships, bullet-proof vehicles and related security arrangements was made by the three-member Indian delegation that visited Sri Lanka June 20," the Sunday Leader newspaper reported, referring to the visit by a top Indian delegation led by National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan.

Claiming that the presidential approval was granted following a request made by India in view of the current security situation in the country, the media report said that Sri Lanka had also "agreed to allow the Indian Navy to patrol and carry out surveillance in Sri Lankan territorial waters during the summit to ensure there are no terrorist attacks from the sea".

Read more,
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/World/20080629/986942.html

Wimal-Pillaiyan in ‘historic’ pow-wow

National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa yesterday appeared to have found a new political ally in the shape of Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan, who pledged his support to the NFF if it decided to compete in the Eastern Province.

In an event which resembled the reunion of two long-separated brothers amidst surprising ‘closeness,’ the Eastern Province Chief Minister who later addressed the media, briefly said that the discussions between the two parties had turned out successfully and that the TMVP would support the NFF if the occasion demanded.

“If the NFF decides to take part in elections in the east, we will support them. We plan to meet again in the future for further discussions because the discussions we had today were highly successful,” Pillayan said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by NFF Leader Weerawansa. “This was our first meting with TMVP Leader Pillaiyan and we hope to meet again in the future to discuss the political situation prevailing in Sri Lanka,” Weerawansa added.

Meanwhile, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP K.D. Lalkantha said that this new “friendship” between the two was nothing that was unexpected since Weerawansa had been acting like a TMVP member during the last few months.

“Wimal has the freedom to meet anybody he wishes to. However, this was something that was waiting to happen. Wimal has been supporting Pillaiyan and the TMVP for the last few months. He justified the armed Pillaiyan’s victory at the Eastern Provincial Council election so this we believe is a step taken by Pillaiyan to express his gratitude to Wimal,” Lalkantha added.

Extracted from,
http://www.nation.lk/2008/06/29/news7.htm
Photos,
http://www.nffsrilanka.com/news.html

‘Aba’ aims international heights

‘Aba', Jackson Anthony's latest cinematic venture aims to attract international markets for local cinema.
Director Jackson says that he has already received invitations from several countries including China, Italy, Australia and few others.

‘Out of these China has expressed greater interest with plans to dub 'Aba' into Chinese,’ said Jackson. Discussions are underway to release the film in China through Chinese Film Bureau, the government institution that handles film industry in China.

‘Having seen the trailer, the officials from China who came to Sri Lanka recently were highly impressed with the film’ Jackson said with contentment. The delegation was on a mission to share their knowledge and technology with Sri Lanka.

‘We had taken them to our ‘Sarasavi’ studio which is in dire straits and showed them the problems about the lack of facilities and technology. But having seen certain scenes of 'Aba', Chinese official complained that we were making films with international standards while complaining about the poor facilities’ said Jackson with a smile.

Read more,
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080629/TV/tvtimes002.html
Official web site of Aba,
http://www.aba.lk/

RNCOS Releases a New Report - Srilankan ICT Market Analysis

RNCOS has recently added a new Market Research Report titled, "Srilankan ICT Market Analysis" to its report gallery. The report explains the current and future scenario of the IT and telecom sectors covering Personal Computer, Internet, mobile & fixed telephony, and broadband.

The report highlights the key success factors and challenging issues for the Sri Lankan ICT industry and provides a rational analysis on its various aspects. The research findings will help the investors, financial service providers and global IT and telecom players to evaluate their success chances in the growing ICT market in Sri Lanka.

Key Findings

- During 2001-2007, total broadband subscribers in Sri Lanka grew at a CAGR of 143.99%.
- Total Internet users in Sri Lanka expanded at a CAGR of 40.2% during 2004-2007.
- Sri Lanka witnessed a massive increase of around 20% in its IT workforce in 2006 over 2005.
- Sri Lanka’s telecom sector soared in 2007 to 10.7 Million subscribers, led by a 47.9% jump in new mobile phone subscribers due to competition and falling call rates.
- Fixed-line subscribers (including wire-line and WLL) in the country rose to 2.7 Million in 2007 from 1.88 Million a year ago. With this, fixed-line subscriber penetration too increased from 4.42 per 100 people in 2001 to 13.1 per 100 people in 2007.
- As of 2007, the western part of Sri Lanka, accounting for 44% of total fixed-line telephone subscribers, had the major fixed-line telephone subscriber base.

Read more,
http://www.pr.com/press-release/92674

Wanni operation 27 th June 2008

Sri Lankan president says action on rebels to continue

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse said Saturday that the forward march of his troops will never be curtailed despite calls from interested parties to announce a ceasefire with Tamil Tiger rebels.

"There are calls for a ceasefire when the terrorists face defeat. I will not allow anyone to curtail the forward march of the troops," Rajapakse who is also the commander-in-chief of the island's security forces told a gathering of teachers.

Rajapakse since becoming the president at the end of 2005 has gone on a military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

His troops have captured the entire Eastern Province from the rebels' control and the government now claims the rebels have been limited to just two districts in the Northern Province.

Rajapakse's statement came as the military announced the capture of a major LTTE held area in the district of Mannar Saturday.

Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, the military spokesman said a key rebel facility in Mannar's Parappakandal area was captured by the troops.

More than 7,000 people have perished in the island's separatist war since the end of 2005.

The Norwegian backed ceasefire which lasted six years was abandoned in January this year.

Extracted from,
http://calibre.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=312078791

Army captures Parappakadanthan base of terrorist leader "Bhanu"

The Army after heavy fighting with LTTE terrorists captured the village of PARAPPAKADANTHAN, MANNAR today (28) around 12.00 noon.

The village of PARRAPPAKADANTHAN, situated NORTH of GIANT'S TANK is a developed area consisting of many buildings and a large terrorist training complex including a firing range, the hideout of the LTTE leader "BHANU" and a terrorist cemetery. The ALKADDIVELI LTTE Cemetery was located between ANDANKULAM and PARRAPPAKADANTHAN

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13483

Wanni operation 26 th June 2008

Source,
http://defence.lk/videos/20060626_Wanni.wmv

The Major General’s Fustian Gamble

Our Politicians are selling their souls to the Devil in droves. "To gain what for themselves?" as the Persian tent maker asked. Most of them, just for a whiff or hope of political power. The UNP Leader, Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, when he is not smashing coconuts, or breaking pots and pans or riding buggy carts on alighting from his luxury limousine, or when he is not tooting horns or promising bangles and bracelets to village damsels, is romping round Mrs. Chandrika B, his erstwhile ‘bete noir’, promising his political soul (what’s left or it!) for a mess or pottage, that pottage being whatever CB’s contribution can now be.

And CB herself is romancing round RW, offering her now defunct political soul to another political bankrupt. We see the same soul trading by Mr. Mahanama S’weera. Not to be outdone, the President and his coterie sold their political souls to some of the erstwhile "CFA Gang" and vice versa for like pottage. Political principles have been thrown in along with their souls for good measure. Dr. Faustus is in company! But the Midnight Hour will come!

And now the Faustian gamble is tempting Army types too, but hopefully will not spread too much. Major General Janaka Perera, Hero of many battles and the man who saved Jaffna in 1999/2000 has taken that Faustian plunge in accepting the UNP’s Chief Ministerial Candidacy of the NCP from the very forces that were hostile and treacherous to the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of the country which he so very able defended throughout his military career. He must know what damage both politically and militarily the UNP’s and RW’s CFA did to Sri Lanka.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/06/28/opinion4.html

NFF decided to hold public rallies in Sri Lanka

National Freedom Front [NFF] plans to hold a series of public rallies to educate masses on prevailing challenges of Sri Lanka.

Its spokesman said these rallies would not criticize the JVP or its activities but educate the public on present challenges, which are before the country. Leader of the NFF Wimal Weerawansa , Nandana Gunathilaka and other leading members of the NFF will address these rallies.

According to the NFF sources its first rally will be held on 30th of this month at Nugegoda .

�This is the first rally of the NFF� , said a spokesman of the party.

He said the NFF recently made an application to the Election Commissioner and asked to obtain Commissioner�s recognition as a political party. He said the Election Commissioner�s ruling on their application would be received within next few days.

extracted from,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20080627134725.php

No Riot Police in future for Bhikkus’ protests

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the IGP to refrain from deploying ‘Anti- Riot Squads’ in protests and demonstrations involving the Maha Sangha, university students and students in future.

President Rajapaksa disclosed this when he addressed the inauguration ceremony of the renovated and modernised Beruwala Fisheries Harbour devastated by the tsunami.

The new-look and sophisticated Beruwala Fisheries Harbour will now serve the country in its development drive, the Beruwala fishing community in particular, with a mooring yard, a vessel repairing centre and a fishing facilitating center among others.

This project comes under the Thotupola Aruna programme, which envisages to construct 100 Anchorages along the Sri Lankan coastal belt, by the Ceylon Fisheries Harbours Corporation (CFHC), as envisioned in the Mahinda Chintanaya. The project is funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

Addressing a large gathering at the ceremony, the President observed that he was greatly perturbed by the recent events that took place at a protest involving the Sangha.

He was of the view that ‘Anti- Riot Squads’ should only be used on grave and imminent danger situations and conditions where there were specific ‘riots’ in its true sense and the deployment of ‘riot squads’ was the only remedy and course of action available.

read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/28/news02.asp
Photos,
http://www.lankatruth.com/Full_Story_Page/2008/June/26/20080626_03.htm

25 corpses of LTTE uncovered: consolidate defences in Vavauniya

Scores of LTTE terrorists were reported killed and 25 bodies recovered after fighting brokeout between troops and LTTE in general area Chiraddikulama ahead of the Vavuniya defences yesterday (June 26), since 6p.m.

According to available information LTTE terrorists have received heavy damages as LTTE battle formations were said beaten in the military push launched by the 57 Division soldiers.

Meanwhile, 25 LTTE bodies were recovered by the troops who were engaged in search and clearing operations while consolidating the newly established defences, security sources said. Troops have also uncovered 20, T-56 assault riffles, 01x 12.7mm anti-air craft machinegun , 02x RPG launchers and 01x Light machinegun, MCNS sources said.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080627_03
Photos,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080627_03 and
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14179

Now, ANDANKULAM Town in Army Hands

Giving a further severe blow to the terrorists fighting for division of the country, triumphant troops of the Army wrested the complete control of the ANDANKULAM town area of about 4 sq km on UIYLANKULAM-NEDUNKANDAL Road, about 2 km north of KARUNKANDAL, MANNAR Friday (27) evening, just two hours before this report was compiled.

Friday evening’s (27) fall of ANDANKULAM town into the hands of brave soldiers came less than six hours after troops dominated CHIRADDIKULAM area (LTTE 54-Base) in MULLATTIVU district decimating scores of terrorists amidst heavy fighting that continued since Thursday (26) evening. (See Day’s Situation Report, Photos & Highlights)

The fight for supremacy in ANDANKULAM town area resulted in the death of about 11 Tiger terrorists. Three valiant soldiers sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital. It is believed at least another dozen of terrorists were injured and taken away by pockets of fleeing terrorists further towards the north. Troops have so far recovered one dead body of a terrorist as the dusk fell after the bout of fighting.

ANDANKULAM, predominately a Tamil town with several state and commercial institutes, since of late has been widely utilized by Tiger terrorists as a cross-point for distribution of terrorist logistics and illegal weapons towards VIDDATHALATHIVU, a notorious Sea Tiger base, from where many smuggling rings and seaborne attacks are launched.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14180

Air strikes on a LTTE Special Unit Headquarters and Training Camp

MULLAITTIVU: Today (27) around 6.10am Air force launched an air strike on a LTTE Special Unit Headquarters and Training Camp using Air force fighter jets. The camp was located 10km North of ODDUYADAN junction. Air force pilots confirm that the target was accurately engaged.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13465

NFF can ensure country’s prosperity - MP Anjan Umma

Gampaha District JVP Parliamentarian Anjan Umma yesterday joined the National Freedom Front (NFF) in the presence of NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa.

Anjan Umma said she decided to join the NFF for the prosperity and well-being of the country.

She took the decision to join the NFF after several rounds of talks with the high committee of the NFF.

Umma said the high powered committee answered the questions satisfactorily raised by her politically.

The activities of the JVP was also the chief reason for her to depart from JVP.

She expressed confidence that she can achieve her political goals through the NFF.

Umma said considering the future she took this firm decision and decided to use this opportunity for the sake of the country.

“This is an unforgettable moment in my life and I am happy to join the NFF.”

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/27/pol01.asp
Photo,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/27/z_new350.jpg

Lanka IOC further reduces diesel price by Rs.10

The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) Thursday heeded the government's request and further reduced the price of diesel by 10 Sri Lankan rupees to bring it on par with that of state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

"The Lanka IOC reduced diesel price by 10 rupees per litre and matches CPC price of 110 rupees per litre with effect from 00:00 hours of Friday," Lanka IOC managing director K. Ramakrishnan said Thursday, adding that the price of LIOC petrol would continue to match that of CPC at Rs.157 per litre.

This is the second price reduction by the LIOC within 48 hours, a week after Petroleum Minister A.H.M. Fowzie warned of takeover of all 153 LIOC outlets if the company did not bring its diesel price on par with CPC.

On Tuesday, LIOC reduced the diesel price by Rs.10 per litre.

Read more,
http://news.webindia123.com/news/articles/Business/20080626/985083.html

Troops capture 2.5km in Chalmpan- Marattikannaddi road in Mannar

Today (26) between 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. troops captured 2.5km in CHALMPAN - MARATTIKANNADDI road on ANDANKULAM to VEDITHALATHIEV road.

Due to the capture MANNAR to PUNAREEN supply roots of LTTE has been cut off.

Twelve LTTE terrorists were killed while no casualties reported to the Army due to the confrontations.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13448

Periyamadhu falls to troops - Mannar front

The Periyamadhu village, one of the LTTE's strongholds in Mannar front, captured by the security forces personnel and troops have also gained the full control over 7Sq Km patch in Periyamadhu this afternoon, the MCNS said.

The victorious soldiers are presently conducting clearing operations to consolidate the area. Fierce gun battle took place in this area for last few weeks and despite the LTTE's resistance troops advanced into Periyamadhu village.

Earlier, on 14th of June, troops captured entire bund of the Periyamadhu tank which is about 2.5Km long. Immediately after capturing the Periyamadhu tank area troops marching towards Periyamadhu village.

The damages suffered to the enemy due to the confrontations ensued in this area are yet to be known.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080626_07

Massive air strikes on LTTE positions

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has attacked more than 4 LTTE positions in the north during yesterday (25th) and today (26th).

The first air attack of yesterday was on a LTTE bunker line around 2km ahead of the Weli Oya forward defence line. Air Force used helicopter gunships to attack the target in this instance. Around half an hour later, SLAF bombers attacked 3 LTTE artillery positions south of Muhamalai FDL. Intelligence sources indicated that an LTTE artillery expert identified as "Iniyawan" has suffered injuries in this air raid.

Two more aerial attacks on LTTE positions in the northern front was launched today (26th) morning. Helicopter gunships attacked a small LTTE based located North of Andankulam at around 6am while bombers raided an LTTE training facility north of Vedithalaithivu. LTTE casualty details are not available as of this moment.

Extracted from,
http://defencenet.blogspot.com/2008/06/massive-air-strikes-on-ltte-positions.html

Sri Lanka says no Indian pressure to give up military action

The Sri Lankan government on Thursday refuted claims by the main left party that India had pressurized it to abandon the current military thrust against Tamil Tiger rebels.

The JVP, or the People's Liberation Front, accused the Indian government of bringing pressure on the Sri Lankan government to stop the military campaign against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by sending a top level delegation to the island last week.

"There was no such pressure. The visit was a demonstration of the increased co-operation between the two countries," Anura Yapa, the government spokesman and the minister of Media and Information told reporters.

The unscheduled visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon, National Security Advisor M. K. Narayanan and Defense Secretary Sri Vijay Singh has led to many a speculation.

Yapa said both the Indian and Sri Lankan governments believe in a political solution to the island's long drawn out separatist armed conflict and the military solution was never an option.

The Sri Lankan government is currently engaged in a military campaign against the rebels who are fighting for a separate homeland for the Tamil minority in the north and east.

The military campaign so far has resulted in the rebels from being evicted from the Eastern Province and the government maintains that the rebels have now been limited to just two districts in the north.

Extracted from,
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/26/content_8445162.htm

Late Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge Remembered

The second death anniversay one of the veteran War Heroes in contemporary times Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge who was brutally slain by Tiger terrorists falls today (June 26).

Lieutenant General Parami Kulatunge perished along with three more Army soldiers and a civilian in an LTTE suicide bomb attack at Pannipitiya, exactly a year ago while he was being driven to his office at Colombo Army Headquarters. A sea of mourners paid their last respects to this fallen military hero who was holding the post of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Army. The barbaric slaying occurred exactly two months after a Tamil Tiger woman cadre miserably failed to claim the life of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka.

The second year commemorative activities to invoke merits on the departed Lieutenant General commenced at his ancestral home in Lewella, Kandy with an all-night Pirith chanting performed by a group of distinguished Buddhist monks. An alms-giving follows the following day.

Lt. General ParamiKulatunge fell prey to an LTTE suicide bomber on 26 June 2006 near Pannipitiya junction, Maharagama as he was proceeding towards Colombo during morning rush hours. He was the Deputy Chief of Staff Sri Lanka Army at the time of his demise.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14144

Read more about Lt. General Parami Kulatunga,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parami_Kulatunga and
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/parami.htm

Photos,
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/parami.htm and
http://www.spur.asn.au/LTTE_Atrocities_20060626_Parami_Kulatunga.htm

LTTE sources explosive supply from Bengaluru -India

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is reportedly sourcing raw materials for explosives and ammunition from Bengaluru and Mumbai.

An important "commercial" consignment of chemicals that can be altered to make explosives was seized by enforcement agencies at Madurai in Tamil Nadu last month. It was dispatched from Bengaluru and was meant for delivery to the LTTE.

The consignment — 500 kg of a variety of chemicals including diphenylamine sulphates, some chlorate salts and acids — was seized minutes before it was to be off-loaded at a transit point.

"The seized chemicals can be altered to make explosives. The consignment was marked ‘commercial’ and was to be handed over to some locals and Sri Lankans, who were supposed to smuggle it to Sri Lanka. We have arrested some people and are investigating the case," said an official. Some time before this haul, Central and state enforcement agencies in Tamil Nadu had seized an illegal consignment of ball-bearings, aluminium bars and batteries that had been sourced from a wholesale dealer in Mumbai.

It was also to be shipped to Sri Lanka. An investigation revealed that it was meant for manufacturing land mines and missiles by the The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. Some material for repairing boats was also part of that shipment. The investigation is in the final stages and is nearing completion. Some "military" supplies to the Tigers have also taken place from Kerala, said an intelligence official. LTTE’s sympathisers in the southern states provide logistic support for the smuggling.

Extracted from,
http://www.asianage.com/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/ltte-sources-explosive-supply-from-bengaluru.aspx

Govt accuses LTTE of recruiting children

The secessionist organisation the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) continues to use child soldiers in its battle against the Sri Lankan armed forces, the defence ministry said on Wednesday. It added that the LTTE forcibly recruit children and teenagers to fill up their fast-depleting ranks.

Quoting defence intelligence sources, the ministry said personnel of the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) recovered three “obituary posters” giving the name, rank and unit of 150 LTTE cadres, including those of several child soldiers in the Karakakulam area in the northern part of the country. They found the posters after capturing the office of an LTTE regional leader.

The defence ministry said the pictures included “five self-styled lieutenant colonels, nine majors, fourteen captains, fifty-one lieutenants, forty-one second lieutenants and thirty others without rank.”

Read more,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?

Suspicious powder shuts U.S. embassy in Sri Lanka

The U.S. embassy in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, was closed on Wednesday after a "suspicious powder" was found in the premises, the embassy said.

"The suspicious substance will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Until the results are received and a determination is made that the substance does not pose health or safety risks, the embassy will be closed to the public," it said in an e-mailed statement.

The heavily-guarded embassy has thrice been closed in the past after suspicious powder was detected but on each occasion it turned out to be a false alarm.

A Sri Lankan police officer said no formal complaint had been received on Wednesday.

The consular section will remain available to provide emergency services to American citizens during the closure, the embassy statement said.

The United States supports a political solution to end Sri Lanka's 25 year civil war that has killed more than 70,000 people.

Extracted from,
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/knau/news.newsmain

150 LTTE cadres including child soldiers killed in one month - LTTE posters reveal

Three obituary posters found by troops operating in the Mannar battlefront have revealed details of 150 LTTE cadres, including more than 20 child soldiers, killed in one month. According to defence sources, the posters were found on a billboard at a recently captured office of an LTTE regional leader in the Karakakulam area.

The three posters contain details of 50 LTTE cadres on each, including their name, rank and the unit that they had been attached to. However, no ranks were mentioned against 30 cadres who appear very young in their early or mid-teens. According to the details mentioned on the posters, the LTTE cadres were killed at various locations in the Jaffna and Wanni theatre of operations from 17th February to 10th March this year.

A defence intelligence official speaking to defence.lk said that many of the LTTE cadres on the poster must have been those forcibly led into the battle by the terrorist leadership.

"The pictures of teenagers and children show the LTTE is still using child soldiers despite its attempts cover up the existence of its shameful baby brigade", he said.

"There were pictures of 5 self-styled "Lieutenant Colonels", 9 "Majors", 14 "Captains", 51 "Lieutenants", 41 "Second Lieutenants" and 30 others without any rank, on the posters", he added.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080625_02
Photos,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080625_02

Wanni operations 24th June 2008

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/videos/2080624_SLRC.wmv

Army Springs Another Surprise, Opens New Front West of A9; Task Force 11 Advance on New Targets, Tigers Retreat

With the offensive on the Vanni front reaching a decisive stage, the army has opened a new front west of the Jaffna-Kandy road.

While the 57 Division stepped up pressure on the LTTE holding on to Periyamadhu, about 16 kilometres north of Madhu, the newly created Task Force 11 would advance northwards. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the Task Force 11 would be on the eastern flank of the 57 Division and west of the A9 road.

Fielding questions, Nanayakkara said that while the 57 Division and Task Force 11 would advance on the LTTE-held territory, the newly created 61 Division would be deployed on a holding role in areas captured by the 57 Division. The 57 Division had regained about 600 square kilometres since it launched operations last year.

Nanayakkara said troops had made significant progress on the Vanni and Weli Oya fronts. The operations conducted by Task Force 11 would hasten the collapse of the LTTE on the Vanni west, the official said, asserting the LTTE wouldn’t be able to resist the army on three different fronts in the area west of the A9 road.

The Task Force 1 on the Mannar front has advanced upto Adampan and on Tuesday (25) brought a further three square kilometre area in the general area Adampan under control. SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said Mi 24 helicopter gunships had engaged an LTTE bunker line north east of Anandakulam Tuesday at 6.30 pm. The Mi 24s struck in support of the Task Force 1 about 45 minutes after jets launched from Katunayake air base bombed an LTTE training facility north of Oddusudan, he said.

Read more,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14141

Air strikes on LTTE line of bunkers and 3 LTTE artillery locations

WELIOYA: Air Force MI24 helicopters carried out air strikes on LTTE line of bunkers 3km north of MITHUKAIKULAM tank ahead in FDL today(25) around 1.15pm. These air strikes were made to support the ground troops in WELIOYA FDL. Air Force confirms that the air strikes were carried out effectively.

JAFFNA: Meantime today (25) around 1.45pm Air Force fighter jets bombed 3 LTTE artillery locations, 3km south of MUHAMALAI FDL. These air strikes too were made to support the ground troops in JAFFNA FDL. Air force confirms that the air strikes were carried out effectively.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13422

M'sia releases Sri Lankan accused of nuclear links

MALAYSIA said on Monday that it had released a Sri Lankan man held for four years over alleged links with a nuclear black market run by Pakistan's Abdul Qadeer Khan, saying he did not pose any threat.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Buhary Syed Abu Tahir remained in the country and would be monitored.

'He is not a threat. The recommendation for him is to be released but he is a subject for us to watch over,' Mr Syed Hamid told reporters.

'Four years he has been inside, I think we have investigated what we need to investigate,' he said.

The Star newspaper said that Tahir, who has permanent residency status in Malaysia, was released on June 6 and is under restrictions including a ban on going out at night without permission. He must also report to police weekly.

Tahir was described by US President George W. Bush in 2004 as the 'chief financial officer and money launderer' for Pakistan's disgraced scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan.

Khan admitted passing nuclear secrets to Libya, Iran and North Korea in a televised confession in February 2004, placing him in the thick of a global atomic black market.

Tahir was arrested in May 2004 in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur under the controversial Internal Security Act, which provides for detention without trial.

Read more,
http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest%2BNews/S-E%2BAsia/STIStory_250828.html

Bodies of fire victims sent to Sri Lanka

Bodies of three Sri Lankans who were burnt to death in a fire last Wednesday were flown home last night.

Five of the nine occupants of a room were perished in the fire that destroyed everything in their dwelling. Two others had been admitted to the hospital with severe burns while two others escaped by jumping off the window.

The mortal remains of Thushitha Ananda Abeywickrama of Ambilipitiya; Roshan Thushitha Kumara of Akurassa and Niula Lakshman Ekanayaka alias Nimal from Chilaw were taken by a SriLankan flight (UL201), which left Doha at 9.40pm last night. It is scheduled to arrive in Colombo at 5am today.

The Sri Lankan embassy “managed to get the support of the relevant Qatari authorities and the media” to expedite matters with regard to the fire accident,” said charge d'affaires A Dharmakulasingham yesterday.
“The exceptional co-operation extended by the relevant Qatari authorities enabled this mission to despatch the bodies,” he said. The Qatari sponsor of the three Sri Lankans, who bore the expenses of sending the bodies, also donated money for the funeral rites.

Read more,
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/
Photo,
http://www.gulf-times.com/mritems/images/2008/6/25/2_226405_1_248.jpg

EPDP Eravur leader arrested in connection with abduction

Clarifying reports that claimed that an EPDP leader of Eravur was in Police custody, the OIC of the Eravur Police alleged that he was detained in connection with the abduction of a businessman.

Speaking to www.news.lk OIC S.B. Rathanayake said that a businessman named Devadas Suresh (31) has been abducted and later assaulted at the Eravur EPDP office.

Police investigating the complaint made by family members of Mr. Suresh has taken the suspected into custody for questioning, the OIC added.

According to Eravur Police the suspected, Darmalingam Illamaram alias Ravi, is alleged to have touched Mr. Suresh for ransom. Earlier the EPDP office has taken a motorbicycle owned by Mr. Suresh by force.

A second motorcycle had been demanded, apparently, and since this was not given, Mr. Suresh had been abducted along with the bike.

The suspect has also been accused of committing a murder at an earlier incident in Chenkaladi.

"The EPDP member is attached to the Eravur office of the party not to Vakarai," the OIC added, correcting earlier reports in certain media.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php

Afghan President Karzai to participate in SAARC summit in Colombo

President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Afghanistan delegation will be participating in the forthcoming SAARC summit to be held in Colombo in August.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama visited Kabul to formally to invite President Hamid Karzai and Afghanistan delegation on behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to the Colombo Summit

The call by Sri Lanka Foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama on President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan in Kabul on 24th June, had as its outcome a clear meeting of minds on the need for SAARC to resolutely address the contemporary challenges facing the South Asian region. Towards this end the energy crisis, the rising food prices and the suppression of terrorism were identified as requiring a special focus during the forthcoming SAARC Summit in Colombo.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister while exchanging views with President Karzai and Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta on SAARC issues, also addressed the further strengthening of bilateral relations with Afghanistan. Minister Bogollagama’s view was that the establishment of an effective sectoral delivery mechanism would significantly enhance the present levels of economic and commercial cooperation in the region was endorsed.

On the bilateral plane, it was resolved that better commercial links through the engagement of the respective trade chambers, would be facilitated. Collaboration in the fields of cultural relations and educational cooperation would also be stepped up.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11915

Jayawardene gears up for Asia Cup defense

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene knows only too well the two best teams in the Asian Cup stand before his team and a title defense. If we have to win this tournament, we have to beat the best," Jayawardene said Tuesday _ a day before the 2004 champion takes on Bangladesh in its opening match of Group B, which also includes the United Arab Emirates.

It is very important for us as we are the defending champion of the Asia Cup and (also) the World Cup finalist," the veteran batsman said. Sri Lanka will be without injured fast bowlers Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof, but Jayawardene maintains Sri Lanka still has enough firepower in its bowling attack to give Pakistan and India tough time, assume all three advance to the second round as expected. We are very passionate about playing cricket and winning matches for our country," Jayawardene said.

We have been working very hard in preparation for this tournament." Sri Lanka still has two world class bowlers who are sure to trouble the big teams in left-arm paceman Chaminda Vaas and prolific offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan. Despite its credentials in matching the world's top flight teams in limited-overs cricket, Sri Lanka has experienced a form slump since losing last year's World Cup final to Australia, winning just eight of its past 22 one dayers with three victories coming against lowly ranked Bangladesh.

It's not that we have been playing badly, we are not consistent with our game," Jayawardene said. There are some areas in which we needed improvement and hopefully we can get that all right in this tournament

Extracted from,
http://www.thefrontierpost.com/News.aspx?ncat=sn&nid=448

SriLankan Increases Flights To Woo Middle Eastern Tourists

SriLankan Airlines has increased its flights to the Middle East in an effort to woo more tourists from the region to Sri Lanka.

Working closely with the Sri Lankan government in this regard, the airline will now have 37 weekly connections to nine cities in the Middle East - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait.

SriLankan said in a statement here Wednesday that the additional flights are to three cities - Doha from the present four to six, Bahrain from five to seven and Dammam from two to three.

"The government has identified the Middle East as one of four major tourist markets and has launched a series of marketing campaigns to raise awareness of the islands attractions," SriLankan said.

According to the airline, there has been an 80 percent increase in Middle Eastern tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2008.

"Our focus is on leisure travellers and several holiday packages have been unveiled to cater specially for the Middle Eastern tourists," its regional manager for Middle East, Africa and CIS, Mohamed Fazeel said.

Extracted from,
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=341854

Sri Lanka's Dhammika Perera buys more Hayleys

Sri Lanka stocks closed flat Wednesday with Dhammika Perera's Vallibel group buying more Hayleys shares and further increasing their stake in the conglomerate to 14.74 percent, brokers said.
The overall market was barely changed with the All Share Price Index down 0.06 percent (1.41 points) to end at 2,479.92 while the more liquid Milanka edged up 0.18 percent (5.33 points) to 3,009.96. Turnover was 550 million rupees.

The biggest trades were on Hayleys which closed up 1.75 at 133.75 following deals amounting to 2,753,000 shares that added 358.61 million rupees to the turnover, brokers said.

Vallibel Power Erathna, which saw its share price being pushed up on speculative trading during the week, was again traded with 2,015,000 changing hands. The share closed ten cents higher at 4.20 rupees.

John Keells Holdings closed 50 cents lower at 112.00 and adding 75.81 million rupees to turnover.

Brokers believe investors who have sold out of Hayleys may have changed their portfolio to include JKH.

Read more,
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=396860606

Government of Sri Lanka upgrades to Jampro Antenna System for multi-frequency, full island coverage

Jampro Antennas announced that the national television network of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), is upgrading its mountain-top antenna system with a new Jampro panel antenna system.

The Jampro model JHD-HV4, a half wave space four dipole flat panel antenna was specially selected by SLRC for the tough multi-channel assignment. It will be mounted atop 2,500 metre high Mt. Pidurutalagala, the highest peak in Sri Lanka, and exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Constructed of heavy-duty, hot dipped galvanized steel, the JHD-H4V will be the prime antenna to feed all other SLRC transmissions throughout the country.
Utilizing a pressurized feed system, the JHD-HV4 is designed for high-band VHF (Ch 7-13) Band lll. It has proven to have excellent bandwidth and low VSWR.
SLRC made its first transmission in 1982.

It expanded its studio and transmission facilities in 1986 and transitioned to digital technology in 1998 under three grant aid projects from the Government of Japan. The studio complex is located in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Extracted from,
http://www.onscreenasia.com/article-3358

Air forces raids LTTE's training base - Oddusuddan

Sri Lanka Air Force launched air sorties targeting enemy positions in Oddusuddan and Andankulam areas this evening, June 24, Air Force spokesperson said.

SLAF fighters raided LTTE's training base located 3Km north of Muthiyankaddukulam Tank in Oddusuddan around 5.45 p.m.

Meanwhile, MI-24 helicopter gun ships attacked at an enemy bunker line located 2Km north-east of Andankulam area. The air attack was launched around 6.30 p.m in support of the ground troops in Mannar front.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080624_07

Troops capture several areas in Mannar

The troops operating in the Mannar front yesterday captured several key locations in the North and North East of Adampan securing Mavilkandal, Minnanirachchan and Marattikannaddi areas, Military sources told the Daily News.

At least 10 LTTE cadres were killed in the battle that errupted from early hours of yesterday. Troops captured the Mavilkandal 2.4 Kilometres North of Adampan on the Mannar-Pooneryn road while capturing 700 metres long heavily fortified LTTE defence line in the West of Mavilkandal.

The troops captured nearly one kilometre stretch of this LTTE defence line in the North of Adampan few weeks back.

Meanwhile, troops also captured 500-metre to 600-metre area in Minnanirachchan three Kilometres North East of Adampan.

They also took control of Marattikannaddi in the North West of Andankulam which was used by the Tigers to reinforce cadres into the Mannar front when fighting is going on.

A school building complex and a church were also came under the Security Forces control yesterday.

"The fall of Marattikannaddi is a severe blow to the LTTE as all their operations in the Mannar 'Rice Bowl' area get affected due to this situation," a senior military official added.

Five soldiers also sustained injuries during these confrontations.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/25/sec01.asp

“LTTE must lay down arms”

Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa said on Tuesday his government would not “hesitate to work” with the LTTE if the Tigers were ready to lay down arms.

At a meeting with “religious dignitaries” who called on him, Mr. Rajapaksa has been quoted by his Secretariat as saying it was not his intention to go to war with the people of the country.

“The President assured that he was not at all prepared to compromise the security of the country and people and was not ready to hand over the country to a terrorist organisation,” said a statement by his Secretariat.

It said the gathering “commended the efforts” by the President to bring a lasting solution to the ethnic issue by setting up an All Party Representative Conference. It requested him to include religious and political leaders too in the conference.

The statement said the religious dignitaries told the President that certain groups were propagating “baseless allegations locally and internationally against the government and bringing disgrace” to the country.

Extracted from,
http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/25/stories/2008062556101600.htm

LTTE plan to launch air raids on city uncovered

An LTTE plan to launch air raids in Colombo by bringing in dismantled aircraft and assembling them in Yatiyantota in the Kegalle area has been uncovered by police.

SSP Yatiyantota Wilfred Mahanayake made this disclosure at a workshop held to educate the estate sector in the area on security. He also noted the air force had noticed some mysterious aircraft flying in the area before and asked people to report any such activity to the police. The workshop was jointly organized by the Police and Caritas SL, the social service arm of the Catholic Church.

Mr. Mahanayake also pointed out the Yatiyantota- Colombo road had become a key route used by the LTTE to bring explosives in to Colombo. He therefore requested estate workers to be vigilant and inform the police of any suspicious movement of strangers coming into the area and any suspicious objects. He said disasters come in many forms and people should be ready in order to avoid them.

Read more,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20080623012911.php

LTTE "mastermind" spills the beans

Information revealed during interrogations of a LTTE Black Tiger suicide terrorist cadre arrested by the Police in Colombo in the past few days has led to the recovery of an assortment of explosives and accessories as given below.

C4 explosives 9.5 Kg
Steel balls 1.5Kg
Detonators 08
Batteries

Further investigations had also led to the arrest of a person identified as a LTTE terrorist "mastermind" yesterday (20) who had with him the identity card of a film Director. He had been involved in gathering intelligence regarding VIP' locations and their movements including an invitation card to a function which was scheduled to be held at the BMICH yesterday (20).

He had also been involved in making explosive devices in one of his houses at KOTAHENA, COLOMBO.

A Special Police Team is conducting further interrogations.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13319

Prabhakaran’s son credited with new devastating chemical bomb

Charles Anthony is proven to be a psychopathic megalomaniac like his father Velupillai Prabhakaran and the senior leaders of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) worry about the meteoritic rise of the son.

According to intelligence reports Charles Anthony has developed a new chemical weapon capable of such a shock wave that could kill, permanently damage vision and hearing and also make women barren.

"Now that the war is in the northern theatre, use of this lethal weapon could make the Tamil women barren and reduce the birth rate in a drastic manner," an analyst said. "Father used to kill the innocent Tamils and other civilians. The son has now gone a step further. He is determined to make the Tamil women – mothers, daughters and sisters barren. - Chip of the old block"

Sources revealed that Charles Anthony developed his crude Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) as answer to LTTE’s plan to stop the troops from marching into Vanni.

Latest military reports revealed that Sri Lankan Government forces have started surrounding the LTTE’s Vanni stronghold, and menacingly advancing into the Tiger power centre. This situation has made them to realize that the 122 MM big guns of theirs has become something of an inappropriate lethal weaponry to rely of, as the enemy is so close and near, unable to fire effectively with a firing range of 25 KM.

When the inability to stop the advancing forces became a life and death issue, heir-apparent Charles Anthony, it is said, has come up with two Improvised Explosive Devises Sandai 500 Kg– (Fight) and Samathanam 500 Kg (Peace).

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/11876

SLAF jets destroy key LTTE combat-logistic facility (15 June 2008)- Mullaittivu

Video Source,
http://defence.lk/videos/20080615_SLAF.wmv

Top Indian officials rush to Sri Lanka

Top officials from India have rushed to Sri Lanka with Lanka appearing to be hardening its position for a military settlement with the LTTE.

National security adviser, the Defence Secretary and the Foreign Secretary reached Colombo on Friday morning for talks with the Lankan government.

The officials met Sri Lankan Defence Secretary and are also meeting an important pro-LTTE leader. On Saturday, they will meet the Lankan president.

The visit comes just days after the Sri Lankan Army chief talked up a military solution, saying Sri Lankan Army will capture LTTE leader Prabhakaran alive.

extracted from,
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx

A question Prabhakaran must be asked

The LTTE owes its existence to naivety of successive governments which sought to make war and peace according to its agenda. Whenever Prabhakaran landed himself in trouble, he managed to gain a breather simply by waving a white flag. He used the time so gained to regroup, rearm, infiltrate the southern areas and expand and step up its extortion operations.

Every ceasefire meant a new lease of life for the outfit since Operation Liberation (1987), which would have accounted for him, if not for India's intervention and the subsequent 'peace process' which resulted in humiliation for India and disaster for Sri Lanka, thanks to blunders committed on both sides of the Palk Straits.

A sure sign of the LTTE being in difficulty is its call for a ceasefire. When the roaring Tigers receive a thorough beating, they coo like doves and their minders go running to the international community seeking its intervention. One sees that happening at present.

Their campaign to secure a breather for the Tigers trapped in the Wanni has got into the Over Drive mode. They have suddenly realized the value of life and begun weeping buckets for civilians dying in terror attacks. It is a pity that they did nothing to prevent the LTTE from resuming war three years ago!

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremenayake has told a newly accredited foreign envoy that talks are not possible unless and until the LTTE eschews violence and lays down arms. This will never happen. For, the LTTE has crossed the Rubicon in its terrorist war and its survival hinges upon remaining armed and unleashing violence. It may have done as the Prime Minister says within the first few years of its armed struggle but now it has become a prisoner of its own violence.

Or, it may be able to wean itself away from terrorism under a different leadership. With Prabhakaran and his cohorts at the helm, the LTTE will never be able to give up arms and violence. The LTTE cannot exist in a democratic environment.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/06/21/editorial.html

Italian newspapers reveal scope of anti-LTTE operation

A clandestine network of the Tigers was collecting money from their fellow countrymen resident in Italy to be destined to the subversive group. Those who refused to pay a certain amount every month risked retaliations against their family members in Sri Lanka, Italian newspapers reported on the arrest of 33 Tiger cadres in that country. The newspapers La Repubblica, Il Corrierr della Sera and Il Massaggero reported extensively on this massive operation conducted throughout Italy.

The report in the La Repubblica: “This is a distant war on which the investigators of the Special Police of Naples coordinated by the Anti-Terrorist Department of the Law Courts have focused their attention. The secrets of the mechanism of financing this war were kept by unsuspected immigrants, all with a regular stay permit and who have been living are working as domestics in Italy for many years.

Thirty Sri Lankan citizens of the Tamil ethnic group have been arrested with the accusation of association finalised to terrorism and extortion.

The operation took place in Naples, Rome, Palermo, Genoa, Bologna, Reggio Emilia, Mantova and Biella. The persons under investigations are accused to be members of the LTTE, the terrorist organisation that has caused so much bloodshed in Sri Lanka during the last 25 years and has provoked the death of over 8,000 civilians. In one year over Euro 3.5 million have been collected to be destined to the Tigers, often by blackmail.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/21/sec02.asp

“LTTE will have no option but to negotiate”

Sarath Amunugama, Sri Lankan Minister for Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, says the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, whose strength in the Eastern province now stands reduced, will have to hold negotiations with the government very soon.

On the lines of the provincial elections to the Eastern province held in May, polls would be conducted for the north if and when the province comes under the control of the government security forces. He was speaking to senior journalists at The-Hindu in Chennai on Wednesday. Excerpts.
Dr. Amunugama’s opening remarks:

We are now reaching a critical phase in the relationship between the government and the LTTE. Now, there has been the provincial council election in the east and Mr. Pillayan who was the assistant of Karuna has been made the Chief Minister. Pillayan [Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan] started as a child soldier, graduated through the LTTE. But when there was this conflict with the security forces, Karuna’s group joined hands with us.

The LTTE’s strength in the Eastern province has been largely reduced. Initially we had the local bodies election — elections of Batticaloa and one of the smaller villages. Both were won by Mr. Pillayan. Subsequently, there was the Eastern provincial election. The government and Mr. Pillayan [referring to the electoral pact between the Sri Lankan Freedom Party and Mr. Pillayan’s Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Puligal] won that election.

Now he is the Chief Minister. He is getting on famously with other Chief Ministers. Recently he has been appointed chairman of the Chief Ministers’ Council. That has led to a lot of consequences.

Read more,
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/21/stories/2008062154991100.htm

NFF to achieve a genuine national freedom

The National Freedom Front (NFF) is built with the objectives of achieving genuine national freedom and to build a satisfactory nation, President of the NFF, parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa said at the opening ceremony of the NFF headquarters at Jayanthipura, Battaramulla this morning (19).

He also said that the NFF is confident to drive country towards a right direction and Maha Sangha and the educated people will strengthen the efforts taken by the NFF.

He further said that although other political parties are involved in constant attacks against NFF, the party does not hesitate at all in the face of such attacks and forward with confidence.

He stressed that even though the some previous governments achieved some victories over certain issues, no one has been able to build a correct and appropriate economic policy and that Sri Lanka is facing a critical economical situation. NFF is able to raise the country into the right position with maintaining appropriate Sri Lankan friendly policies.

Maha Sangha and many elite people were among the participants on this occasion.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankapuvath.lk/index.php
Photos,
http://www.island.lk/2008/06/20/p01111.jpg

LTTE must lay down arms before talks - PM

The Government will not enter into negotiations with the LTTE until and unless it lays down arms and renounces all forms of violence, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka has said.

Prime Minister Wickramanayaka has stated this at a meeting with New Zealand's new High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Rupert Hall on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister stated that the Government was fully committed to ensure the rights of the Tamil people, but the LTTE which claims to be the sole representative of Tamil people was destroying their rights. The Government will leave no room for terrorism, he added. The New Zealand High Commissioner said his country deplored all forms of terrorism.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/20/sec20.asp

It’s very unrealistic to think of a ceasefire at this stage -Basil

Q: Analysts see the May Eastern victory as a triumph of war strategy and political consolidation. Is there a danger of you and Gotabhaya exercising more power in this scenario?

First you need to see that the East was not a favourable province for the PA. The President lost the East badly at the Presidential election. We lost over 168,000 votes. In this campaign the UNP used three SLMC leaders and a prominent Sinhala politician to defeat the govt. Then the TNA made a public appeal for the people to vote against us; then the LTTE created tension to dissuade voters. Even the JVP contested separately. All we had was the faith that we had genuinely done work to develop the East. We had that confidence when we went before the people.

But on strengthening myself and Gotabhaya I need to deny that belief because I haven’t even gone to the East after the elections. I used to visit there at least once a week before but now the people have spoken and there is an elected people’s representative there who can handle the development; we don’t need to get involved there. My involvement in the East is less now. Even in the military side more and more power is coming to the Provincial Councils. The military presence is much less there. Those days the centre had more power because we worked through the governor, but now there are ministers and the CM so our involvement is negligible. Politically, we have power because our presence is strengthened after the elections in the East.

Q: Although you say your involvement is minimal, there must be much left undone in the East?

There is a lot to be done. We have resettled at least 90% of the displaced. Our target is to leave none unsettled by end December. On livelihoods too we are progressing with the help of donor agencies. The infrastructure development too is continuing according to plan. The East must be having the largest number of bridges in the entire country as planned. Water, fisheries harbour and roads will take priority. Even the World Bank has cited the East as a priority in the recently pledged funds. Reconstruction of the irrigation canals is also underway. The Trincomalee industrial estate is already underway.

Read more,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13259

Five Lankans dead in Doha fire

Five Sri Lankan male migrant workers have died while two others sustained serious injuries in a fire in Doha in the wee hours of yesterday.

According to sources at the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment the fire had broken out in an apartment at Al Mayoom street in Doha City where nine Sri Lankans were staying.

They added that the Doha Police had confirmed their deaths.

They had died on the spot. However two other Lankans living in the same apartment had jumped out of a window to escape the raging blaze and were out of danger with only minor injuries sources said.

Meanwhile news reaching Sri Lanka says that the other two who have sustained serious injuries were being treated at a hospital in the city but was in a critical condition.

The SLBFE yesterday said the Sri Lankan embassy in Qatar was closely interacting with local Authorities in investigations and to help the affected migrant workers.

They also added that the Doha Police had launched an extensive investigation into the incident but the cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Chairman SLBFE Kingsley Ranawaka said the next of kin back home had already been notified and that all necessary measures would be taken to help the affected families including to bring back the remains and funeral matters.

He also added that Authorities in Doha was keeping a close eye on the two injured Lankans and the latest developments regarding the incident. The dead have been identified as Thusitha Ananda-Embilipitiya, Roshan Kumara-Akuressa, Nimal-Chilaw, Asela Madusanka-Bulathsinhala and Nalinda Kumara of Tambuttegama.

The two injured are Dulan Salika of Hatton and Vijitha Aluthgedarage of Ginigathhena.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/06/20/news03.asp

Trincomalee LTTE Intelligence Leader Confirmed Killed

The Tiger (LTTE) terrorist, gunned down by the Army troops this morning (19) in MANACHCHENA, east of NEELAPOLA in TRINCOMALEE was confirmed to be the LTTE’s intelligence wing leader for TRINCOMALEE, named SOUNDRARAJAN alias THANGAN.

He had been entrusted the clandestine operation since January, this year after his predecessor, ARI CHELVAM was slain by the Army some time back.

He had infiltrated this crowded area to create chaos with the intention of disrupting normalcy in the peaceful areas in the east.

During a clearing operation in the east of NEELAPOLA, TRINCOMALEE on Thursday (19) morning at about 9.45 a.m. troops gunned down one terrorist and recovered one 9-mm pistol and two magazines from his possession.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14076

60kgs GELIGNITE RECOVERED

60kgs of Gelignite which were hidden under the load of coconut and salts were recovered, at the PANDULAGAMA Police/ Army combined road block while they were transporting in a lorry on the PUTTLEM- ANURADHAPURA route around 12.45pm today (19).. The driver and the cleaner of the lorry were arrested and handed over to the NOCHCHIYAGAMA Police for further investigations.

Extracted from,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=13280

'LTTE aimed to collect 3.5 million pounds in Italy'

A group of 33 suspected LTTE activists arrested in Italy were engaged in collecting through extortion from ethnic Tamils a whopping 3.5 million pounds for funding the ethnic war in Sri Lanka, the Defence Ministry said here today.

Citing the Italian investigators, it said that the arrested people were "collecting more than 3.5 million British pounds worth of money to be deposited in Swiss Banks to bankroll a war in Sri Lanka." Eight of the suspects were arrested in Naples, 7 in Palermo, 3 in Genoa and the rest elsewhere in Italy, where the money was being collected by the Tigers through illegal activities of extortion and drug sales, the ministry quoted a report as saying.

The Sri Lankan embassy in Rome said it would coordinate with Italian authorities for further investigation into the matter.

According to the Italian police the "anti-terrorist" investigation was launched following a complaint that some Tamils living in Italy were being threatened, about two years ago, the ministry here said.

extracted from,
http://www.ptinews.com/

Nalini's release plea hearing postponed to July 2

The Madras High Court Thursday adjourned to July 2 the hearing on a petition by Nalini, serving a life term for her role in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, for early release for good behaviour.

When the case came up for hearing before Justice S. Nagamuthu, the government's counsel said they were not prepared with their counter to Janata Party president Subramaniam Swamy's objections to Nalini's release.

Nalini's counsel V. Elango and S. Doraisamy opposed Swamy's petition countering her plea to be released from jail and asked the court to reject it.

With no clear reply from the state government on its position on Nalini's continued jail term, the judge put the next hearing of the case to July 2.

Gandhi was assassinated May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur on the outskirts of Chennai by cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Of the 26 people convicted in the case, four were given the death penalty. Nalini was one of the four, but her sentence was later commuted to a life term. She was convicted of protecting the assassination conspirators.

Nalini, 37, has been in Tamil Nadu's Vellore jail for 17 years.

Read more,
http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/World/20080619/978865.html

Sri Lanka govt warns of possible takeover of IOC filling stations

Sri Lanka's Minister of Petroleum A.H.M. Fowzie today said that he has sent written notices to the Indian Oil Company (IOC) on a possible takeover of filling stations operated by the company.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister pointed out that the government is incurring heavy losses by selling diesel and kerosene oil at lower prices.

He said the IOC has avoided this crisis by selling diesel at higher prices and by stopping its sale of kerosene oil. This practice has worsened the government’s situation as almost all consumers come to the government-owned CEYPETCO filling stations to buy kerosene and diesel, he explained.

Meanwhile, the government’s chief whip Dinesh Gunawardane pointed out that steps have been taken to draft a national policy on fuel consumption. He added that accordingly, a restriction may be imposed on vehicles with high fuel consumption.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/June19145625JR.html

'Hopefully Tendulkar will break Lara's record in Sri Lanka'

Muttiah Muralitharan is regarded as one of the greatest bowlers to have graced the game. The ace off-spinner has a tally of 735 wickets from 120 Test matches and is galloping towards the magical 1,000-wicket mark. Many believe he is the only one capable of attaining that milestone.

At 36, he is not getting any younger, but his bowling seems to be improving with every outing. Next in his path is the famed Indian batting line-up, in the three-Test series in Sri Lanka starting July 23.

Muralitharan believes that though India will start as favourites, the Sri Lankans are confident they can repeat their Test series triumph of 2001.

Special Correspondent Harish Kotian caught up with him in Mumbai to discuss the forthcoming Test series.

India have done well away from home in the last few years. Can we say that they start as favourites in the upcoming series?

Definitely, they have to start as favourites, because they have done well in Australia. They also performed in a few series before that, like in South Africa; so they will start as favourites. I would like them to start as favourites, because we have to come back and beat them.

Read more,
http://inhome.rediff.com/cricket/2008/jun/19inter.htm