4 Sri Lankans arrested, 10 GPS equipment seized -Tamil Nadu

A day after the seizure of satellite phones and other materials at Chinna Erwadi, the police on Tuesday arrested four Sri Lankans, including a hardcore Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militant, and seized 10 Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and a consignment of other items.

The consignment included 3,360 batteries, a set top box, 11 life jackets, sample pieces of uniform cloth, 10 multi-tester meters, a generator and pistol cover, the police said.

There was also a compact disc, which contained a speech delivered by Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko at a conference held in Oslo, Norway. The consignment was meant to be delivered at Mullaitheevu.

Based on a tip-off, a Special Branch police party led by Sub-Inspector G. Manivannan intercepted a van coming from Tiruchi at Uppur, a seaside hamlet near Thondi.

Those arrested were identified as Vijayaneethan alias Naveen (26), son of Sivasekaran of Trincomalee; Rakshanandan (21), son of Sivakumar of Wanni; Ramanan (31), son of Gunaseelan of Valvettithurai; and Sivaraman (23), van driver-cum-owner. Except Naveen, the others were living in a refugee camp in Tiruchi.

Read more,
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073155680700.htm

Top LTTE cadre arrested -CHENNAI

A top functionary of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was taken into custody here on Wednesday. Following specific inputs given by the State intelligence, the ’Q’ Branch police apprehended J. Thambi Annan alias Daniel (46) of Killinochi. “It is a very important catch. He is placed high in the LTTE’s hierarchy. Daniel was heading the procurement module of the outfit in Sri Lanka,” Director-General of Police (Law and Order) K.P. Jain told The Hindu on Wednesday.

According to police sources, Daniel played an instrumental role in procuring major consignments, including explosive substances, for the banned organisation from India and other parts of the world. He was involved in the attempts to smuggle consignments of aluminium ingots and ball bearings, which were intercepted and seized by the police in Ramanathapuram and Madurai districts in the recent months, the sources said, adding that the ‘Q’ Branch police would take custody of the Sri Lankan national, whose confessions could give leads to the source and supply network of the LTTE.

Extracted from,
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/31/stories/2008073150180100.htm

Wanni operation 30 th July 2008

Source,
SLRC

Air Force Fighter Jets destroy training camp of LTTE suicide bombers

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed a training facility of LTTE suicide bombers also known as Black Tigers located in the Iranamadu area, 3km southeast of Kilinochchi this morning (July 30).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk confirmed that the terror camp was destroyed in the air raid carried out at 6.35 AM. He said, citing fighter pilots that the camp was in flames after the bombing mission.

Meanwhile, defence intelligence sources said the targeted "Black Tiger" camp was operated directly under guidance of LTTE's notorious intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman. The target was obtained after receiving real time ground information that an activity of suicide bombers was going on at the camp, said the sources. The exact location of the target was in the Thirivaiaru area , just 3 Km off from the LTTE's main stronghold at Kilinochchi, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terror outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. The organizations operates under extreme tribal ideologies created by its megalomaniac leader V. Prabhakaran and has unleashed one of the most barbaric terrorist wars in the world against the citizens of Sri Lanka.

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080730_05

Norwegian explanation raises more questions than answers

The explanation of the notorious Norwegian aid group NPA regarding its heavy equipment and vehicles being used by the Tamil Tigers has given rise to some more questions about their credibility than answers , analysts in Colombo said.

The aid group, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) with a controversial past of receiving allegations of aiding an African insurgency with arms and ammunition has denied it has also given heavy equipment and vehicles to the liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) engaged in war and terrorism with the government of Sri Lanka.
According to the Norwegian national news agency NTB, the heavy earth moving equipment and other vehicles now allegedly used by the terrorist group for terrorist and military activities were not given to the LTTE but were stolen by the terrorist group.

Norwegian People's Aid secretary general Petter Eide rejected the allegations, saying 'the trucks were stolen,' Norwegian news agency NTB said in Oslo.

Norwegian television documentary and a Sudanese government record show the Norwegian government used NPA to air drop arms and ammunition to a Sudanese insurgency together with humanitarian aid in the 1990’s.
The controversial use of Norwegian People’s Aid property only came to light only after the Ministry of Defense website revealed the fact and never before that either head quarters of the notorious aid group in Oslo or their counterpart in the LTTE stronghold of Kilinochchi had reported the stealing of the property to the government of Sri Lanka letters of the aid group show.

Read more,
http://www.sinhalaya.com/news/english/wmview.php?ArtID=15617

SAARC leaders to meet on August 2

Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee are set to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Corporation on Thursday (today).

The two-day ministers meeting is commencing from today's morning at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. According to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh had arrived here on Wednesday.

Pranab Mukherjee was holding a series of bilateral meetings with other ministers including an important interaction with Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a diplomat said. However, he refused to divulge the agenda for the talks between Qureshi and Mukherjee.

A Pakistani diplomat also confirmed that Qureshi, who has a detail meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart, is scheduled to meet with the Indian minister today at the Conference Hall. In his arrival statement, Qureshi said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have traditionally enjoyed close friendly relations.

The relations between the two were based on mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's state, he said.

PM to attend SAARC summit in Colombo: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani will leave for Colombo on August 2, after his US tour where he will participate in the 15th South Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit.

Read more,
http://thepost.com.pk/IsbNewsT.aspx?dtlid=175295&catid=17

Mukherjee arrives in Colombo

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee arrived in Colombo on Wednesday night to participate in SAARC Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister MK Hussain Bahila and Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad received Mukherjee at the airport.

The SAARC Council of Ministers' meeting will finalise the agenda for the August 2-3 summit.

Mukherjee arrived in Colombo from Tehran where he attended the 15th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

This year's SAARC summit is being held under the theme of 'Partnership for our people' and will also focus on launch of the SAARC Development Fund, establishing a South Asian Regional Standards Organisation, and increasing cooperation among SAARC nations with regard to criminal offences.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit is also likely to be discussed the expansion of the regional grouping.

The Sri Lankan government has stepped up security across the capital for the SAARC meeting.

Extracted from,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?

Another ‘spin’ test for India

Galle: The Indians are likely to retain the same side, that got thrashed at the SSC, for the second Test beginning on Thursday.

The Indians will have to quickly find a solution to counter the twin threat posed by Muttiah Muralidharan and Ajantha Mendis.

Agencies add: Still licking the wounds of their humiliating defeat in the first Test in Colombo, the Indians got little time to regroup and work out a definite strategy to deal with the wily Muralidharan and Mendis.

Apart from the poor batting display, the Indian bowling and fielding also left much to be desired in Colombo, and it will need a vastly-improved performance from Anil Kumble and his men to keep themselves afloat in the three-match series.

The pressure, no doubt, will be on the batsmen who surrendered meekly to the spinners in the last game, which was quite surprising considering their experience and reputation of playing spin bowling.

For a batting line-up which boasts of seasoned batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, V.V.S Laxman and Virender Sehwag, the collective failure in Colombo should serve as a big blow. It will be a real test of character for these top batsmen.

The Indians have also been toying with the idea of bringing in left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha at the expense of a batsman to strengthen the spin department.

Read more,
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080731/jsp/sports/story_9625953.jsp

Wanni operation 29 th July 2008

Source,
SLRC

Forces regain Mundampiddy

MANNAR: The Security Forces operating north of Illuppaikaddavai yesterday captured the Mundampiddy area completely capturing the LTTE defences south of Vellankulam while capturing a section of Vellankulam Thunukkai from the east of Vellankulam, military sources from the Mannar-Vavuniya front said yesterday.

According to General Officer Commanding 58 Division troops have taken full control of the LTTE defence line in south Vellankulam which was constructed covering the two branches of the Pali Aru flowing to the sea from the South of Vellankulam.

The Forces also captured areas East of Vellankulam as they captured the Vellankulam – Thunukkai road which was used by the LTTE as a main supply route to feed their cadres operating north of Mannar in the North Western coast.

According to the military this is the first instance after the early 1990’s the Security Forces have captured a section of the Thunukkai -Vellankulam road.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/30/sec02.asp

Downfall

July 29, 2008: The generals believe that the LTTE is just about finished. Army intelligence estimates that the LTTE has lost two thirds of its military power this year. That includes 9,000 fighters, most of them newly conscripted teenagers. Between losing territory, and Tamils fleeing to government controlled territory, the LTTE only controls about 200,000 civilians in the north.

The army believes the LTTE only has about 5,000 armed fighters, and most of these are recently conscripted and poorly trained. The LTTE is also short on ammunition, because of the improved navy interdiction campaign during the last year. The fighting in the north is getting more intense, and causing several hundred casualties a week. But most of these are LTTE losses, and the army has been advancing at the rate of about three kilometers a week.

The typical combat is army troops versus LTTE fighters defending their earth and log bunkers. The LTTE conscripts are kept in line by the few "cadres" (veteran LTTE fighters) still alive. There are believed to be a thousand or so cadres left, including the few hundred LTTE elite commandos. The army believes that the LTTE will be crushed by the end of the year, and are confident enough to say so out loud.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080729.aspx

LTTE violates its own ceasefire; launches artillery attacks at Jaffna FDL

Military reports received form Muhamalai Forward Defence (FDL) indicate that LTTE terrorist have launched artillery attack at troops manning the area this morning (July 29).

Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the terrorist have fired about 10 rounds of heavy artillery at troops between 6 to 6.30AM . Two soldiers have sustained injuries due to the attack, he further said. He added that terrorist have used their guns located in the Poonaryn area for the attack.

LTTE recently announced through its media network that it would maintain a unilateral ceasefire since July 27 in view of the SAARC summit which is currently being held in Sri Lanka. However , observers of LTTE activities raised doubts about LTTE's intentions over this sudden decision. The government maintained that it would only go for a ceasefire when the LTEE have laid down their arms. According to observers, the latest attack has substantiated their doubts about the integrity of the LTTE.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080729_06
Video Source,
SLRC

Unprecedented Crowds in London Protest Against LTTE

THOUSANDS OF UK SRI LANKANS in London, with English friends protested against Tiger terrorism in Sri Lanka and urged authorities to crack down on their front organizations and fund raising activities. In London the protest was at the No 10 on Downing Street where a representative gathering handed over a memorandum on this to be delivered to the British premier.

Another demonstration took place in Paris. The demonstrators, carrying photographs of the victims of the most brutal killings of civilians by the Tamil Tigers urged the French and European Union to immediately ban the front organizations of the LTTE such as WTM, ORT (TRO of France), Tamil Sangham and other Tamil Eelam associations which are actively involved in money laundering, ransom and extortions from expatriate Tamils and foreigners.

They urged the French President Sarkocy, who is the current President of the European Union, to take effective action to stop ransom collections, money laundering, intimidation and harassment of innocent Tamils in France by the LTTE and its Mafia Gangs like Miinel, VVT Boys and Pambu.

The demonstration was organized jointly by United Sri Lankans comprising Sri Lankan associations and political party branches in France. A large number of second generation Sri Lankans under a banner of Sri Lankan youth in-France were the most vociferous. In addition to Sinlalese and Muslims several members of democratic Tamil political parties also took part in the demonstrations.

Read more,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20080729070838.php

Sri Lanka Assumes SAARC Chair

Sri Lanka assumed the presidency of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), made up of eight countries, which are preparing projects for the 15th Regional Summit to be held from August 2-3.

The 25th session of that panel discussed the agenda of the important event that will gather Head of States from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Falkland Islands, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, which entered as full member.

It was also announced that they finished an agreement that was ready to be signed, devoted to establish the Developmemnt Fund of SAARC, which will allocate resources for this economic, social, and infrastructural phenomenon of the organization member countries.

The eight heads of States and Governments will arrive in Sri Lanka Thursday and Friday, under an unprecedented security mechanism in Colombo.

The Summit will be attended by Prime Ministers from Bhutan, Jigme Thinley, India and Pakistan Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Presidentes of the Falklands, Afghanistan and the host country, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Hamid Karzai, and Mahinda Rajapaksa, respectively.

Top level delegations from China, the European Union, Iran, Mauricio, Japan, South Korea and the United States will participate as observers.

Extracted from,
http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?

Lanka keen to clinch series at Galle: Bayliss

Trevor Bayliss, Sri Lanka’s coach, said his side, although expecting stiffer resistance from India during the second Test, was looking to clinch the series at Galle.

Sri Lanka, which won the first Test in Colombo, leads the three-match series 1-0.

“We played some very good cricket in the first Test, and we expect to play a similar match here,” said Bayliss, after Sri Lanka’s practice session on Tuesday.

What did he make of the strip?

“It is a pretty good pitch to bat, does not matter whether we bat first or second,” he said. “Last time when we played here Chaminda Vaas took four wickets against England and I expect him to be a threat here again. Spin will certainly be our strength.”

Bayliss called Ajantha Mendis a revelation “not just for Sri Lankan cricket but for world cricket as well.” He added that the young spinner’s temperament and ability to learn quickly was remarkable.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/30/stories/2008073056431900.htm

Exide may increase exports from Sri Lanka

Exide Industries, that enjoyed a 76 per cent market share in automotive batteries, will increase exports from its Sri Lankan subsidiary to India by 15 to 20 per cent this fiscal to take advantage of tax benefits in trade among South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) countries.

Exide subsidiary Associated Battery Manufacturers (Ceylon) shipped around 88,000 batteries to India during 2007-08. The ABML facility was upgraded earlier during the fiscal that resulted in the rise in exports as well as local sales.

While exports more than doubled from Rs15.9 crore in in FY07 to Rs33 crore in FY08, the local sales shot up 35 per cent to Rs111.4 crore during the same period. Field trials have started for the Advanced Hybrid Maintenance free technology based batteries at ABML, Sri Lanka.

Read more,
http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?leftnm=1&autono=329884

ITN journalist critically injured in LTTE mortar attack

ITN’s News Editor Anura Dorakumbura and the Cameraman of the Newsroom Suranga Basnayake came under a mortar attack. Suranga Basnayake was critically injured. The gallant soldiers risking their lives on this occasion carried the two ITN journalists swiftly to a secure place.

ITN salutes the war heroes and senior officers providing them leadership for this noble task. Driver G.G.Gunasena’s dedication to promptly transport Suranga Basnayake to the Anuradhapura General Hospital is noteworthy. He drove the vehicle at a high speed on rugged roads in the Mullaitivu thick jungles with the intention of immediately transporting them to the Anuradhapura Hospital. The services discharged by the gallant soldiers on behalf of the ITN personnel deserve accolades.

Read more,
http://www.itn.lk/news_02_20080726.html

LTTE heading for its waterloo - TDNA

The current military operations by the security forces in the Wanni have weakened the LTTE terribly and reports from Kilinochchi indicate that the outfit is in complete dissaray as they are unable to face the advancing troops, the Tamil Democratic National Alliance (TDNA) delegation led by Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader Veerasingam Anandasangari told the visiting European Union delegation.

PLOTE leader Dharmalingam Sitharthan who was associated with the TULF leader at the discussions with the EU delegation said that he insisted on the necessity of a constructive political solution to defeat the LTTE politically as well.

They also briefed the EU Parliamentarians on the human rights violations carried out by the LTTE by staging ruthless attacks on civilian targets in the North as well as in the South.

The TDNA confirmed that the Security Forces were gaining control in the LTTE’s last bastion Wanni and the outfit was heading towards its `Waterloo’, when the European Union Parliamentarians met the TDNA members in Colombo on Friday.

The TULF leader who headed the three party alliance, comprising the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) and the Eelam People’s Revolutionary Liberation Front (Naba) told the Sunday Observer that his alliance briefed the European Union delegation on the present situation in the Wanni.

“During our discussion with the European Union Parliamentary delegation led by Robert Evans, we told them that the LTTE was now not in a position to continue with their armed struggle. Therefore, the outfit with its limited resources is heading for its `Waterloo’.

Read more,
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/07/27/sec01.asp

Murali and Mendis maul India

In a match dominated by not one but two spin wizards, Sri Lanka completely destroyed the Indian batting line-up twice over to script their best win at home. India started the fourth day needing 242 runs to avoid the follow-on but, with 77 minutes to go to stumps, they had slumped to their third-worst Test defeat ever with an abject collapse against Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

Murali and Mendis, assisted by the ever-alert close-in cordon, did not loosen the vice-like grip they had had over the batsmen from the moment the ball was thrown to Mendis in the 10th over of India's first innings. With Mendis keeping the batsmen on a leash - his only two bad deliveries were the full tosses in his first two overs - and leaving the batsmen mesmerised, it was Murali who smiled his way to two five-fors and his 21st ten-wicket haul, which was also his fourth at the SSC.

There was no respite for the batsmen from either end as 19 wickets fell to the spin pair, who bowled 87.5 overs out of the 117.5 that India faced in the match. Murali was always likely to be a threat, but Mendis showed that his six-wicket haul against India in the Asia Cup final was not a one-off. His bowling action is almost as intriguing as the kind of deliveries he bowls: in his final stride, the index finger of his left hand points upwards, as if giving the batsman out. On the basis of this performance, that action is completely justified as one of the most anticipated debuts of recent times turned out to be the best for a Sri Lankan.

Read more,
http://content-sl.cricinfo.com/slvind/content/current/story/362550.html
Photo,
http://sl.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/92500/92560.jpg

Sri Lanka plans foolproof security for SAARC summit

The Tamil Tigers may have announced a unilateral 10-day truce but the Sri Lankan government is leaving nothing to chance for the upcoming SAARC summit. It has deployed 19,000 additional security personnel to provide foolproof protection for the visiting leaders.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) truce between July 26 and Aug 4 was rejected by the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa as "a trap".

The 15th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) starts at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall here Aug 2. It will be attended by leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

All these leaders will bring their own personnel to personally look after their security but media reports in Colombo and India indicate that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will come with scores of elite Black Cats. India is also sending helicopters and bulletproof cars.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the Sri Lankan police and security forces would be in charge of the security cover for the summit.

"About 19,000 additional troops, including police personnel, will be deployed for the summit. It is a well coordinated security plan to ensure the best security cover for the summit," Nanayakkara told IANS.

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

He flew too close to the sun

Why Prabhakaran became so concerned about SAARC all of a sudden and declared a unilateral ceasefire must now be clear to one and all, given the damage the LTTE has suffered during the past few days. That he could have avoided that, had the government agreed to his truce, is clear.

In the past, he had managed to lure governments into truce traps and make them fight war according to his timetable. When he wanted war, he waged it and when he wanted time to regroup and rearm, he sued for peace. Thus, the conflict came to be punctuated by ceasefires at almost regular intervals, as we argued the other day.

By 2006, Prabhakaran had taken delivery of nearly a dozen shiploads of arms under the cover of a ceasefire, according to his erstwhile commander Karuna. Confident that he had enough firepower and cadres, a ceasefire-weary Prabhakaran threw down the gauntlet at Mavil Aru.

Prabhakaran may have expected the government to stop at fighting for Mavil Aru, as had been the case earlier on, so that he could drive the army away. But, that move proved to be a huge military miscalculation on his part. He let the genie out of the bottle.

Today, the LTTE is doing exactly what the army did in 1999 and 2000 in the North-running for dear life. In 1999, a series of LTTE offensives launched with the help of newly acquired small MBRLs, among other things, were so intense that the army vacated places like Oddusudan, Nedunkerni etc. in no time. Camps were crumbling like a pack of cards and the PA government did not know how to put the brakes on the LTTE's military onslaught.

The biggest debacle came in 2000, when the army lost its sprawling military complex at Elephant Pass with its big guns. The march of the LTTE had all the trappings of a cakewalk. Prabhakaran's boys and girls reached the outskirts of Jaffna, where the army was trapped. The government did frantic shopping for arms. MBRLs were rushed from Pakistan posthaste and the Tigers stopped in their tracks.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/07/26/editorial.html

Wanni operation 24 th July 2008

Source,
SLRC

LTTE Dead Numbers Rise to 33: Eight Terrorist Commanders Among Them

CONSOLIDATING TROOPS of the 57 Division and Special Forces in THE north of VANNAKULAM after a pitched round of battles late Thursday (24) night have been able to collect thirty-three (33) dead bodies of Tiger terrorists as the dusk fell on Friday (25) along with a massive stock of arms and ammunition.

Valiant troops taking a strategic measure after the initial capture of the area, quite close to MALLAVI town awaited a retaliatory attack in return since the damage to the enemy was colossal at the first phase. The enemy was later on strategically lured into another mishap as the evening fell.

Troops Friday (25) morning started clearing the captured areas taking maximum possible precautionary measures since the area remains infested with LTTE booby traps and explosive devices.

The latest reports received Friday (25) at 6.00 p.m. (local time) confirmed from ground troops further said they had by now collected thirty-three (33) dead bodies of Tiger terrorists including six female terrorists.

Read more,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14777
Photos,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14777

LTTE suffers heavy beating: 30 bodies found - Mallavi

Heavy ground battles were reported between troops and LTTE in general area North of Vavunikulam Tank, Southeast of Mallavi in Mullaittivu District as troops mounted intense retaliation thwarting an LTTE counter attack killing over 30 terrorists including a deputy of the 'Charles Anthony' band on Thursday (July 24) evening.

According to Wanni sources, fresh fighting broke out since last night till this morning(25), as troops have reportedly found 30 LTTE bodies scattered in the battle filed during subsequent search operations conducted. 'Pallawan' a deputy leader of the Charles Anthony band was also among the killed, military said citing intercepted LTTE communication.

Yesterday the 57 Division troops led by Major General Jagath Dias and Special Forces troops gained control over the Vavunikulam Tank bund and 10sq.km of adjacent area, killing over 25 terrorists. The valiant soldiers further advanced towards Mallavi crossing the Paliaru waterway, neutralizing remaining LTTE elements in the southwestern edge of the Vavunikulam Tank, our defence correspondent said.

"Banu a senior cadre was identified speaking over the LTTE communication circuits leading the LTTE offensive and have reportedly fled deeper into Kilinochchi unable to withstand the military onslaught.

Army continued to pound identified LTTE positions dispersing its offensive wave as infantrymen and Special Forces hunted down remaining terrorists inflicting heavy damages", defence sources said.

"Despite continuous pleas made for reinforcement been turned down, frustrated terrorists have fled for safety leaving their dead and equipment behind", sources further said citing ground troops.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080725_03

12,000 Police contingent for SAARC security

SAARC security arrangements will be in effect from today with Police deploying 12,000 personnel in addition to a strong presence of Army, Navy and Air Force personnel.

Addressing the media yesterday at the Media Centre for National Security, Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said all security and traffic arrangements had been made for the 15th SAARC summit in Colombo. There will be alternative routes and shuttle bus services from July 30 to August 4.

Commenting on the additional Indian security contingent for Indian Premier Manmohan Singh, DIG Mediwake said a full package of local security will be provided to him and other foreign delegations.

“Close protection of any Head of State is provided by their personnel and the number of the security personnel will be decided according to threat and security assessment they face,” he added. He said Parliament, BMICH, Kollupitiya and Fort areas had been declared as High Security Zones for the SAARC summit.

“The above mentioned areas will be for the use of foreign SAARC delegations’ meetings from July 30 to August 4.

During this period for the security and convenience of SAARC delegations public and vehicles will be not be allowed into those areas except for those whose working places and residences are located in the above mentioned HSZ’s,” he added.

DIG Mediwake pointed out that people working in the HSZ’s can access the area with their relevant company Identity Cards except employees of Galadari, Hilton and Inter Continental hotels. These hotel employees should obtain a special pass from Kollupitiya or Fort police stations.

He also said only a certain number of vehicles will be permitted to enter the HSZ’s during the SAARC summit and vehicle owners should obtain a special pass from the police of their respective areas.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/25/sec01.asp

Three LTTE craft destroyed off Chilavaththa, Mullaithivu

In a pre-emptive attack launched by the fast attack craft, fast missile vessels and Special boat squadron of the Navy to a cluster of about 10 LTTE craft launched from Vhilawaththa situated two nautical miles to the south from Mullaithivu in order to attack naval craft, three LTTE attack type craft were completely destroyed today (24th July) around 0630 p.m.

The cluster of LTTE attack type craft had been launched and was being maneuvered in the shallow waters when sighted the preparedness of theirs to attack navy.

However, amongst attack by the naval units the other craft fled after three craft were completely destroyed.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=914

57 Div Troops & Special Forces Capture Area to South of Mallavi Town

MANNAR: HEROIC TROOPS of the 57 Division and Special Forces in the MANNAR front, WANNI forging ahead triumphantly in areas to the north of VANNAKULAM, about 3 km to the south of MALLAVI town Thursday (24) afternoon brought a well-fortified LTTE stronghold area completely under control killing twenty-five terrorists and injuring a similar number.

Scores of Tigers who have also been reportedly motivated by LTTE’s Artillery Chief and MANNAR sector “BHANU,” just hours before valiant troops rolled on to that area could not resist the fire-power of the advancing troops. The fight for dominance in the area commenced as the first light on Thursday (24) fell when brave troops started their advance into Tiger controlled areas.

By 3.30 p.m. on Thursday (24) troops have collected seven dead Tiger terrorists, one 120mm weapon (artillery mortar), two 81mm mortars, forty-eight 120mm rounds, seventy-four 81mm ammunition rounds, four ICOM sets, two motorbikes, five T-56 weapons, one binocular, one tractor and many other explosive devices as the troops after fighting settled started clearing the area.

As this report was being pasted, troops in control of the area were consolidating their positions while carefully removing booby traps and other explosive devices infesting the area. Many more LTTE items, left behind by fleeing Tiger terrorists are yet to be collected by the troops.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14729
graphic image,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080724_05

Air Force fighter jets raid LTTE recruit training centre - Oddusuddan

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets launched air strikes targeting an LTTE recruit training centre in the Oddusuddan area, approximately 20 km Southwest of Mulaithiuvu this morning (July 24).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the air raids were launched at 7.30 AM. He said that the targeted camp was located 4km North of Muthuaiyankaddu Tank . The target was accurately obtained, he added citing the fighter pilots.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080724_02

Jayawardene emulates Bradman to put Sri Lanka on top

Mahela Jayawardene equalled former Australian legend Don Bradman's record of nine centuries at one venue to put Sri Lanka in a commanding position in the opening Test against India here on Thursday.

Skipper Jayawardene cracked a stylish 136 to help his side post 422-4 in the first innings at stumps on the second day.

The Sri Lankan captain's ton at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground equalled Bradman's nine at one venue -- the Australian great's coming at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

"I wasn't really thinking about all that," said Jayawardene.

"It is a very friendly venue for me as I've been playing almost 12 years of first-class cricket here."

Jayawardene was not the lone batsman to feast on the Indian bowling on a placid track as opener Malinda Warnapura (115) and Thilan Samaraweera (111 not out) also contributed handsomely to their team's total.

Tillakaratne Dilshan was unbeaten on 20 after earning a reprieve under a new experimental rule allowing players to seek a second opinion on umpiring decisions.

He was on one when given out caught behind off left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan by umpire Mark Benson of England, but asked the official to review the decision.

Benson consulted TV umpire Rudi Koertzen of South Africa before changing his decision as the ball had not made contact with the bat.

Read more,
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/080724/world/cricket_sri_ind
Photo,
http://sl.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/92400/92496.jpg

Security for SAARC meet strengthened

Despite the LTTE’s ceasefire declaration for the duration of the SAARC Summit, Sri Lanka is taking nothing to chance and has drawn up an unprecedented security plan. The government on Tuesday said it viewed the ceasefire announcement as a ruse to regroup.

A senior government official told The Hindu there would no change in the security measures contemplated by the military and police to ensure smooth conduct of the summit. “We do not believe in the pronouncements of the LTTE. If the past conduct of the Tigers is any guide, the so-called unilateral ceasefire by the LTTE is all the more reason for the government to be extra vigilant,” said the official.

The security plan for the SAARC is envisaged in two phases. Some of the measures proposed would come into force only in the second phase, when the Foreign Ministers commence their two-day deliberations on July 31, and when regional leaders meet on August 2 and 3.

Read more,
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/24/stories/2008072452961400.htm

FM urges Australia to ban LTTE

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday held bilateral discussions with his counterparts from Australia, Myanmar, Laos, South Korea, and the Philippines on the sidelines of the 15th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Singapore.

During a meeting with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith, Minister

Bogollagama expressed serious concern over the activities of the LTTE and its front organizations through its influence over certain misguided elements in the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia.

Citing the ongoing criminal prosecution against three Australians of Sri Lankan origin, on charges relating to raising funds for terrorism as well as the recent arrest of another Australian in Melbourne, at the request of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, as significant steps by Australia to support the global fight against terrorism, Minister Bogollagama urged the Australian government to proscribe the LTTE as a terrorist organisation, the Foreign

Ministry said.Such a measure would provide the legal framework for the authorities to take effective action against fund raising and propaganda activities by the LTTE and its fronts operating on Australian soil.

With the restoration of democracy to the Eastern Province and the conflict situation being confined to two districts in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka has once again emerged as a safe destination for foreign tourists. He emphasised the need to restore air links between the two countries.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/24/sec02.asp

Tamil Nadu police break supply chain of LTTE

CHENNAI: The Q Branch of the Tamil Nadu police on Tuesday busted a major LTTE procurement network, seizing five imported Yamaha outboard motors with a 40-horse-power capacity each.

In connection with the seizures, three persons, including a Sri Lankan from Manalmelkudi in Pudukottai, were taken into custody.

The Q Branch team nabbed Kumargurubaran (28), a resident of Chennai, Ramesh (37), hailing from Ramanathapuram, and Manamohan (28) from Pesalai, Sri Lanka, from near the Kattumanadi bus stop near Manalmelkudi on Tuesday. The motors were meant to be transported to Sri Lanka for the LTTE in a boat kept ready by Ramesh.

"The gang had transported the motors from Chennai to Pudukkottai and was planning to take them by sea to Sri Lanka. We are yet to ascertain whose name the import consignment had been booked under and who collected it from the Chennai Port. There are more persons involved in the procurement of the motors and the investigation is on to find them," a senior police official told The Times of India.

Police said Manamohan was the key player in this procurement network, co-ordinating the operation. "He arranged for the payment and co-ordinated the procurement. The seized motors are worth around Rs. 7 lakh in the market," the official said.

Read more,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Chennai/

Wanni Operation 22 th of July

Source,
http://www.youtube.com/user/sinhahada

Navy destroys one LTTE boat, damages 2 in a sea battle - Pulmoddai

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080722_01

Holy Madhu Statue Returns; Army Takes over Renovations to the Shrine

MANNAR: THE MOST SACRED STATUE of Our Lady of MADHU which was taken away by Catholic Priests attached to the MANNAR diocese several months ago was brought back to MANNAR Bishop House Tuesday (22) across OMANTHE Entry / Exit point.

Removal of the Holy Statue and its arrival in a church in WELLANKULAM, further north of MANNAR, caused concerns among the Catholic faith and all Sri Lankans at that point of time.

The MADHU church premises was recaptured from grips of Tiger terrorism after laps of ten years on 25th April 2008 but Tiger terrorists after straying into the premises went on pounding the holy compound in order to chase the troops away.

Terrorists caused damages to a section of the church buildings where priests used to live.

The Holy Statue is to be placed back in its original position at the MADHU shrine once the renovations of the LTTE-damaged buildings are completed. Sri Lanka Army has undertaken repairs and renovations which cost around Rs 1.5 million following a directive given by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka.

Troops in the meantime have intensified their humanitarian de-mining work in and around the compound in order to completely clear the area before the Holy Statue is returned to the MADHU shrine.

The holy annual feast is expected in August this year.

Extracted from,
MCNS
Video,
SLRC

Air intelligence confirms 22 LTTE suicide bombers killed in air raid - Mullaittiuvu

Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that 22 LTTE suicide bombers (Black Tigers ) were killed in the air raid carried out this morning (July 22) at the Uddayarkattukulam LTTE camp.

Citing Air Force intelligence sources , he said that the group of the slain LTTE cadres had been engaged in a rehearsal of a major suicide operation at the time of the air raid.

Air Force fighter jets launched an air strike targeting pre identified LTTE special operation training facility located Northeast of Uddayarkattukulam in the Mullaittiuvu district around 8.15a.m.

The Air Force sources said, targeted camp was providing training for LTTE cadres in special operations and in leadership for the terror leaders. Activities in the terror camp had a significant increase recently, the sources added.

LTTE is the terror outfit that pioneered the suicide bombing tactics to the world. The outfit has been using brainwashed youth, mostly women and teenagers to commit suicide as human bombs. LTTE select these youths from orphanages or recruit those who have undergone gender or cast discrimination promising them to redeem their dignity by dieing for the tribal cause.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080722_05

LTTE declares unilateral ceasefire -Government rejects the offer

The LTTE Political Wing announced it will observe a unilateral ceasefire that is devoid of military actions during the period of the SAARC conference from 26th July to 4th August, but the government of Sri Lanka rejects rebels offer and said no discussions with any party on this matter.

Responding an oral question rose by Parliamentarian Mr.Wimal Weerawansa, in parliament today Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said the government does not response this offer. He said a number of local and international allies try to stop operations against the rebels.

�At present government is defeating the terrorists .We never stop these operations, he said.

A rebel statement said the Tigers would refrain from military action during the 15th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conference but warned they would be forced to take \"defensive action\" if the island\'s military carried out any offensives against them.

The government sources further said it had not received an official ceasefire notification from the rebels and expressed wariness about the move.

Meanwhile the head of the government peace secretariat, Rajiva Wijesinghe, said the government needs time to carefully consider the LTTE call for a ceasefire during the SAARC summit and will wait till it is officially communicated.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/srilanka/20080722013647.php

Full text of the press release of the LTTE,
http://www.ltteps.org/?view=2218&folder=2

Video Source,
http://www.itn.lk/news_04_20080722.html

Forces moving towards west Mullaitivu

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the Security Forces engaged in liberating the North were moving towards west of Mullaitivu as part of their humanitarian mission.

Addressing the media yesterday at the MCNS, Brigadier Nanayakkara said the Security Forces who liberated the Eastern Province on a humanitarian mission had moved to the North to liberate it from LTTE clutches.

“Commandos on the Mannar and Wanni front marked many victories against the LTTE and liberated from the LTTE grip. Troops are marching towards the Mullaitivu entered west of Mullaitivu along the A9 road to liberate one of the LTTE strong hold in the North,” he added.

The Security Forces also liberated 67 square kilometers in the Weli Oya area in the Northern front including One Four Base scattered in the Mullaitivu jungle, Brigadier Nanayakkara said.

Navy spokesman Commander D.P.K. Dassanayake said at least 13 Tiger boats were destroyed and six LTTE cadres killed including sea Tiger leaders on Sunday, Navy and Air Force joint operation in the sea off Nachchikuda, North of Illuppaikkadavai.

Commenting on reports in pro-LTTE websites that the Navy targeted fishermen, Commander Dassanayake queried as to why ‘fishermen’ should use 85 horsepower boats and fire at the Navy. Commander Dassanayake said the Navy had established a Naval Blockade between Mannar and Delft Island to block weapons supplies to the LTTE from India and block fleeing Tigers.

“There was a difficulty in the past to operate in the area as it was covering a shallow sea area and we have now introduced a new boat squadron and over 50 naval Dvora boats were deployed to operate the blockade,” he added.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/22/sec02.asp

Navy-Air Force combined Attack destroys 06 LTTE Boats and damages Two off Nachchikuda

The combined attack launched by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force, destroyed six (06) LTTE boats and completely damaged another two in a sea confrontation that lasted for over two hours in the seas off Nachchikuda, located on the North-western coast, today (20th July 2008).

Naval craft on patrol had engaged the enemy craft upon observing a movement of a flotilla of 6-8 LTTE boats south of Nachchikuda around 1630 hrs. The Air Force air support was subsequently called for and the LTTE boat movement was completely immobilized in the combined naval and air attack that ensued. The monitoring of enemy communication has confirmed that more than 15 LTTE cadres have been killed in the confrontation.

Naval troops suffered no casualties and none of their craft received any damages in the sea confrontation.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=910

Illuppakadavai captured

Troops from the 58 Division (Task Force 1), spearheaded by Commandos today reached the Sea Tiger camp at Illuppakadavai. A heavy firefight ensued today for nearly two hours. Tigers received a severe beating and survivors took tail. Exact number of casualties is unavailable.

The next targets lying in the 58s path are Vellankulam (7km), Nochchikudah (7km), Pallikuda and Pooneryn (20kms). The objective will be the latter, while the three former locations also have some significant sea Tiger Activity.

As Vellankulam ends, the Kilinochchi District begins. Thevampiddi Church to where the Our Lady of Madhu statue was removed to is also situated in Vellankulam. Thevampiddi is a small coastal village on the A-32. The 58 advance towards Vellankulam will happen simultaneously to the 57 advance towards Tunukkai and Mallavi on the eastern flank.

Sea Tigers have been at the receiving end lately, with cadres being killed and assets destroyed on a regular basis. The latest and most serious damage comes from an attack on the Sea Tiger base at Chalai in the Northeastern Coast.

Read more,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/07/illuppakadavai-captured.html
Photos,
MCNS, http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080720_02 and http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=14598

Two-thirds of LTTE manpower lost: Sri Lankan Army Chief

Claiming that nearly two-thirds of the LTTE manpower and land area have been lost, Sri Lankan Army chief Sarath Fonseka has said the security forces were moving in swiftly in the war with the rebels, forcing them even to abandon their vehicles.

"The LTTE has now lost nearly two thirds of its manpower and land area to the security forces...," Fonseka said.

"The LTTE capability-wise has got depleted to a larger extent. Areas will start collapsing at one stage, now their strength is getting depleted and they have started to leave their vehicles behind.

"In the last one week we recovered three LTTE vehicles. I don't think the Army had ever recovered LTTE vehicles in the past," he said yesterday in Kandy, about 115 kms from Colombo.

The Army Commander made the remarks after paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa and visiting the Buddhist religious leaders Malwatte and Asgiriya Prelates to receive their blessings.

Read more,
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=456548&sid=SAS
and
http://www.itn.lk/news_03_20080719.html

Wanni operation 17 th July 2008

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/videos/WanniOP20080717.wmv

Army Reaches The Coast Again

The tempo of combat continues to increase, but the LTTE have developed a recruiting and training system that enables them to continue resisting the army. LTTE recruiters keep track of births and go looking for boys and girls when they reach 17. Potentially, that's over 10,000 recruits a year. But with those in hiding, or girls who are married, they get about half that.

This includes those who desert from training, although most go for the indoctrination and become loyal LTTE fighters. But these are young and inexperienced kids with guns. The LTTE cadres (veteran fighters) act as sergeants and officers to supervise the kids, who don't last long in combat. But this forces the army to fight bunker by bunker, and town by town. That reduces the amount of LTTE territory, and population, and the available recruits.

The air force has increased reconnaissance activities, partly because of new Israeli UAVs that arrived recently. The air force is looking for the LTTE construction equipment (bulldozers and such), that are used to build new bunkers, behind ones recently lost to the army.

The construction equipment can build new bunkers quickly enough to halt the army advance. Building new bunkers by hand is not nearly as quick. In many areas, the LTTE already has a second, or third, line of bunkers built. But not everywhere, and that has made construction equipment a prime air force target. And it's hard to hide the construction site, and the newly turned earth.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080718.aspx

Navy rescues an injured Sri Lankan Fisherman off 150 nautical miles North-east of Trincomalee

Sri Lanka Navy rescued an injured Sri Lankan fisherman 150 nautical miles north-east of Trincomalee on the 16th July 2008 and provided him with medical treatment.

The injured fisherman had left from Matara with his fellow crew members for fishing on board a multi-day fishing trawler. Their fishing trawler had begun to drift due to an engine failure in mid sea. He had fallen overboard while attempting to repair the boat and got seriously injured when he got entangled in the propeller. The fellow crew members had managed to take him on board and had treated him with medicine available on board their vessel.

However, his condition had worsened and the Navy was contacted for help. The Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Samudura, was dispatched to rescue the seriously wounded fisherman. The navy medical personnel had provided him with the emergency medical treatment after taking him on board the SLNS Samudura.

The patient, 18-year-old AMP Kasun Danushra of Beldeniya, Kottegoda, is now receiving medical treatment at the Navy Hospital in Trincomalee.

News and Photo,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=898

Sri Lanka's armed forces eye Kilinochchi

Government defence spokesperson Minister Keheliya Rambukwella today revealed that the armed forces have already taken steps to liberate Kilinochchi from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as their next aim.

He pointed out that the security forces’ “liberation” of the Vidataltivu Sea Tiger base, where Sea Tiger leader Soosai had once operated, was a “great victory”. He made these comments at a press briefing held at his residence.

He went on to say that following the capture of the Vidataltivu area, troops consolidated their domination over 90% of the Mannar district. The government expects to cultivate paddy in the Rice Bowl area in Mannar in the future, he added.

Responding to a question asked by a media person on abductions carried out by “white vans”, the Minister said that the only way to resolve this issue is to stop importing “white vans from Japan since 90% of the vans imported to Sri Lanka are white-coloured.”

He added that there was evidence now surfacing that the majority of these cases are fabrications aimed at troubling the government.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/July18171054JR.html

Sri Lanka-India economic pact signing to be delayed

The Sri Lankan government said Friday that the signing of the much anticipated Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Sri Lanka would be delayed.

"We are not in a hurry to sign it. It is still at the discussion table, not finalized yet," Anura Yapa, the government spokesman and the minister of Information and Media told reporters.

It is reported earlier that the CEPA would be signed on the sidelines of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation ( SAARC) meeting to be held in Colombo from July 27 to Aug. 3.

The CEPA framework was presented to the Sri Lankan cabinet this week, government sources revealed.

Local industrialists have expressed interest to the CEPA and complained about the lack of information available to them on the proposed agreement.

The CEPA will come as a follow-up to the Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement signed in 2005.

Officials said the CEPA will allow investment and trading of services between the two south Asian neighbors as opposed to the mere exchange of goods under the FTA.

extracted from,
http://calibre.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=314328821

We are comfortable playing in Pakistan: Ranatunga

Mumbai: Sri Lanka Cricket Board chief Arjuna Ranatunga gave Pakistan a thumbs up ahead of the important International Cricket Council's meeting at the week-end to discuss security concerns for the Champions Trophy to be held there in September.

"We have no problem in playing in Pakistan or India. Pakistan hosted six teams very well recently at the Asia Cup and I was there for the final. It was very well organised," said the 1996 World Cup-winning ex-Sri Lanka Test and ODI captain at a media conference on Thursday.

"So far the championship is in Pakistan and we have been told we are in the standby position," he added.

Ranatunga was also crystal clear in his views about Twenty20 cricket by saying they were good money spinners and should be used in protecting the sanctity and pre-eminence of Test cricket.

Read more,
http://sports.in.msn.com/cricket/stories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1572235

Sri Lanka's Laugfs Holdings enters lubricant market

Sri Lanka's diversified Laugfs Holdings has introduced lubricants to the local market, working capture 30 percent share in two years, top officials said.

The lubricants were launched through the subsidiary of Laugfs Holdings, Laugfs Lubricants Limited.

"As a fully Sri Lankan company, we are proud to enter a market which is already dominated by international players," W K H Wegapitiya, chairman, Laugfs Lubricants said.

The company, with an initial investment of 225 million rupees, has introduced lubricants for both diesel and petrol engines.

"We are confident of commanding around 30 percent of the market share of the lubricant industry in less than two years," Wegapitiya said.

The chain of supermarkets and petroleum depots owned by Laugfs Holdings will be an advantage over other competitors for the sale of the lubricants, Wegapitiya says.

The company also sells Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Sri Lanka's lube market has been dominated by Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited with nearly 72 percent market share.

Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) holds a 20 percent of market while the balance eight percent is split between Mobil, Valvoline, Shell and BP/Castrol.

Read more,
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=623226559

Ten Sports lines up advertisers for Sri Lanka series

With the Idea Cup between India and Sri Lanka kicking off on 23 July, Ten Sports has roped in a clutch of sponsors. Besides Idea, which is the presenting sponsor, the channel has also roped in Bharti AGA Life Insurance and Hero Honda as co-presenting sponsors. The associate sponsors are LG and Maruti.

Speaking to indiantelevision.com Taj Television India GM Rukin Kizilbash says, “We have sold 80 per cent of our inventory for the Test matches at Rs 50,000 per 10 seconds. For ODIs, we started at Rs 200,000 and went up to Rs 250,000. There is a month still to go for the ODI series to kick off and we have sold 85 per cent of our inventory. Our aim is to take the rate up to Rs 350,000 as the event comes nearer. For ODIs there are around 20-25 spots left while for the Test matches there are around 10-12 spots left per playing day.”

Information available with indiantelevision.com indicates that the presenting sponsors paid around Rs 100 million while the associate sponsors have coughed up Rs 80 million. It is also believed that in total, Idea will spend Rs 300 million on the event as the title sponsor. Sri Lanka Cricket will get around Rs 200 million from Idea for the association.

The special packages like Action Replay are believed to have been sold for around Rs 18–20 million each.

The sponsors get between 240-300 seconds of ad time per match day. Bharti AGA has also taken the fall of wickets package. Maruti has the ratings deal. It also has a car on display, which will be given to the man of the series.

Hero Honda will present a bike to the batsman who hits the most number of sixes in the ODI event. HP has taken the super fours and sixes package.

Read more,
http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k8/july/julymam66.php

Sri Lanka denies firing team manager Hashan Tillakaratne

Sri Lanka's cricket authority denied Thursday that it had fired team manager Hashan Tillakaratne only two days after appointing him.

Local media reports earlier said Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge had refused to support Tillakaratne's appointment as manager for the test series against India because of his political allegiance.

The 41-year-old Tillakaratne, a former captain of Sri Lanka, is a member of the main opposition United National Party.

"No one has informed me that such a decision has been taken. I am working with the team and was at practice today," Tillakaratne told The Associated Press.

Sri Lanka Cricket media manager Shane Fernando also said Tillakaratne was still manager, adding that his name has been forwarded to Lokuge for approval.

Read more,
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/17/sports/AS-CRI-Sri-Lanka-Tillakaratne.php

Removing unauthorized constructions Sorrow, Tears and struggle at slave Island

Nearly Thousand families at Slave island in to a big trouble today morning. Police attempted to remove their temporary residences which were unauthorized constructions according to government, to strengthen the security in Colombo prior to SAARC conferences according to a decision taken by Ministry of defense.

Public become restless and all the people in the area faced the same problems

Where to go with their kids?

How to continue their day to day life, schooling, cooking?

The public Motivated to obstruct the police and arguments raised. Police managed to remove them by farce. Lot of people with their children were seen with sorrowful, hopeless faces with dought of their future and their children's future.

Considering this situation the court give and order to postponed the removal up to 22nd this month.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankatruth.com/New/Full_Story_Page/2008/July/18/20080718_04.htm

Photos,
www.lankatruth.com, www.dailymirror.lk and www.lankadeepa.lk

Mysterious presence of Indian in Tiger territory

A chance detection of a boat trying to move through an SLN cordon now in place in the Gulf of Mannar has revealed the presence of some Indians in the LTTE-held area in the Vanni.

An Indian holding passport (ETN/059/001/355/2001) was among seven persons attempting to cross the Indo-Lanka maritime boundary on Wednesday. Selvam Sudesh Kanan has claimed that he along with three other Indians arrived in the LTTE held area in the Vanni on January 10, 2003.

His boat would most probably have escaped if a special naval cordon had not been in place to discourage the Tamil Nadu fishing fleet from poaching in Sri Lankan waters. The SLN has placed the cordon following the detention of nearly 290 Indian trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters on July 2, which triggered protests in the Tamil Nadu.

After initial questioning in Mannar, the SLN had moved the Indian overland to Colombo to be handed over to the Indian High Commission.

Although the government has accepted Selvam’s claim that they were detained by the LTTE used as forced labour, the mystery surrounds the failure on the part of their families to raise the issue with the Sri Lankan mission in Chennai. The Tamil Nadu media, the Indian High Commission or the Norwegian-led truce monitoring mission deployed in the Northern and Eastern Province had not raised the issue, the sources said.

Sources pointed out that although Selvam had a valid Indian passport, he hadn’t entered Sri Lanka through the Bandaranaike International airport. "The bottom line is that he had entered the Vanni mainland clandestinely," an official said.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/07/18/news14.html
Photo,
MCNS

Wanni operation 16 th July 2008

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080715_11

Hashan chooses politics

Former Test captain Hashan Tilakaratne has said that he would choose the position of UNP organizer for Avissawella over the post of manager of the Sri Lanka cricket team.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Tilakaratne said he would not let down the people of his electorate, who had placed trust in him.

Noting that even the UNP leadership has permitted him to play a dual role, he said that he was capable of balancing the two.

Sports Minister, Gamini Lokuge has said that he wanted Mr. Tilakaratne to choose between politics and cricket.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/sports/20080717081046.php

Lanka's 'Outstanding Sportsman of the Year'

Just days ahead of the home Test series against India, spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan got the confidence booster as he was chosen for Sri Lanka's 'Most Outstanding Sportsman of the Year award'.

President Mahinda Rajapakse honoured Muralitharan the award at a glittering function here on Wednesday night. A beaming Muralitharan thanked the President after receiving the award.

Averaging more than six wickets per Test in his 16 years of international cricket, Muralitharan is one of the most successful bowlers in the history of the game.

He surpassed long time Australian rival Shane Warne's record 708 wickets in December last year on his home turf of Kandy to become the highest Test wicket-taker and has 735 scalps to his name now from 120 matches.

Extracted from,
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14718517

I am just beginning, says Mendis

Ajantha Mendis stepped into the limelight at the Asia Cup final and it seems he just can’t step out of it. For a full forty minutes Mendis was the centre of attention as he got a taste of how the Indian media treated cricketers at the launch of Travelorg Holidays as official tour operator for the upcoming Indo-Lanka series.

Ever smiling, like that other Sri Lankan spinner, Mendis whispered answers in Sinhala for Arjuna Ranatunga to translate. Mendis, whose only unaided utterance, also in Sinhala, was something to the tune of “come watch us play.”

Ranatunga, never short of words, did more than just translate, generously adding to Mendis’ short answers. “Murali is a legend. He has gone very far and I am just beginning,” said Mendis when the inevitable comparison came his way.

Ranatunga let Mendis go in quick time as the bowler had a return flight to catch. “He took a day’s break from practice and I don’t want him to miss another day,” said Ranatunga. “I’m not too comfortable calling Ajantha a freak but he is a freak bowler. He has five different deliveries and is mastering one more,” said Ranatunga. “You have to be at him all the time. To play against Mendis will be the ultimate test.”

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

An Indian national escapes from LTTE custody and rescued by SL Navy

An Indian national (aged 28) who had been incarcerated by LTTE keeping under their arrest had managed to escape and was rescued by the navy, while he was making attempt to flee to India on a boat with seven other Sri Lankans, in the morning today (16thJuly)

He had come to Sri Lanka on 19th January 2003 with three other Indian nationals holding Indian passports and had travelled to Kiliochchi with the hope of visiting some of his relatives. But, denying their access to relatives, they had been arrested and questioned by LTTE cadres inflicting serious physical torture, and thereafter the had been made to shed physical labour.

He is said to be a resident in Madras, sources further say.

However, about three months before, he had been assigned to work in a garage belonging to LTTE which paved way for him to escape.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=897

Indian warships to shield PM during SAARC meet in Lanka

NEW DELHI: India is not taking any chances with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's security during his visit to Colombo for the SAARC summit early next month.

The Centre is planning to despatch three warships, including two frontline guided-missile destroyers, to Sri Lankan waters as security cover for the PM and his entourage from the much-feared LTTE.

With national security adviser M K Narayanan personally looking into the issue due to the "high threat perception" from the LTTE, hectic consultations are on between India and Sri Lanka to ensure fool-proof security arrangements. As the Tamil Tigers are known to use suicide bombers, there can be no room for mistakes.

With the LTTE having both air and naval wings, and even using trained deep-sea divers for underwater suicide missions, Indian experts obviously do not want to take any chances. What must also be weighing on the minds of the Indian agencies is the LTTE's success in using light aircraft to bomb a military airfield near Colombo without the radar detecting it.

Sources said the contingent of the Special Protection Group (SPG)—which provides "proximate security" to the PM—would be much larger this time as compared to the PM's other foreign visits. While the eight-day summit will begin on July 27, the PM will attend it only on the last two days.

Read more,
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India

Somawansa et al throw book at Wimal, demand Rs. 20 mn Neththa Venuvata Eththa

National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa has been served letters of demand for Rs. 10 million each by the lawyers of JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and General Secretary Tilvin Silva for an alleged breach of copyright due to the publication of his book ‘Nettha Venuvata Aththa.’

The separate letters of demand sent by the lawyers for Amerasinghe and Silva state:

"We are instructed by our client that you have authored and/or claimed to have authored and published and/or caused to publish a book titled ‘Naththa Wenuwata Attha’ and have marketed the said book for a sum of Rs. 250/- per copy.

You have further said that such book had been re-printed and published within a week of its 1st publication and thus admitted the fact that you have economically benefited out of such publication.

We have instruction from our client to write to you stating that you have included several un-published letters authored by our client which are his original work in the said book into and/or in a substantial re-production of the said works of our client without his consent and/or approval and/or authorization.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/07/17/news15.html

Vidattaltivu Liberated; terrorists suffer fatal blow

Gallant soldiers of Army 58 Division and Commando Brigade have liberated the strategically important Vidattaltivu town this morning (July 16), said the defence sources in the Mannar warfront.

According to defence sources, Vidattaltivu is the biggest town situated on the North- Western coast of the Island, 20 km North of Mannar and is the main Sea-Tiger base cum the logistic hub of the LTTE in the West. This is the first time after the departure of Indian Peace Keeping Force in 1987 that troops have dominated the area , the sources added.

Defence observers are in the view that the lost of Vidattaltivu would cast a fatal blow on LTTE as it has lost the most important Sea-Tiger base in the present context. According to them the terrorists have no other option than to shift their Sea-Tiger assets to a makeshift camp further Northwards with the lost of its well-established sea borne operation base.

News and map,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080716_03

Melbourne business college chief arrested after FBI tipoff over Tamil Tiger terror offences

AUSTRALIAN Federal Police have arrested, at the request of the FBI, a director of a Melbourne business college believed to be linked to the Tamil Tigers over alleged terrorism offences in the US.

Thulasitharan Santhirarajah, 34, is expected to face extradition proceedings after his arrest on Monday when AFP agents raided homes and businesses around Melbourne, including the office of his Melbourne International College.

The raids were conducted at the request of the FBI, which has been cracking down on the fundraising activities in the US of members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

A spokesman for federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland yesterday confirmed the US had requested that Mr Santhirarajah be detained.

"The man is wanted to face prosecution for alleged terrorism offences in the United States of America," the spokesman said. "As this is an ongoing law enforcement matter, it would be inappropriate to comment on the specifics of the case."

Mr Santhirarajah appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates court on Monday and was remanded in custody until next month.

As well as the city office of the college, AFP agents raided five properties and businesses in Narre Warren, Dandenong and Lysterfield.

Read more,
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24027253-5013404,00.html

Fall of Sea Tiger base imminent

Fierce fighting continued yesterday south and east of Vidathalthivu as the 58 Division troops and Commando troops surrounded the biggest Sea Tiger base on the Western coast, in North Mannar as the LTTE cadres struggled to defend this tactically important Sea Tiger Base which they controlled for the last two decades.

The troops continued the military thrust on the Sea Tiger base surrounding it from the south and west directions and cutting off all supply routes leading to Vidathalthivu, ground sources told the Daily News last night.

“The LTTE had vacated some locations in Vidathalthivu by last evening as they felt the area was being surrounded by the troops,” Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka told the Daily News.

The Army Commander was confident that the entire Sea Tiger base would fall to the troops by Wednesday afternoon.

The troops attached to 58 Division engaged in a major thrust on the Vidathalthivu Sea Tiger base from the south while Commando troops supported by infantry troops attached to the 582 Brigade advanced into the area from the Eastern direction.

Ground sources also said that many Tiger cadres started fleeing further north of Vidathalthivu after loading their belongings into trucks as troops advanced into the territory.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/16/sec02.asp

Israeli boost for SLAF surveillance capability

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has taken delivery of an advanced type of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) from Israel.

Authoritative sources said the acquisition of UAVs would compensate for the loss of equipment in the LTTE raid on the Anuradhapura SLAF base last October.

The recently acquired UAVs have been deployed in the northern theatre with the focus on the 12 kilometre front which runs through Kilali, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil on the Jaffna east coast. Capable of day and night operations, the latest addition would considerably improve the SLAF’s capacity to detect an LTTE build-up against the armed forces deployed in the Jaffna peninsula.

The deployment of UAVs was of critical importance to the ongoing SLAF campaign against LTTE positions in the Vanni, sources said. The SLAF action was two-fold, they said. Operations were being carried out in support of the ground offensive and to destroy conventional capability of the enemy.

The first deployment of UAVs by the SLAF took place in 1996 during Air Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe’s tenure as the Commander. The MI 24 helicopter gunships and Kfirs, a modern multi-role fighter aircraft with a formidable weapons platform, too, were first acquired that year.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/07/16/news2.html

Wanni operation 15 th of July 2008

MI-24s raid LTTE gathering point - Vedithalthivu

SLAF Mi-24 helicopter gun-ships raided an LTTE gathering point Tuesday(July 15), located 1km North of Vedithalthivu, Mannar at 3p.m.

The air strikes were launched supporting advancing ground troops at the Mannar front Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said, adding that intensified LTTE activity was reported from the area.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080715_05