A bomb explosion in Pettah; 43 wounded - Colombo

A bomb had been exploded in the Olcot Mawatha, Pettah in Colombo around 12.15 p.m today, 30 August.

The Director of the the National hospital Colombo, Dr Hector Weerasinha said that 43 people suffered injuries were admitted to the hospital. Few of the victims who suffered severe injuries were already taken for immediate surgeries.

More information will follow.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080830_07

Food Poisoning Makes Soldiers Admit to Hospital

ONE HUNDRED and twenty-two soldiers attached to HENANIGALA Army camp in DEHIATTAKANDIYA were admitted to DEHIATTAKANDIYA hospital this morning (28) following a history of food Poisoning.

Reports said soldiers after consumption of their breakfast with fish have developed vomiting and fainting due to reasons still to be investigated.

All 122 soldiers in hospital are reportedly out of danger but the medical experts maintain it would take some time for full recovery. A sample of the food is to be referred to the government analyst and the Medical Research Institute in Colombo 8 for further investigations.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15574

LTTE terrorists launch abortive air raid at Trincomalee navy camp

LTTE terrorist have carried out an abortive air raid attempt at the naval base Trincomalee short while ago. According to the available information, the terror aircraft have dropped two improvised bombs.

More information will follow.

Source,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080826_04

Nachchikuda Sea Tiger Base is hit hard

Source,
SLRC

Govt. doubts LTTE has chemical weapons, but certain it is on last legs

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake yesterday said that as far as the Government is concerned there are no chemical weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in the country.

Expressing his doubts on whether the LTTE has chemical weapons, he said he was certain of one thing, and that was, that the LTTE is on its last legs. "Our security forces have cornered them in their holes in a stretch of wilderness in the North of the country. We expect to be soon rid of this menace, weapons and all, but life must go on and people must always be alert," the Prime Minister said inaugurating Regional meeting of Asian Parliamentarians to discuss the National Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Colombo where he was the Chief Guest.

"There is no harm in talking about such things, to be aware, and to guard against possible evil intentions harboured by others now, or in the future," he said.

As described by the CIA, LTTE is the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world. "We have to be prepared and alert."

He stressed the need for all countries in the region to cooperate in combating the menace of terrorism as it is a scourge that afflicts and threatens all of us.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/26/news1.html

Besieged civilians rise against terror in Wanni

A new form of terror-created “humanitarian catastrophe,” unfolding in the Wanni, as valiant members of the Armed Forces are making rapid strides on west of A-9 road and elsewhere in Mullaittivu and Kilinochchi districts, appears to have gone unnoticed to terror sympathisers, both here and abroad.

Many harrowing tales, emanating from hundreds of Wanni based “captives” speak louder and clearer, as those forcefully ejected innocent civilians are virtually held incommunicado facing Hobson’s Choice.

Tiger terrorist concentrations, now in a state of utter disorganisation and panic with more and more hurriedly picked terrorist reinforcements being sent to Thunukkai and Nachchikuda areas, pulling out most from Puthukkudiyiruppu and Kilinochchi uncleared areas, including those used by Tigers as “Tiger police traffic” men and women, have begun to mobilise Wanni civilians to be used as “human shields” since their manpower resources are fast thinning out.

On the diktats of Tiger area leaders, hundreds of civilians resident in areas such as Nedunkerny, Chemmalai, Alampil, Nayaru between Puliyankulam and Mankulam and also the public in Vallaipadu, Jayapuram and Kiranchi areas were reportedly fleeing towards Oddusudan and Puthukkudiyiruppu areas and Akkarayan areas respectively, though many of those trapped civilians insisted on entering cleared areas under the Government control.

Tigers are reportedly busy simultaneously enlisting civilians as well as LTTE prisoners, convicted for minor offences for fresh deployments, as other LTTE deserters who were kept detained after arrests, are also being moved to Welioya area after issuing “do or die” threats on them.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/26/sec03.asp

Land Stretch Adjoining Tannimurippukulam Tank Captured

TROOPS OF THE 59 Division in WELIOYA, making further milestones in their forward march brought another eight hundred meter (800m) long stretch of land under their control from the TANNIMURIPPUKULAM tank bund, about 9.5 km to the north East of NADUNKERNI Monday (25) afternoon.

In their valiant march, troops attacked Tiger positions and smashed them on their way before the land strip was captured. At least eight terrorists were confirmed killed and eleven more badly wounded, ground sources said.

Troops following the overrunning, recovered two terrorist dead bodies and one T-56 weapon from the captured area.

Troops are now in the process of removing booby traps while dominating the area.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15508

“Sri Lankan Navy won’t fire on Indian fishermen”

Sri Lanka has assured India that there will be no firing by the Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen hereafter, M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser, said on Monday.

In the event of arrest of the fishermen, they would be released in the “shortest possible time.” They would be given “humanitarian treatment as far as possible,” and there would be no “maltreatment” of the Indian fishermen, Mr. Narayanan told journalists, emerging from a 40-minute-long meeting with Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and senior officials of the State government at the Secretariat.

Describing as “positive understanding” the outcome of discussions at bilateral meetings between India and Sri Lanka early this month prior to the summit of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation, Mr. Narayanan said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his meeting with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa went into great detail on each of the points raised by the Chief Minister in his letter to Dr. Singh and personal discussions with him.

On the basis of the discussions, a “tentative understanding” was reached, he said.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/26/stories/2008082650050100.htm

We are now quite close to Kilinochchi - Army Chief

Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka yesterday said that Kilinochchi will certainly be the next target of the Security Forces as all the gates were opened for Wanni and Kilinochchi liberation with the regaining of Thunukkai and Uyilankulam, two of the most tactically important towns west of Mullaitivu district.

“Mallavi located just two kilometres east of Thunukkai will also fall very soon with the capture of Thunukkai,” Army Commander Lt. General Fonseka told the Daily News last night.

Currently troops are operating just two Kilometres southwest of Mallavi. Thunukkai and Mallavi are among the most favoured hideouts of the Tiger leader Prabhakaran as these two towns provide much needed luxurious facilities for his clandestine life.

“The Security Forces will be in a much advantageous position in the Wanni liberation once we capture both Thunukkai and Mallavi towns. Troops can either move towards Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi or towards Omanthai,” the Commander added.

The Army Commander said the Security Forces have so far have performed exceptionally well in the liberation of Wanni and the North and added that they will be able to achieve the next steps of liberation of the North very soon fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Government and also of patriotic citizens.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/23/sec03.asp

Army takes commanding position west of A-9 bags Tunukkai, eyes Mallavi, Mankulam under threat

The LTTE yesterday abandoned Tunukkai on the Vanni front as the army brought the strategically important area west of the A9 road under its control.

The withdrawal came after three weeks of fierce fighting between the 57 Division and LTTE units spearheaded by the elite Charles Anthony ‘Brigade.’ The SLAF over the past few weeks engaged a range of LTTE targets in the area to facilitate the ground assault. The elite Special Forces troops assigned to the 57 Command had played a pivotal role in the fightng, the military said. The military acknowledged that the battle for Tunukkai had the toughest confrontation faced by the 57 Division commanded by Major General Jagath Dias in the recent past.

After failing to breakthrough LTTE positions south of Tunukkai, the army on Thursday had pushed towards the town from their positions west and north of the town situated halfway along the Mankulam-Vellankulam road.

The 57 Division had secured Madhu, Palampiddi, Mundumurippu, Periyamadhu, Naddakandal, Chiradikkulam and Kalvilan areas before its latest success..

Army headquarters said that ground operations on the western front had reached a critical stage with troops taking a commanding position against LTTE fortifications along the A9 road between Omanthai and Mankulam.

Senior military officials said the Task Force I on the Kilinochchi front, 57 Division on the Mullaitivu front and Task Force II advancing northwards on the right flank of the 57 Division and west of the A9, had taken the upper hand in the overall campaign in the Vanni west.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/23/news2.html

Tunukkai, Uyilankulam & South of Akkarayankulam Tank Fall under Valiant Troops after 25 Years

THE MUCH-TALKED TERRORIST stronghold, TUNUKKAI, about 20 km west of MANKULAM, one more central connecting village, UYILANKULAM, and also the southern edge of the AKKARAYANKULAM tank, about 12 km to the southwest of KILINOCHCHI town centre were finally brought under government troops as dawn fell on Friday (22) bringing a humiliating defeat for the terror outfit that has been ranked as the most ruthless, the Army Headquarters announced.

This is the first time in the history of the so-called “Eelam War” Sri Lankan troops dominated these areas striking a major blow to the LTTE terrorist outfit which has murdered thousands of innocent civilians, politicians, democrats, intellectuals, statesmen, members of the Armed Forces and the Police.

Agriculturally-rich TUNUKKAI, one of the nerve centres of Tiger outfit was serving as a major administrative hub responsible for coordination of all Sea Tiger attacks, deployment of LTTE terrorists, distribution of armaments, planning of clandestine operations, abduction and evacuation of civilians from different venues, etc for the past few years. This terrorist stronghold became busily operational after the recent fall of notoriously famous Sea Tiger base, VIDATTALTTIVU which was earlier regarded as a “no-entry zone” by Tigers.

UYILANKULAM, another farming village that lies between the southern edge of the AKKARAYANKULAM tank was also dominated by Tigers. It functioned as a secret transit location for their operations, since it is situated quite close to their administrative financial hub, KILINOCHCHI and other important locations.

Read more,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15455
Map,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080822_04
Video,
SLRC

SLAF fighters pound LTTE logistic base - Mullaittiuvu

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded LTTE logistic base located at Vishwamadu in Mullaittiuvu District this morning, 22 August.

Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the targeted LTTE base was identified as one of the main LTTE's logistic facilities containing vehicle spare parts and other combat items adding that it is located in general area Dharmapuram, 5Km north of Vishwamadu tank in Mullaittiuvu district.

The air sorties were carried out around 9.30 AM and the Air Force confirmed that targeted LTTE base was destroyed completely.

Meanwhile, SLAF MI-24 helicopters launched an air raid targeting the LTTE defence line located 17 Km north-west of Thunukkai in general area south of Wannerikulam tank, Kilinochchi District around 6.30 AM today. The air bombardment carried out in support of ground troops of Task Force 1 advancing northwards in Wanni liberating offensive, Air Force spokesperson added.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080822_02

Suicide Jacket materials found in Colombo – Bomb found in Kandy

Accessories used to assemble suicide jackets were found hidden in the premises of a Catholic church in Olcott Mawatha in Pettah, by the security forces this morning, (22), Ministry of Defence said.

The recovery was made on information provided by a civilian around 8.50 am. The materials included detonators, switches and a few other items that had been concealed inside the St. Phillip Nerish Church in Pettah, in Colombo.

These items also included five remote antennas.

Meanwhile Kandy Police conducting a search operation on a tip off have uncovered a bomb weighing around 1 kg from the Balagolla area, a suburb in Kandy.

The bomb, containing gelignite sticks and C-4 high explosive, had been hidden in a sand mound near a privately owned residence in the Balagolla area, sources said.

The Army bomb disposal team later defused the bomb, sources added.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?
Photos,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15454

Sri Lanka government accuses LTTE of conscripting civilians to fight

Sri Lanka government today accused the LTTE of conscripting civilians to fight the troops advancing into the Tiger controlled areas as their numbers dwindle due to the fighting.

The government said the LTTE leadership has directed their cadres to forcibly conscript civilians who had no battle training and use them as a buffer between the LTTE and the troops marching into the terrorist stronghold in the Wanni.

The government further said “the LTTE seeks to use civilians as a human shield so that in the event of casualties the organization can plead to what has been a largely unsympathetic world that there is a 'humanitarian catastrophe'.”

The human rights group, Amnesty International, recently slammed the LTTE for breaking international law by using civilians as a buffer against government forces.

Human right groups and the United Nations have repeatedly accused the Tigers of recruiting child soldiers and sending them to the frontlines.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/August2245743CH.html

Sri Lanka ready to hold Champions Trophy

With the ICC finding it tough to convince apprehensive cricketers on touring Pakistan for next month's Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka today said it was ready to hold the tournament even at a short notice.

"We are ready to hold the Champions Trophy as we are the alternate venue for the tournament," Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Duleep Mendis said.

"We are in a position to hold the Champions Trophy as Sri Lankais the alternative venue for the ICC event," he added.

SLC officials feel that all the grounds are in good condition as the Indian cricket tour is currently on in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, a meeting took place on Wednesday at the ICC's offices in Dubai to discuss the preparations for the Champions Trophy The event, which is scheduled from September 11 to 28, is facing an uncertain future after Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand, raised concerns over touring Pakistan due to the security situation.

This is despite the ICC taking a decision on July 24 to hold the championship in Pakistan after getting assurance offull security to the players.

Yesterday's meeting at Dubai discussed feedback from task team briefings with stakeholders from England, Australia and New Zealand.

Extracted from,
http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf

Troops enter strategic Thunukkai town

Video Source,
SLRC

Army troops attached to the 57 Division yesterday entered the strategically important Thunukkai town, an alternative hideout of LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in the Western flank of the Mullaitivu district, west of the Jaffna-Kandy A-9 road and are continuing search operation to flush out Tiger cadres, military sources told the Daily News last night.

"The fall of Thunukkai is imminent by Friday afternoon as troops are flushing out Tiger cadres," Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka said. Meanwhile, military sources said that intermittent clashes erupted yesterday too with the LTTE, as troops entered this strategically important town to gain full control of it.

Sources said troops were poised for more clashes as LTTE was offering stiff resistance towards the advancing troops as they are on the verge of losing one of their strongholds in the Wanni.

Thunukkai is on the Mankulam-Vellankulam Road which connects the Jaffna-Kandy A-9 Road to the North Western coast. The capture of Thunukkai will mark a huge milestone in the Security Forces' efforts to liberate the entire North from LTTE clutches as it would be a giant leap towards reaching the Tiger heartland Kilinochchi.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/22/news02.asp

Security Forces breach outer LTTE defences of Nachchikuda

Latest reports arriving from the Nachchikuda battlefront indicates that that troops of Task Force 01, fighting their way into the enemy territory on the Mannar- Poonaryn road (A-32) on the Kilinochchi southern front have reached the outer defences of Nachchikudha amid heavy resistance from the LTTE terrorists.

Troops have succeeded in taking control of a 1 km stretch of the earth hump made by the LTTE, located in the Vannerikkulam area, east of Nachchikudha, Ministry of Defence said on its website a while ago.

Fierce fighting throughout the day had resulted in 12 terrorists being killed and 15 wounded, according to intercepted LTTE radio transmissions.

Four soldiers were reported injured in the battle.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6784&Itemid=44

You forgot something, Mr. Blake!

There is hardly any difference between an aid-dependent country and a house of ill fame. Both have to leave their doors ajar so that the rich and powerful could enter at will. They have to shut up and entertain the unspeakable moneybags so that they will be paid for the services rendered, whether they like it or not. Else, they run the risk of losing the easy dosh of shame and being branded sinners and stoned in public.

When States are reduced to the level of women of easy virtue, the first thing they lose is their sovereignty and dignity. They end up being, as a local saying goes, bananas without the skin pecked by every crow––ambassadorial or otherwise. They have no alternative but to grin and bear it.

It is reported that US Ambassador Robert Blake met the Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake on Wednesday. What they discussed has not been made public but it is said that the former stressed the importance of conducting free and fair elections in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces. The Foreign Ministry tells us that their meeting has led to no breach of protocol. So be it! After all, this is not the first time such an unusual meeting has taken place.

In 2005, we had President Mahinda Rajapaksa visiting the then Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao at her residence for a meeting! Earlier, an Indian High Commissioner had kept the late President J. R. Jayewardene under his diplomatic thumb. J. N. Dixit was his name. A vice president of the World Bank once treated President Chandrika Kumaratunga to a long lecture on good governance at an aid meeting which the latter attended by throwing protocol to the wind.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/22/editorial.html

Special security measures adopted in Sri Lanka elections

The Sri Lankan Army would be deployed in all four administrative districts in the North Central and Sabaragamuva (south eastern) provincial council elections to be held on Saturday, according to election watchdog here Thursday.

The deputy chief of People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi said that the Commissioner of Elections had assured them special security measures.

"The Commissioner said every possible step would be taken to ensure a free and fair poll. This would mean the deployment of the Army to ensure security and action to annul polling in any of polling station marred by violence or malpractice", Hettiarachchi said.

The election watchdog groups have blamed all major contesting parties for the breakdown of law and order in the areas.

The opposition groups have blamed the police for inaction which had led to the high level of violence.

The two snap elections are held to elect provincial councils for the two provinces for a five year period.

Analysts say the elections are meant to test the public approval of the Sri Lankan government's current military thrust against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels.

Extracted from,
http://calibre.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=318553381

Student shot dead at university in eastern Sri Lanka

A student belonging to the majority Sinhala community was shot dead at an university in predominantly Tamil minority eastern Sri Lanka by unidentified persons on Thursday night, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said.

The student was identified as a 27-year-old first year business management student attached to the Vandaramullai University in Batticaloa, 240 kilometres east of the capital Colombo.

The spokesman said it was not clear as to who was responsible for the shooting or the motive for the killing.

The shooting came as students belonging to the majority Sinhala community who have been selected to attend the university staged a protest in the capital, refusing to register at the university because they claim it is not safe.

The students selected to go to the university are asking the government to allow them to register in other universities in the south which are located in predominantly Sinhala areas.

Extracted from,
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/227302,student-shot-dead-at-university-in-eastern-sri-lanka.html

2-Sri Lanka-flagged ship sinks in Bay

A ship carrying more than 3,000 tonnes of rice from India sank near the outer anchorage of Bangladesh's Chittagong port on Wednesday, port officials said.

They said the Sri Lanka-flagged vessel Badulu Valley was in collision with an empty, anchored Chinese oil tanker called Heng Zhou, and sank in the Bay of Bengal during the afternoon.

Port officials had earlier said the vessel was carrying a Singapore flag.

Port officials had also earlier given the name of the vessel as M.V. Batulu but the agent for the ship later corrected this.

"The ship sank in the bay with its 17 crew on board," a port official said.

Tugboats from the port authority and the Bangladesh Navy rescued 16 crew members, he said, but the fate of the remaining member was unknown.

Read more,
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?

SRI LANKA'S UNION ASSURANCE NET PROFIT UP 63 PCT

Sri Lanka's Union Assurance group June quarter net profit went up by 63 per cent, interim results released to the Colombo Stock Exchange showed.

Its after-tax profit rose to 49 million rupees (US$454,774) in the quarter from 30 million in the same period one year ago.

The firm's six month profits shot up 78 per cent to 90.3 million rupees.

Group revenue was up by 21 per cent to 1,368 million rupees during the three months ended June.

The gross written premium went up 14 per cent to 1,301 million while net written increased 11 per cent to 1,018 million rupees.

Union Assurance net claims and benefits for the 3-month period grew by 16 per cent to 821 million rupees.

Read more,
http://au.biz.yahoo.com/080821/17/1wq02.html

Sri Lanka eyes more travellers from the Middle East

A high level travel delegation from Sri Lanka, led by His Excellency Faizer Musthapha, Sri Lanka�s Deputy Minister of Tourism will target prominent countries in the Gulf including UAE and Qatar in a bid to attract increased leisure traffic. During the four-day visit between 24th and 27th August, HE Musthapha will meet large scale hospitality industry operators including tour operators and travel agencies.

�The Middle East is one of our major travel origin markets and in 2008 we have seen significant growth from this market. We are increasing our marketing and promotion drive by carrying out a year round campaign to increase our share of leisure visitors and further increase awareness about our country�s tourism attractions,� said HE Musthapha.

HE Mustapha�s visit denotes the importance Sri Lanka attaches to this market and its growth potential. Destination Sri Lanka recently reported a surge in tourist industry arrivals. The highest performer during the period was the Middle East, which registered an increase of 80.6% in comparison with 2007. HE Mustapha�s visit is expected to impact positively on the number of tourist arrivals from the Middle East.

Read more,
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/08/21/3612192.htm

Wanni operation 20 th August 2008

Source,
SLRC

Lankan Prez declares war will continue until last Tiger is killed

Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa has declared that the military campaign against Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will continue 'until the last rebel is killed or every inch of land is captured'.

President Rajapaksa made these remarks while addressing an election rally of his United People Freedom Alliance (UPFA) at Ruwanwella in Sabaragamuwa province.

'We liberated the eastern province and will liberate the north too very shortly. There is no turning back under any circumstances or influence now, until every inch of land is recaptured and each and every terrorist is killed or captured,' the state-run Daily News quoted the president as saying at the rally.

Pointing out that it was by no means an easy task and that the troops have to face 'daunting challenges and obstacles as they proceed', the president however, expressed hope that 'they would end up victoriously'.

Remarks by President Rajapaksa, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, has come at a time when advancing troops are locked in fierce fighting with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the north.

Meanwhile, the defence ministry said in a report Tuesday that the LTTE launched heavy artillery attacks, targeting troops manning the defences at Muhamalai and Nagarkovil areas in Jaffna peninsula, leaving three soldiers dead and two wounded Monday.

'The troops responded with artillery and rocket fire and brought the situation under control. Three soldiers were killed in the attack,' the ministry said Tuesday.

Read more,
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0808204370180037.htm

LTTE fighting (a losing battle) for Kilinochchi

Despite fierce resistance, the LTTE's last bastion in the Northwestern coast at Nachchikudah may fall in the coming days. LTTE took steps to reinforce Nachchikudah with fighters from the Jaffna FDL. They have also dug a large trench from Nachchikudah to the interior of Karachchi situated in Kilinochchi District (to the northeast).

The trench war is seen primarily in Mannar and the Northern FDL where tank and Mechanized Infantry Units are lurking. However, it should be a matter of time before the trench is infiltrated by 58 troops specially trained for the task.

Special Forces and 3 Commando Regiment troops have started ambushing reinforcements from Kilinochchi to Nachchikuda, Tunukkai and Mallavi. The route from Kilinochchi to Nachchikuda/Uylankulam, Tunukkai and Mallavi is being infiltrated by Special Forces and 3 Commando elite teams on a regular basis. This is in addition to regular troop operations.

Read more,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/08/ltte-fighting-for-kilinochchi.html

Toronto non-profit raised millions for Tamil Tigers

A Toronto non-profit group wired more than $3-million to overseas bank accounts, some of them linked to the Tamil Tigers, before it was shut down by the government in June for alleged terrorist financing, says an RCMP report released yesterday.

The report, marked "Secret" but unsealed by order of a Federal Court judge, provides the first detailed look at the banking activities of the World Tamil Movement (WTM), a Toronto-based group accused of bankrolling Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers guerrillas.

Most of the money, $1.9-million, went to an account at the Bumiputra Commerce Bank in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that the RCMP report says "is utilized as a vehicle to forward money to the LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] from Canada."

The 83-page financial report is the fruit of two years of analysis of banking records seized by Canadian anti-terrorism police who are investigating a financial network run by supporters of the Tamil Tigers that allegedly raised money in Canada to buy arms for the guerrillas.

Read more,
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=732309

Ariyalai Paddy-Fields in HSZ Released for Cultivation

THE SRI LANKA ARMY, honouring the commitments given to public authorities in Jaffna, has released a total of 103 acres of cultivable paddy-fields under the High Security Zone (HSZ) in the eastern Ariyalai area between railway tracks and A-9 road, on the instructions of Jaffna Commander Major General G.A Chandrasiri.

A total of 73 farmers registered in the Eastern Ariyalai Farmers’ Society began their tilling work in the newly released paddy-fields on Sunday (17) after they were conducted to the area by civil coordinating officers of the 51 Division. Those farmers are to receive a special identity card in view of security concerns.

Read more,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15369

A tale of two terrorists

Pushpa Kamal Dahal has shifted from the Prachandapath to the democratic path in Nepal. He was sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister on Monday. Better known as Prachanda (the fierce one), Dahal waged a protracted bloody war which left thousands of people dead in a bid to create a communist state. He was responsible for turning a ragtag band of rebels into a fully equipped military outfit capable of bringing a government to its knees.

Prachandra was a terrorist with a difference, though. He was aware of limits to his violent campaign, which could not drag on forever. He was wise enough to choose the path of peace in 2006 and to win the hearts and minds of the people. The transition of the Maoist movement to mainstream politics was, by and large, smooth and in April, Prachanda secured the largest number of seats at the assembly elections. He, backed by several political parties, became the choice of the governing Constituent Assembly for premiership.

Prabhakaran and Prachanda, as well as their goals, are poles apart and their movements as different as chalk and cheese but Prachanda's transformation into a democrat as well as the subsequent cessation of mindless bloodletting should serve as a lesson for Prabhakaran and others embroiled in prolonged violent campaigns.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/20/editorial.html

The Devil You Know

So far this year, the LTTE has lost nearly 6,000 dead, while the army has lost nearly 600 soldiers. In the last two years, since the ceasefire collapsed, the LTTE has had over 9,000 of its fighters killed, while the army has lost nearly 1,800 dead. In that time, LTTE controlled territory has shrunk from 15,000 square kilometers, to 4,000.

The LTTE personnel and territorial losses are accelerating because the LTTE can no longer maintain a "front line" of bunkers. The army is thus able to move deep into LTTE controlled territory, taking towns and major bases the LTTE depend on to recruit troops and extract supplies, especially food. Over the last few months, over 100,000, mostly Tamil, civilians up north have fled their homes and are being housed in refugee camps. The LTTE population losses mean fewer recruits, and less armed resistance to the army.

The air force and navy have crippled LTTE smuggling efforts, but not eliminated them. Tamil fishermen from India are still willing to risk arrest or injury to move weapons, medicine and diesel fuel to LTTE controlled beaches in northern Sri Lanka. The fee paid for these trips has been going up from about $1,000 to over $2,000. But the blockade has eliminated the use of cargo ships for these supply runs. So instead of getting hundreds of tons of supplies at time, the LTTE has to be satisfied with a few tons.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080818.aspx

M.I.A. ACCUSED OF QUESTIONABLE LYRICS & ARTWORK USE: Sri Lankan/American hip-hop artist, DeLon, also links her to terrorist group.

Sri Lankan/American hip-hop artist, DeLon, questions Interscope recording artist, M.I.A. (Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam), for using images representative of the terrorist group, The Liberation Tiger Tamils of Eelam (LTTE).

The LTTE has long been recognized by the FBI as one of the deadliest terrorist groups in the world, and has been credited with the perfection of the use of suicide bombers, invention of the suicide belt, mass recruitment of child soldiers, and pioneering the use of women in suicide attacks.

The LTTE is only terrorist organization to have assassinated two world leaders.

On July 29, 2008, DeLon posted his remixed version of M.I.A's song, "Paper Planes" on YouTube. The educational video contained graphic evidence of M.I.A's imagery and usage of the symbols of the LTTE.

Within 12 hours of release, the video drew over 10,000 user views and comments. Hours later, Interscope under the Universal Music Group (UMG) umbrella, had the video removed from YouTube for "endangerment" of M.I.A.'s reputation as a "Freedom Fighter." Subsequently, DeLon is filing a lawsuit against UMG for infringement of his 1st Amendment rights. On July 31, 2008, the video was made available for download at: http://public.me.com/ceylonrecords and generated over 6,000 downloads in just 2 hours.

Read more,
http://eurweb.com/story/eur46284.cfm

Mendis an unusual spinner, says Dhoni

India one-day captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has conceded it was not easy to read Sri Lanka's unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis.

"When you are playing Mendis, you have to save wickets and get runs as well. It gets a bit tough. Even Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan) was difficult some time back, but Mendis is a bit more unusual than him," said Dhoni.

Mendis played a key role in his team's eight-wicket win over India in the first one-dayer of the five-match series, finishing with 3-21 off nine overs to restrict the tourists to 146.

Sri Lanka achieved the modest target with more than 15 overs to spare, with the man-of-the-match award going to Mendis.

"It's difficult to pick him (Mendis). He is a very different bowler. Even if you pick him, by the time you realise what ball it is, it gets really late to play a big shot," said Dhoni.

"In one-day cricket, it is not only about playing him but also rotating the strike because you don't want a bowler to end up with 10 overs for 20 runs. We need to find a way to rotate the strike.

"I have not seen any bowler like him. He is an unusual bowler. The only option right now is to play more and more of him and that's the only way of getting better."

The Indian captain said losing early wickets affected his team's chances of posting a decent total.

Read more,
http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=507341

Confusion over insurance policy for Lankan maids

Even as the Sri Lankan government's landmark insurance policy aimed at protecting the rights of housemaids took effect in the UAE on Sunday, several recruitment agents approached the Sri Lankan consulate in Dubai on Monday and expressed concern over its implementation.

Consulate officials, on the other hand, have promised to look into the matter and "iron out" any issues.

Lankan authorities signed an agreement with the Oman Insurance Company to provide insurance cover to housemaids in the UAE.

Angry agents gathered on Monday morning and alleged that the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in the UAE had not made any efforts to disseminate information among the sponsors, be they nationals or expatriates.

In a written petition to the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment, about 15 agencies expressed fear that instead of the sponsor, they would have to shell out the Dh200 annual premium for the compulsory "life and personal accident insurance."

"If sponsors aren't informed of the new policy, then we would be compelled to pay the insurance premium. The missions must coordinate with the UAE government and other authorities concerned to raise awareness about the new policy, insisting that the costs must be borne by the local sponsor," said an agent based in Ajman.

They also wanted the insurance to cover travel costs of housemaids returning home within three months of their arrival in the UAE.

Khaleej Times had reported in July that the new cover to enhance protection and social security of the island nation's domestic sector workers overseas, would come into effect by mid-August in the UAE.

Read more,
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?

CRIMINALS INVENT BETTER FRAUD METHODS TO CLONE CREDIT CARDS AFTER LTTE AGENT IS SENT TO JAIL

After a week, a British criminal court has convicted a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) agent, who is non-Tamil, for cloning 500 credit cards at a gasoline filling station. A special unit of the police raided a factory that produces chips that will be inserted into card reading machines as a mole, better suited for the crime than the pin hole cameras used earlier.

A week ago, Abdul Samad Mohamed Raik was convicted by the criminal court of Leicestershire for helping the LTTE to steal 175,000 British pounds from ATM machines all over the world. Barely a single household on Houghton on the Hill, Leicestershire escaped the Tamil Tiger scam.

Two other Muslim men, Ibrar Hussain and Mohamed Mahmood were arrested when Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime unit of the Metropolitan Police of London raided at Burmingham a “sophisticated counterfeit card factory” as described by the police. Police said so far they do not know whether the two men arrested are connected to a terrorist organization.

In this method, unlike in the earlier method of recording the credit card and pin numbers with a pin hole camera-like device while a customer buys merchandise at a filling station or a shop, the criminals would remove the card reading device, insert a mole inside and replace it at original places.

The police said the devices they install inside the card reading machines are so high-tech that they could transmit the card numbers and the related pin numbers to a mobile phone.

Cards are then cloned and used abroad in countries including USA, Italy, Australia. In most countries, like in Britain, they do not even need numbers to withdraw money using credit or debit cards.

A raid on houses found stolen chip and pin terminals, card account numbers, card readers and counterfeit magnetic strip cards.

The criminals either by getting employment at filling stations, shops, etc. stole card reading machines, installed the “moles” inside and put them back at their original places. The police said they removed the machines by intimidation or bribes to the staff. In other cases, they have posed as engineers and removed the machine for an “upgrade.”

Read more,
http://www.tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=6789

Snyman to coach Sri Lanka

One of the most successful and respected rugby coaches in South Africa, Dawie Snyman, is on his way to Sri Lanka.

OFM Sport reported on Sunday that Snyman, who coached Western Province and won the Currie Cup five consecutive times from 1982 to 1986, has been named coach of Sri Lanka's Sevens, 15-man and Under-20 rugby teams. Norman Laker will be Snyman's assistant coach.

Snyman is currently the head coach of Paul Roos who were beaten 47-15 by Grey College in a FNB Classic Clash in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Snyman is also a former Springbok Sevens and Lions coach. His first task will be to coach the Sri Lanka Sevens team which will take part in the World Cup qualifying Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong on October 4 and 5.

Extracted from,
http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Rugby/0,,2-9-838_2377614,00.html

LTTE's 'Jeevan Base' falls to Security Forces- Welioya

LTTE terrorists sustained another heavy blow on Saturday (August 16) when troops of the 59 Division operating ahead of the Welioya battlefront in the Eastern Wanni frontier forced into 'Jeevan Base' a large underground training facility of LTTE at around 4.30 p.m.

Jeevan base was located in general area Andankulama, and was known as a major LTTE underground training facility consisting at least 100 bunker defences, security sources said.

Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said, that 67 tombs of deceased terrorists were also found at the underground bunker complex which also consisted of 4 main buildings each with an area of 1250sq.m2.

The LTTE bunkers were constructed with thick concrete to sustain heavy artillery fire and aerial bombardments security sources said adding that troops have also come across 4 torture cells used by the LTTE during subsequent search operations. More information will follow.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080817_01
Video Source,
ITN

Govt ready to shelter civilians fleeing Wanni battle

As fighting intensifies and the security forces move forward in the Wanni to capture the LTTE’s heartland, the government said it was fully geared to provide facilities for an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 civilians trapped in uncleared areas.

Despite food and medicine going into the hands of the LTTE, the government will continue to supply essential food items for civilians in the Wanni.

Government Agents of Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar have been instructed by the Senior Advisor MP Basil Rajapaksa and Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Samarasinghe to prepare an assessment to expedite the humanitarian assistance for those who flee uncleared areas.

Over 12,000 civilians who fled uncleared areas during the past two months have been provided with all basic facilities.

The Wanni Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Jagath Jayasooriya said that arrangements had been made to provide facilities for civilians fleeing uncleared areas and the sites to set up new IDP centres had been already earmarked.

“We have instructed the GAs to inform civilians that the security forces are moving into the Wanni and asked them to abandon the uncleared areas as facilities have been arranged to welcome them”, he said.

He said that there would not be a food crisis in the Wanni as the government sent all essential food items through GAs, NGOs and INGOs.

“The GAs have confirmed that there is no scarcity of food whatsoever in these areas”, he said.

Maj. Gen. Jayasooriya said that civilians who come to government controlled areas would initially be sheltered in schools and religious places while they would be provided all basic facilities and housed in IDP centres to be set up soon. “We have facilities to accommodate all new IDPs”, he said.

Read more,
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/08/17/pol01.asp

A Rescue Mission by SLAF

Video Source,
http://www.youtube.com/user/kkair



Video Source,
SLRC

Original Source,
http://www.defence.lk/videos/20080815Rescue.wmv

Read more about the mission,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/08/lrrp-recue-video-posted-on-defencelk.html
and
http://www.rivira.lk/2008/08/17/ranabima.htm

Striped Icarus’ airstrip

An accelerated project the LTTE has launched to build a clandestine airstrip capable of taking heavy aircraft in Mullaitivu has raised many an eyebrow in defence circles. LTTE cadres, as we reported yesterday, are said to be carrying out construction work like beavers with the help of heavy machinery day and night, paying scant regard to their vulnerability to airstrikes. Why are the Tigers in a mighty hurry to build such an airstrip at this juncture?

There are several possibilities. The LTTE is trapped in the Wanni with its sea and land supply routes being severed effectively. The on-going military onslaughts to clear the A-32 land route on the North-western seaboard and to block the LTTE’s access to the sea on the North-eastern littoral are a frightening proposition for Prabhakaran, who is also facing a military thrust targeting the soft underbelly of his Kilinochchi bastion. The army is poised to launch an offensive on the Muhamalai front anytime. Therefore, it may be argued that the LTTE may be trying to have an aerial escape route open for its leaders, should push come to shove.

It may also be that the LTTE is expecting an emergency consignment of military material to be delivered by a huge cargo carrier for the final battle in Kilinochchi. The possibility of a rescue operation with help from an external source cannot also be ruled out. It could also be that the LTTE has in its possession larger planes than the ones it has unveiled and it is planning to take them out as the last resort for some unknown mission. The runway project could even be a ploy to distract the SLAF from other targets or to lure it into a trap.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/16/editorial.html

AUSTRALIAN LTTE FRONT TO SCREEN A FILM TO PROMOTE SUICIDE TERRORISM

A Brisbane front organization of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) will be screening a documentary film promoting suicide terrorism in the Australian city, the Brisbane Activist Center has announced.

The center announced, “This fascinating documentary is an exceedingly rare, inside look at an organization that most of the world has blacklisted as a terrorist group.”
Made by the Norwegians , who are extremely sympathetic to the LTTE , the film has been described a strong argument for the suicide terrorism, which has been condemned flatly in the other parts of the world.

Entitled ,”My Daughter the Terrorist” the documentary film justifies the existence of the suicide terrorists called “Black Tigers” and is accused of telling one sided story about the most feared walking bombs whose most famous victim had been India’s former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who was killed by a woman suicide bomber at a place called Siriperumbudur, in the outskirts of the Tamil nadu city of Chennai.

Many suicide bombers have been found to be former child soldiers who had been kidnapped or taken without the will of their parents from their homes and schools, human rights activists have accused. The desolate children then eventually will be trained to be suicide bombers.

Read more,
http://www.spur.asn.au/

LTTE downfall imminent as more strongholds fall

*Tigers in propaganda campaign to halt Forces' advance;
*Civilians forcibly kept for use as human shield

There were many predictions two years ago when the Security Forces commenced military operations against the LTTE, that the Security Forces were going after the illusionary task of defeating the LTTE militarily.

But those predictions have become invalid with today's status quo of the military operations as troops go ahead with their military operations, unaffected by criticism and dire predictions, capturing those 'impregnable' fortresses one after the other.

There is a miraculous change in the attitude of those critics, within the past few weeks with reports indicating that the downfall of the LTTE is imminent at the hands of the Security Forces.

This sudden change of attitude came after the Security Forces stepped into the Kilinochchi district along the Mannar Pooneryn A-32 road after completing their mission of liberating the Mannar district.

Statistics indicate that the area under LTTE control has been reduced from 15,000 square kilometres two years back to 4,000 square kilometres reducing its fighting strength to 5,000 cadres.

Not only are they facing defeat in the North East but also facing setbacks internationally too losing their international support base with many countries banning the LTTE as a terror organisation and stopping funding sources of the organisation.

As the humiliating defeat of the LTTE is imminent it has commenced a desperate campaign to tarnish the image of the Security Forces, risking the lives of the innocent civilians trapped in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/15/fea03.asp

Tunukkai about to fall

The strategic town of Tunukkai is about to fall. Sources indicated to this site that the town will fall within the next day or two. Already, small groups of Tigers are trying to escape the town as the army bypassed it and lay in ambush behind the town. Defence sources say that Tigers might abandon Tunukkai to fight another day and defend Kilinochchi.

If Tunukkai falls in the next few days, it won't take long for Mallavi to also fall. The fall of Mallavi will result in the fall of Mankulam on the A9. If the Army reaches the jungles at Mankulam and Kokavil, Kilinochchi will become untenable.

The Army took over control of the Vellankulam Tunukkai road last month. They are now in control of the Mulangavil-Tunukkai road. Units have also ventured into the Mallavi-Murugandi road. There is a famous Pullayar/Ganesha Kovil at Murugandi.

Read more,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/08/tunukkai-about-to-fall.html

Security forces positioned in striking distances to Kilinochchi: LTTE loses grip over Administration hub at Mulankavil

The valiant troops of the 58 Division flanking the Western coastal boundary of the Wanni battlefront advancing in the Kilinochchi District along the A-32 Mannar -Pooneryn trunk road yesterday (Wednesday) gained control over a main terror bastion township, Mulankavil.

The LTTE garrison town of Mulankavil came under security forces control following intense fighting between troops and LTTE over days reportedly killing 20 terrorists including an area LTTE leader Thennaman. Security forces came victorious as no fatalities were caused during the pitched battles.

Mulankavil was the second most important administrative hub next to Kilinochchi for the last decade and a large township in the western coast, 58 Division Commander Brigadier Shaveendra Silva said speaking to defence.lk.

The Mahaviru day celebrations last year was held in the central ground at Mulankavil he said adding that the Pongu Tamil festivals were also consistently held at the location. This was also declared as the 'Mahaviru Town' by the LTTE security sources said.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080814_04
Videos,
SLRC

“Nobody Dares to Speak Against LTTE in Wanni” – Surrendered LTTE Cadre

“TIGER LEADERS are using thousands of child soldiers for war. They recruit children directly from schools. Parents and teachers are helpless and nobody dares to speak against LTTE orders or their diktats. Wanni people are now fully disgusted with the LTTE and they do not trust them any longer,” so says a 21 year old Tiger surrendee to the Army troops in Jaffna.

The surrendered Tiger cadre, identified as “Thileepan” in the organization was nineteen years of age when he was forcibly taken away by Tigers during a pilgrimage he has made to Madhu in the company of his mother and sisters in the year 2006. The surrendee who claimed that he was for peace and does not want to resort to violence, further told the Army in his confessions, the following;

“Senior LTTE men, operative from the rear of their defences are used to send new recruits to the front as canon fodder. Tigers are not capable of resisting attacks of the troops. LTTE members are now tired of fighting against well-trained government troops. They are now withdrawing. Their “Eelam Dream” is confined only to a dream. They will never achieve it.”

Read more,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15278

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ACCUSES TAMIL TIGERS OF USING CIVILIANS AS A BUFFER, VIOLATING INTERNATIONAL LAW

The London based Amnesty International accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who are in control of Sri Lanka’s Northern Wanni area, of designing measures to use civilians as a buffer against government forces - a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

Amnesty International, in a statement said, “In the LTTE-controlled Wanni area, the Tigers have hindered thousands of families from moving to safer places by imposing a strict pass system and, in some instances, forcing some family members to stay behind to ensure the return of the rest of the family. These measures seem designed in part to use civilians as a buffer against government forces - a serious violation of international humanitarian law.”

Amnesty International also accused the Tamil Tigers of recruiting people to fight unwillingly in its statement: “The LTTE has also engaged in forced recruitment.”

The organization also criticized the Sri Lanka government of keeping the refugees in camps and not allowing them to go freely, except for children to go to school. “Amnesty International has also received reports that the government is housing those who have been able to leave LTTE areas in temporary shelters that often operate as de facto detention centers. Witnesses from Kalimoddai camp in Mannar district told Amnesty International that more than 200 families who are held there cannot exit the camp for any reason (except to go to school) without obtaining a pass from the government's security forces.”

While seeing to the shelter, food and sanitary needs of the people, the government forces also have to see to the security of the refugees and the surrounding areas, since it was the practice of the LTTE to send saboteurs with refugees in the Eastern Province, military sources said.

Read more,
http://www.tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=6758

Cheap Kills

The LTTE is losing the support of expatriate Sri Lankan Tamils. Even in India, where the Tamils originally came from, more and more LTTE operatives are being hunted down and arrested. In the last two years, India has arrested 55 LTTE operatives. In the last week, key members of a gunrunning operation were arrested. In Europe, there are now public demonstrations against the LTTE, something that would have been impossible a few years ago, because LTTE enforcers were present to punish those Tamils who were "unpatriotic."

The casualties have been low this year (a few hundred dead and wounded a week), but consistently in favor of the army (about ten LTTE dead for each government one). Every week, the LTTE loses ground. Three years ago, the LTTE controlled over fifteen percent of Sri Lanka, now they have only about six percent (4,000 square kilometers). The Tamil population in this area numbers about 200,000 (a little over one percent of the national population).

The government continues to allow food and other supplies to pass into LTTE controlled territory, as it always has, and the LTTE tries to force civilians to move with them when the army advances into LTTE territory.

Read more,
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080810.aspx

Chintana Vidanage in action this morning

CHINA: Commonwealth Games and South Asian Games gold medallist Chinthana Vidanage will be seen in action in the weight lifting competition on day four of the XX1Xth Olympic Games here today.

Vidanage, who created Sri Lanka history with back to back medals at the South Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, will have a tough task when he competes under Group C in men’s 69 kg category of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games weightlifting competition at Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Gymnasium (BUAA) Gymnasium here at 10 a.m. today. The Lankan weightlifter looked determined on the eve of his pet event. “I have been training hard, putting a lot of effort to prepare for the Olympics.

But I know Olympics is a big event and the things are highly competitive here. It is not going to be easy but I am focused on my event to do my best,” Vidanage said after a light work out.

Sri Lanka shooter Edirisinghe M. Senanayake, placed 48th in the men’s 10m air pistol event on Saturday, is making preparations for his pet event - the men’s 50m pistol. Senanayake is due to have his final training session today before he fires at the men’s 50m air pistol qualification round at the Beijing Shooting Range commencing tomorrow from 6.30 a.m.

Tomorrow will be a D-day for Sri Lanka as boxer Anuruddha Ratnayake will take on Latin American silver medallist Robeniison Vieira of Brazil in the first round of the men’s 51kg flyweight event at the Workers’ Gymnasium here.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/11/news30.asp
Photo,
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news%5C2006%5C3%5C6054_image_headline.html

Mendis sets record as India slump

Spin sensation Ajantha Mendis broke a 62-year-old record to help Sri Lanka close in on a series win over India.

India lead the hosts by just 14 runs after being reduced to 161-5 in their second innings on day three of the third and final Test in Colombo.

Earlier, Kumar Sangakkara was finally out for 144 in Sri Lanka's 396.

Mendis's two wickets, which included Sachin Tendulkar, took his series total to 25 and broke Alec Bedser's record for the most wickets in a debut series.

"It is a phenomenal achievement. He came in when Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan) needed support and he rose to the occasion well," said Sangakkara.

"He has gone beyond our expectations and the important thing for him is to keep learning."

Read more,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7552523.stm

Assassinating Rajiv Gandhi was a big blunder by a short-sighted LTTE

The newly elected chief minister of Sri Lanka’s eastern provincial council was a child soldier in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), only 15 years old, when former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in May 1991. In his first interview with an Indian newspaper, S. Santira Kanthan, alias Pillayan, calls the assassination a big mistake on the part of LTTE. Edited excerpts:

What made you join the LTTE and what do you think about it now?
I joined the LTTE in 1991 when I was 15 years old and I thought that through the armed struggle, we could achieve the rights of the Tamil people.

One time the LTTE was very strong, the people believed that it was the only hope for the Tamils, but now they are struggling. That is why the people ended up voting for us.

Why did you leave the LTTE?

In 2004, differences between the northern and eastern provinces became accentuated. I am very attached to the Eastern Province people because I was born there and I know how they were discriminated by the LTTE. I knew that it would be difficult to get Tamil Eeelam (independent homeland for which the Tamil rebels are battling) because the LTTE started killing their own Tamil people. The killing of Rajiv Gandhi was a big blunder which we will never be able to rectify. We lost the dream of Tamil Eelam and left the LTTE and thought better to start a political party through which we can get the aspirations of the Tamil-speaking people (fulfilled).

Where were you when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated?
I was in the LTTE training camp.

Read more,
http://www.livemint.com/2008/08/10234519/Assassinating-Rajiv-Gandhi-was.html

Most Tamils are not Tigers

It has often been said that while all Tigers are Tamils, all Tamils are not Tigers. However threadbare the cliché may be, this is almost wholly true although it is increasingly evident that some Sinhalese are very much in the pay of the Tigers. But it is a fact of life in this civil war-torn country, where a terrorist strike by the LTTE at anytime, anywhere, is a stark possibility, extraordinary security measures that burden ordinary people, have to be taken. Yet it is not acceptable that when such restrictions, checks and investigations are enforced, that people of one community are singled out for special attention.

We carry an article today about one such instance of a woman who has worked for many years in two garment factories in the outskirts of Colombo, who while headed for her home in Badulla, suffered the nightmare of being held for nearly two days in a police station until her employer was able to establish her bona fides and get her released. The story also indicates varying degrees of kindness to the detainees in the police station that would have certainly helped blunt the bitterness such incidents inevitably create.

Reading the report of the travails of those held for checking, a problem that too many Tamils mostly from the estate areas often suffer, there is a clear impression created that these checks are replete with a great deal of unnecessary bureaucratic procedures. Sometimes the so-called ``suspects’’ are produced in court or, more commonly, a lot of time is spent in deciding whether they should be produced. Meanwhile they continue to be held by the police in stations that are not equipped to hold large numbers.

Read more,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/10/editorial.html

6 suspected LTTE operatives held in Chennai

At least six suspected Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operatives were arrested here on Saturday, the police said.

A number of fake number plates and other materials were seized from the suspects, according to the police.

The detentions were the consequence of the 10-day-old arrest of LTTE operative Thambinna alias Daniel, police sources said.

Extracted from,
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14737182

Air Force destroy 3 LTTE nerve centers in Wanni

Sri Lanka Air Force carried out 3 historic air missions targeting 3 of the LTTE's most vital nerve centers in the Wanni during last few hours, said the defence sources.

According to Air Force spokesperson , Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the first of the triple air raids was carried out last midnight targeting the LTTE's Sea Tiger forward operating base at Nagasivanthurai in Poonaryn.

"LTTE occupations near Nagasivanthurai Jetty , a Radar point and a boatyard was destroyed in this mission carried out by MI 24 helicopters", he said. Speaking further the said that the target was operated as a forward reconnaissance centre by the LTTE.

The defence intelligence sources said that the targeted location has gained highest strategic importance in LTTE's military plans of late, aimed at avoiding the impending military defeat.

The second air raid was conducted by fighter jets at 9.55 AM targeting the main operation centre of the LTTE's intelligence wing located at Iranapalai, North of Puthukkudiyiruppu, in the Mullaittiuvu district. According to the defence intelligence sources, the target was one of the most secured terror base with the highest strategic importance to the LTTE.

Air Force spokesperson citing after-mission reports confirmed the target was destroyed.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080809_03

Heroes of our times

The 16th death anniversary of the late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa, the legendary War Hero of our times and eight other military leaders including Major General Wijaya Wimalaratne and Rear Admiral Mohan Jayamaha falls today (August 8).

Lieutenant Colonel H.R Stephen, Lieutenant Colonel G.H. Ariyarathne, Lieutenant Colonel Y.N. Palipana, Lieutenant Commander Asanga Lankathilaka, Major Nalin de Alwis, Lieutenant Commander C.B. Wijepura and Private W.J. Wickremasinghe were the other war heroes who perished in an LTTE terrorist blast at Araly point, Jaffna.

Kobbekaduwa the veteran soldier was fondly loved by his officers and soldiers alike. He was also equally loved by a majority of Sri Lankans of Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic and Islam denominations.

His untimely demise shocked the Nation as people plunged into shock and grief when the radio broke the news on that fateful day. A sea of mourners and patriots attended his final funeral rites.

Kobbekaduwa was deeply loved by his subordinates for his inspirational leadership and humanity. The massive crowds at his funeral proved the love and respect that people had towards him. His demise drove the entire country into mourning.

Read more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080808_03
Video Source,
SLRC

Tigers Do another “Vakare” on Mullaittivu Hospital

TIGER (LTTE) propaganda lobbyists appear to be once again doing overtime to tarnish the image of advancing Sri Lanka Army troops in MULLAITTIVU district, as fall of Tiger strongholds is imminent in the near future. This time it was MULLAITTIVU hospital.

The latest ruse by the Tigers has come to the fore with the publication of a story in their mouthpieces Friday (8) morning, claiming that troops in MULLAITIVU have fired artillery on MULLAITTIVU district hospital.

The Army categorically denies having fired any artillery rounds and contents of the LTTE canard. It also wishes to remind that Tiger terrorists in the same manner used the same tactic in VAKARE and MADHU when the troops were reaching VAKARE and MADHU areas. Terrorists in both those instances damaged the VAKARE hospital and most recently the sacred MADHU Shrine, just before the troops rolled in.

As of Friday (8), troops of the 59 Division are deployed in NITHKAYKULAM, about 15 km, south of MULLAITTIVU center and have in no way directed any artillery fire towards MULLAITTIVU or its suburbs, as stated in those false reports.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=15198

Tamilnet's latest lies

The Tamilnet website, manned by Pro-LTTE Tamil Diaspora 'journalists' continues inventing news stories favorable to their losing war. In one of its recent and most blatant lies, the website announced on Tuesday, August 2008, that '23 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and four wounded in a Claymore ambush at Periyavaddavaan in Tharavai (Thoppikkal) area in Batticaloa district Tuesday evening around 6:30'.

Supposedly, 'well informed sources in Batticaloa' had told this to TamilNet. The site goes on to claim that this 'is the first major ambush on SLA since the Sri Lankan forces occupied the Thoppikkal region an year ago'.

In a small line below the article, the site reveals the truth, that 'only one SLA soldier was killed in the ambush and three wounded'. Although these lies are clearly to a Diaspora audience, it reveals the dwindling quality of tamilnet's sources in the East. Comparatively speaking, Tamilnet sources in the Wanni still continues as evidenced by an article today alleging a shelling of an innocents house in the Wanni.

Read more,
http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/08/tamilnets-latest-lie.html

UN turns down LTTE ceasefire plea

The United Nations has turned down the LTTE request for the declaration of an immediate ceasefire, Government Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.

The LTTE had made the request to the UN on Thursday (7) and the UN had informed the Government of Sri Lanka about the request.

Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona was informed by the UN that the LTTE had made the request on an urgent basis stating that the government armed forces were attacking the Tamil people of the Kilinochchi District from two fronts, he said.

But the LTTE had not stated that they would lay down their arms in the event of a ceasefire, Rambukwella said.

Rambukwella also said the LTTE request had come in the wake of the increased assault on their positions by the armed forces in a bid to get the attacks stopped.

Extracted from,
http://www.island.lk/2008/08/09/news2.html

Kasargod: Subsidized Kerosene Diverted to LTTE from State?

The additional director general of police, Kerala intelligence wing, through an information sent to the police stations located in Kasargod and Kannur districts of the state, has shared with them the information, that a part of the subsides kerosene the government is supplying to the fishermen of the districts, is being sold to LTTE cadres for fuelling their activities.

The intelligence wing has learnt that Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) wants fuel to power its boats and that it has engaged agents in these districts to collect kerosene and pass on the same to the LTTE. The police have learnt that such agents have been active in places like Talangare, Bekal and Ayikal.

Many fishermen are frustrated to learn that huge quantities of this scarce commodity, for getting which they have to struggle a lot, is being sold at a premium to LTTE. It may be noted that the blue kerosene which as per rules, is sold only through ration shops for nine rupees a litre, is available for sale in other shops for around Rs 25 per litre.

Boats of Tamil fishermen from Srilanka who are sympathetic to the LTTE cause, come near the sea shores of Trivendrum and other places. The middlemen are believed to be supplying kerosene to the LTTE through these boats.

In the recent past, policemen have been able to confiscate huge stocks of illegally stored kerosene from various spots. 1,400 litres of kerosene had been seized by them recently from a house in Anangoor and arrested a person. This was subsidized kerosene. The police are keeping an eye on other suspects and continuing with their investigations.

Extracted from,
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?

LTTE continue to conscript children, fleeing civilians reveal

English Version,

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

sinhala Version,

"Prabhakaran's children were sent to schools in the West, our children are denied education and sent to battle."

Civilians arriving in the liberated areas in North seeking protection of the security forces after escaping from the grip of Tiger terrorists are accusing the LTTE for continuous forcible conscription of children as combatants.

It is also reported that the LTTE terrorists have intensified their campaign to conscript children as they are rapidly losing ground to the advancing troops of the security forces.

News reports from the Wanni battle front indicate that the LTTE has used the Thavanpiddi Waddakkandhal school premises to train children in combat activities. They have also built a separate facility at the main hall of the school for special training and named it Mahaweera Hall. It has been built to display bodies of child soldiers who were killed in fighting.

The LTTE has removed the roof of the school building. They have also ordered that text books issued to schools in the north to be destroyed, civilian sources revealed.

Read more,
http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/PANA-7HBDZQ?OpenDocument&RSS20=02-P
Video Source,
SLRC

LTTE links claimed as Sri Lankan scams entire English village

An English court has jailed a Sri Lankan man who defrauded an entire village apparently in order to pay back debts to a loan-shark with Tamil Tigers links.

Abdul Samad Mohamed Raik, a petrol station attendant in the village of Houghton on the Hill in southeast England, was jailed for two years and nine months Wednesday after he helped to clone more than 500 debit or credit cards to steal 175,000 pounds.

Barely a household in the village with a population of 1,500 escaped the scam, which was carried out over October-December last year.

Residents of the small village, which has a population of around 1,500, had no idea that they had been targeted until learning from their banks that their accounts had been plundered all around the globe.

Leicester Crown Court was told Wednesday that Raik, 33, used a fake card reader to copy the card details of not only villagers but also motorists passing through the area.

Read more,
http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20080807/890/twl-ltte-links-claimed-as-sri-lankan-sca.html

Spurt of arrests indicates LTTE's increasing dependence on Indian sources for war material

The sudden spurt in the arrests of Tamil Tigers and their Indian associates in Tamil Nadu indicates the growing dependence of the Sri Lankan group on India to source its war materials, foreign media reported quoting Indian official sources.

It is a widely know fact that the LTTE terrorists appear to have stepped up efforts to procure a variety of goods and equipment from Tamil Nadu.

"The Economic Times" reveals that since July 1, seven Indian and Sri Lankan Tamils each have been taken into custody in Tamil Nadu. Of the Sri Lankans, four were from the LTTE, including a senior leader of the Sea Tigers known as Thambi Anna.

Thambi Anna is described as one of the most senior LTTE operatives ever to be caught in Tamil Nadu.

Quoting the Indian Home Ministry the newspaper said that both the Intelligence Bureau and the Tamil Nadu police were involved in making some of the arrests, including that of Thambi Anna.

The seven Indians taken into custody are those who decided to assist the Tigers for monetary benefits. None of them appeared to be ideologically committed to the LTTE cause, it is reported.

The Indo-Asian News Service, quoting officials, said that from the equipment seized from the arrested men, it looked as if the Tigers might be changing their communication mode to weed out electronic infiltration by Colombo.

Read more,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6669&Itemid=44

“Cut off NGOs’ aid to LTTE”

Sri Lanka on Thursday reasserted there was no question of holdings talks or declare a ceasefire unless the LTTE lays down its weapons and demonstrates its genuine interest to negotiate.

Minister and spokesperson Keheliya Rembukwella said at a news conference “rumours” were spread during the recent SAARC Summit that security forces had halted the offensive in the north. “There is not an iota of truth in these rumours. As a matter of policy, the government is determined to weaken the LTTE militarily.” He claimed the police and security forces were engaged in a “humanitarian mission with a great determination to liberate Kilinochchi and Mullathivu...”

“The government has taken a policy decision to continue this humanitarian mission until all the innocent Tamil civilians are liberated from the LTTE. Till that [goal is achieved], the government will never go for negotiations or accept the conditions put forward by the terrorists,” he said.

Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara claimed the forces are advancing into the LTTE’s remaining strongholds in the north. In multiple assaults on LTTE strongholds, at least 10 LTTE cadre and one soldier were killed, and 36 Tigers injured. Separately, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said “denying LTTE access to INGO [International NGO] and NGO material” is a critical element in Sri Lanka’s efforts to destroy the group. In an interview to an English daily, he referred to concerns over the “use of heavy vehicles belonging to the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) by the LTTE for terror activities.”

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/08/stories/2008080856891500.htm

Navy raids LTTE Make-shift Camp on Iranathivu Island - One LTTE Boat destroyed, Four LTTE Cadres killed and Two LTTE Boats captured

Sri Lanka Navy’s Rapid Action Boats Squadron (RABS) and Special Boats Squadron (SBS) destroyed an LTTE make-shift camp located on Iranathivu Island off the North-western coast, destroying one LTTE boat, killing four LTTE cadres and capturing two LTTE boats, in the evening on the 02nd August 2008.

Naval troops upon observing the LTTE boats and cadre movements on the Iranathivu Island, had immediately engaged the enemy and their craft. Subsequently, naval troops landing on the Iranathivu island, destroyed an LTTE make-shift camp and captured two LTTE boats along with two OBMs left behind by the fleeing LTTE cadres under the naval fire. Simultaneously, naval craft engaged a cluster of LTTE boats hovering closer to the Nachchikudah beach and inflicted heavy damages to the enemy.

Meanwhile, the Navy’s elite Special Boats Squadron personnel made a swift landing on the Iranathivu island and secured the area by carrying out a special search operation. A stretcher, a haul of medical items, two cans full of fuel, and a tent were recovered by the naval personnel. A cleared building at the location bears the signs of having being recently used by the LTTE cadres. Two dinghies were found abandoned near the building and they are reported to have been used by the LTTE cadres to extort money from the local fishermen as “taxes” on their fish catch.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=928

Troops capture LTTE's last stronghold in Mannar District

Reaching to another significant milestone of the Wanni liberation operation, the heroic army soldiers in task Force 1 captured the Vellankulam town, the LTTE's last stronghold in Mannar District this afternoon, August 02.

According to the latest information received from the Mannar front, following the fierce gun battle occurred during last few day, troops have advanced into the Vellankulam town area this afternoon despite the stiff resistance given by the terrorists to protect the strategically important build-up area which has direct supply route between western cost and Mankulam via Thunukkai and Mallavi.

At least 30 LTTE terrorists were killed and more terrorists have withdrawn via see routs with their casualties due to the effective fire power launched by the troops, ground sources said.

Two main fortified LTTE camps were located in the Vellankulam town area and LTTE terrorists withdrawn loosing after Vidattaltivu and Illuppaikkadavai had reorganized in the Vellankulam area to make resistance for the advancing troops.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080802_06

Heavy clashes erupts in Wanni, troops encounter stiff resistance from terrorists

Heavy clashes have flared up in the South of Tunukkai and South of Mallavi areas since this morning (August 1), said the defence sources in the Vavuniya - Mannar battlefront.

According to the sources, troops of 57 division continuing their advance towards the strategically vital Tunukkai town and Mallavi town have come under stiff resistance from LTTE terrorists struggling to hold their strongholds. Terrorists have lobbed hundreds of mortars in order to slowdown the advancing soldiers. However, troops have effectively overpowered the terror attack and taken the situation under control, the sources added.

According to the available information, several soldiers have been killed and others suffered wounds due to the enemy mortar fire. The terrorists too have suffered serious damages. The battle is still on, the latest reports said.

More information will follow..

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080801_07

Forces enter Kilinochchi district

Troops engaged in Wanni liberation mission have crossed the district borders between Mannar and Kilinochchi districts at an undisclosed location on the Mannar- Vavuniya combined warfront.

According to the defence sources, fall of Vellankulam, the next town come across after Iluppaikkadavai when travelling northwards on the Mannar- Pooneryn (A-32) road is imminent.

Military reports from the Wanni theatre of operations indicate 20 deaths and 29 casualties to the terrorists and report 4 others as either killed or wounded in clashes occurred in the Mannar - Vavuniya and Welioya battlefront. Also, two soldiers died while two suffered wounds.

Troops belonging to Task Force 1 (TF-1) continued their march, fighting terrorist defences along the left flank of the Mannar- Vavuniya combined front towards Iluppaikkadavai.

Troops established their control over five Square Kilometres area after beating off terrorists from Mundampiddi.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/08/02/sec03.asp

Wanni operation 1 st August 2008

,

Source,
SLRC

TNA MP may had connection with late -LTTE Intelligence officer

LTTE Intelligence Officer Lt. Cornel Soorijan was killed 3 days before but on his funeral, Sathasivam Kanagaratnam , TNA MP is the chief gust, source said. According to the source, “TNA MP may had connection with this LTTE Intelligence Head.”

Now he is talking abut LTTE Senior Intelligence Office Lieutenant Cornel Sooriyan’s funeral, He is chief gust and talking about his relation with Sooriyan.

Mr.Sooriyan is a very senior LTTE Intelligent officer worked with TNA MP, reliable source told the Sri Lanka Guardian.

TNA MP and undercover LTTE Intelligence Officer known as TNA MP say Mr.Sooriyan spend his all time inside military control area and killed many Army.

Extracted from,
http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2008/08/tna-mp-may-had-connection-with-this.html
Photos,
http://www.puthinam.com/full.php?

Sri Lanka says Tamil Tigers have links to al-Qaida+

Two senior officials of the Sri Lankan Defense Ministry said Friday the government has reason to believe that the Tamil Tigers have been in contact with other terrorist organizations in the region including al-Qaida.

"We have come across some persons of different nations in the region" during operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, ministry spokesman Kehelna Rambukwella told a briefing in which he was assisted by senior army officials and naval commanders.

The comprehensive briefing on "countering terrorism in Sri Lanka" was arranged for local and foreign reporters on the eve of a summit of eight South Asian nations, which is expected to be dominated by the member countries' concerns over the growing wave of terrorism in the region.

Rambukwella described the LTTE as "one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations" and called for cooperation among the regional countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to fight the group.

"The whole SAARC region is impacted by terrorism. Some positive steps would be taken by the 15th SARRC summit," he said.

SAARC comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Afghanistan. Several of its members, particularly Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, are suffering from international and regional terrorist organizations.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai will be attending the summit for the first time since his country became a member of the SAARC.

Read more,
http://calibre.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=316037571