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