Meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Indian Minister of External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee, in Colombo

Visiting Indian External relationships Minister Pranab Mukherjee held detailed, useful and original deliberations with President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night (27 January). The visit of the Indian Minister followed an invite for him to visit Sri Lanka, in keeping with the custom of usual and positive conversation between India and Sri Lanka at the uppermost level. This visit followed the new visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon.
The deliberations, held at President's House, enclosed recent developments in Sri Lanka, the entire range of India-Sri Lanka family members and local issues of mutual attention. It was decided that India-Sri Lanka family members are developing powerfully and has matured into an enduring friendship. It is particularly significant at this time of change and alter that both sides should continue to make stronger ties.
President Rajapaksa expressed his hopes for future developments in Sri Lanka, and harassed that the there military victories offer a political chance to restore life to normalcy in the Northern Province and all through Sri Lanka. The President certain the visiting Indian Minister of his intent for both countries to work together to enable Sri Lankans, and chiefly the Tamil group of people in the North, to begin most important normal lives as soon as likely.
External relationships Minister Mukherjee expressed India's readiness to contribute in the rebuilding of northern Sri Lanka so as to conquer the negative effects of armed disagreement and also lay the financial and political basics of a sustainable peace in which all communities in Sri Lanka feel comfortable. India will work together with Sri Lanka on a rebuilding plan for these areas which involves communications development and other hold up.
President Rajapaksa assured Minister Mukherjee that it was his meaning to move as quickly as likely to put into practice the 13th alteration to the Sri Lankan establishment, which followed the India-Sri Lanka Agreement of 1987 and even explore the option to go further than these proposals.
Both sides reviewed the caring situation arising as a result of the disagreement. The Sri Lankan side at ease that it will admiration the safe zones affirmed by the Security Forces to reduce the effect of disagreement on Tamil civilians. The Indian side will continue to extend its release provisions to civilians wedged up in the zone of disagreement.
During the discussions President Rajapaksa extended a personal invite to an all party allocation from Tamil Nadu led by Chief Minister Karunanidhi and Ms. J. Jayalalitha, General Secretary of the AIADMK, to see for themselves the situation on the ground and to persuade the LTTE to lay down arms and join the self-governing normal.
Both sides decided that an early reinstatement of normal self-governing life in the areas affected by the disagreement would be a major payment to peace and constancy. The Indian side indicated that it will do all that is essential to bring this concerning.

LTTE clamps on civilian influx; Mounts artillery batteries inside No-fire zones - Mullaittivu

In its effort to activate a civilian crisis in Wanni, LTTE terrorists have allegedly haggard artillery batteries, heavy mortars and satellite bases within civilian settlements and rough and ready camps which were preceding declared as no-fire zones, armed said citing inhabitant and ground sources.
The terrorist outfit is using the thousands entrapped as gun fodders in its attempt to booth the multi-frontal military advance, now closing in on LTTE's residual hiding areas at Visuamadu, Puthukudiyirippu and Mullaittivu, defence observers state. Faced with an predictable beat by the security forces LTTE terrorists have resorted to basic and nonconformist tactics which has resulted in a break of civilian agitation next to the outfit recently. On Tuesday (20), around 75000 people lined up to enter the eccentric areas at Kilinochchi were bounded and compressed by an LTTE led mob. At least 10 people were killed when LTTE terrorists opened haphazard fire at the civilians, escapees from the sad site exposed speaking to security force officials at Kilinochchi. One of the medical students was tortured and exhibited around the populated areas and made understood the fate of escapees in the area. Few managed to flee while the relax were dragged towards LTTE torture camps believed located at Visuamadu and Puthukudiryirippu. According to revelations, the civilian exodus is mostly triggered from areas at Teravilkulam, Visuamadu and North of Puthukudiyirippu.
LTTE terrorists have by now located its artillery batteries, heavy mortar guns and rear in service positions in the declared no-fire zones, defence sources said citing both civilian and technical sources. Many people have boldly opposite the LTTE tactic and some have even confronted with terrorists also overcrowding movement of serious gun carriers and trailers into the villages. In the face of a embarrassing defeat LTTE terrorists are couture a civilian tragedy at Wanni, defence observers stated adding that the likelihood of mass suicide or execution of the civilians too cannot be ruled out by the barred terrorist outfit.

The terrorist owned airstrip and two hangers in Sri Lanka

The movies below show the amount to which a terrorist group can get improved itself when the world leftovers unaware of the truthful nature of such hideous organizations. give the wrong impression about by false misinformation basics by front organizations of the LTTE and its exchange NGOs, world has let the LTTE to be the first terrorist companionship to have an atmosphere arm. Not to forget that it is the same friendship that has lead the way the art of Tightbombing, and suicide naval craft. There is no doubt that the LTTE and its finance raising device add to across the globe has made a huge sum to the universal violence in terms of in order and other means.
Here is the fourth and the largest airstrip ever captured by Sri Lanka Army. There is a enormous option that it may be the only one of that kind owned by any terrorist association in the world.
Troops of Army 59 Division direct by Brigadier Nandana Udawatte captured the airfield on Saturday (Jan 10) after crushing stiff fundamental resistance. It is located in broad Mullaittivu hot forest, about 5km west of Nanthikandal lagoon.
Infantrymen of 9 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) led by replacement Colonel Janaka Ariyaratne were the first to enter in the airstrip. The airstrip is built with a tarmac about 1.5 km long and 20m wide. The area was a lot guarded by the terrorists with a barb agitated fence built in a 300m distance approximately the air stripe . The two armour plated hangers and more than a few other huts were also found.

Senior Army officer bids farewell to motherland

Hours previous to the 53 and 55 Division War Heroes finished the imprison of Elephant Pass on Friday (8), one of the devoted Senior Officers of the Sri Lanka Army, Colonel Nalinda Kumarasinghe, paid the highest give up owing to bang of a chain of LTTE come together bombs which have been banned in the warfare under UN conventions.
This War Hero, Colonel Nalinda Kumarasinghe (as posthumously promoted), the older most armed officer to lay his life in the Wanni humanitarian operation, succumbed to injuries sustained in the bang of those come together bombs at Pulopallai area.
Kumarasinghe Hettiarachchilage Ajith Nalinda Kumarasinhge who was usual in Rathnapura on 20th July 1967 finished his teaching at Rathnapura Seevali Central College. Inspired by feelings of escapade and authenticity, young Kumarasinghe with blessings from his much-loved parents connected the Sri Lanka Army on 20th July 1987.
Having finished his Officer trainee training at the Sri Lanka Military school Diyatalawa, he conventional his charge in the rank of Second alternate and was expressively concerned to the 5th Battalion of the Gemunu Watch (5 GW) as a Platoon Commander.
devotion and commitment to the mend brought him owing promotions. He was promoted to the rank of replacement on 23rd December 1990, Captain on 23rd December 1992, Major on 23rd December 2001 and Lieutenant Colonel on 26th July 2007.
During his perfect career spanning over two decades, Colonel KUMARASINGHE has rendered his service as a Platoon Commander, Officer Commanding, cleverness Officer and Adjutant. At the time of his untimely death, Colonel Kumarasinghe was strong the 5 GW under the Air Mobile Brigade, Jaffna.
This brilliant older officer was chosen as an Officer Commanding in the primary GW needy sent for service in Haiti for UN Peace Keeping missions.
Young Officers' Course in Bangladesh and Junior Commanders' Course in Pakistan were among the foreign courses in addition to a number of local advanced military and educational courses he followed.
He took place in many military operations such as Balawegaya 1, Balawegaya 11, Riviresa, Hideout, Thrividha Balaya, Akunu Pahara, Gajasinghe and Bhumikampa conducted next to the LTTE. Due to his valour exposed in the battle field, he was conferred with gallantry awards of Rana Wickrema Padakkama (RWP) and Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP). Purna Bhumi, North and East Operations, Riviresa Campaign Service, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary, Sri Lanka Armed Services Long Service and Peace Keeping Operation are in the middle of the other beautification medals he earned for his service rendered to the Army.
He foliage his wife Nilmi Kumari Kumarasinghe and 10 year old son Nadil Nethkal Kumarasinghe behind.
His funeral will take place at Ballapana general cemetery on 11th January with full military honours.
The name of Colonel Kumarasinghe Hettiarachchilage Ajith Nalinda Kumarasinhge will adorn the golden pages of modern Sri Lankan history for his bravery, valour and highest give up made to defend the dominion of the motherland.
May he reach supreme bliss of nibbana.!

Minor bomb explosion near Red Mosque - Petta

A minor bomb bang was reported near the Red Mosque at Bangasala Street, Pettah, Colombo, today (Jan 3) at around 4.55p.m.
Three people, counting a 16 year old, continued minor injuries, and were admitted to the National Hospital in Colombo. Evidence suggests that the blast was triggered due to an IED placed beneath a van, our reporter reporting from the explosion site said citing Petta Police sources.
On Friday (Jan 2), LTTE terrorists approved out a suicide bomb assault near the Air Force managerial Base at Salve Island, killing 2 people and injuring 32 others.
A cruel terrorist outfit, the LTTE has been engaged in a gory terror campaign next to the citizens of Sri Lanka since 1983. Lead by a dictator, it has been trying to set up an ethnically pure Tamil state in Sri Lanka. The LTTE is also the first terrorist organisation to use suicide bombers, and to develop marine and aerial hostility capabilities. The group is included in the UN list of disgrace for using youngster soldiers, and is barred in many countries in the world.

Fighting continues at the Kilinochchi built-up

57 Division troops entered the Kilinochchi built-up after intense fighting with LTTE
Fighting bankrupt out between troops and LTTE terrorists at the outer edge of the Kilinochchi built-up yesterday (Dec 30), while military long-established harsh losses to LTTE throughout the confrontations.
Army forward power basics have allegedly breached the a lot transport weapons LTTE defence lines in more than a few locations North of Akkarayankulama and North of Iranamadu and taken the battles into the terrorist den, defence sources said.
According to earth sources, terrorists have misplaced their dominance over the earth bund cum ditch nearby Kilinochchi following days of heavy fighting with security forces.
The Kilinochchi battlefront is now more tensed as some of the hostility rudiments of the 57 Div have by now entered into the Kilinochchi built-up and are good-looking the terrorist hideouts.
Troops met with irregular LTTE argument during advances made in the area all through yesterday, security sources further said.
Meanwhile, ground sources exposed that terrorists are resorting to gutless tactics taking shelter at government buildings, schools and vacated offices of aid agencies meant at evasion military attacks also making way for collateral injure in the cause.
Counter terrorist operations are continuing in the area as troops make-way for an about to happen conquest in the battle for Kilinochchi, safety sources said.

Snipers deployed in 57Div gun down terrorists - Kilinochchi

Army snipers deploy in 57 Division have busy a few targets in front of own defence line through out yesterday, 15 December.
According to the military report conventional from the front position said three targets were in use in general area south of Adampan between 9.30am - 6.00pm yesterday while one more two were taken south of Iranamadu area approximately 10.15am.

Pro LTTE websites confirm success of Air Force raid - Paranthan

Pro LTTE websites have confirmed the accomplishment of the today's (Nov 27) Air Force raid at the LTTE radio communication centre at Paranthan.
Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that air strikes launched by combatant jets have been very successful, as the LTTE itself has long-established the obliteration of its Radio Transmission centre situated close to the Paranthan junction.
LTTE has been using its radio broadcast channels to increase tribalism in the middle of the Tamil youth in Wanni as well as a misinformation arm for the group.

At least 100 killed, many injured in terror attacks - Mumbai

At least 100 people have been killed and twice as many reported distress as terror attacks struck in 10 places across the Indian financial capital Mumbai, since last night (Nov 26). in the meantime, Indian news agencies reported that 100 more people are held imprisoned by the terrorists at Taj and Trident hotels in Mumbai.
At least 5 terrorists have been killed and 9 suspects under arrest so far during the anti-terrorist operations conducted by the Indian security forces and Police. Also, the latest media information reveal that 14 police officers including the Mumbai, anti-terrorist collection Chief and 9 foreigners have been killed.
A little known terror outfit "Deccan Mujahideen" has claimed blame for the attacks. Anti-terrorist operations are continuing as Indian security forces take on the formidable mission to save the lives of the people attentive as its remains a daunting job to isolate the innocents from the terrorists.
Meanwhile, a senior defence observer speaking to defence.lk expressed his concerns over the evolvement of another terrorist group in the region similar to the LTTE in brutality. He said that world's be short of of knowledge of the factual natural world of terrorist groups such as the LTTE has given them the liberty to expand and share new tactics in terrorist warfare.
"No one can expect that an power of a terrorist group will confine to one country, it will increase as the terrorist groups copy and modify tactics used by each other", he said.
"This is why the world should help countries who fight against terrorism. We Sri Lankans have been pain from terrorist threat for decades. Yet, there are some countries act sympathizing to the terrorists groups that kill citizens of countries like ours" , he added.
Commenting on the Mumbai terrorist attack he said that there is a strong similarity between the plans used by the LTTE and the Indian terror group.
" The LTTE has trained many tactics to the overseas terrorist groups . They are the first terror group to introduce suicide bombers, the first group to connect in seaborne attacks, the first to obtain air capability", he said.
"The world can learn why a terrorists group must not be tolerated in any where in the world with Sri Lankan knowledge. The Mumbai assault reconfirms that terrorism is the most danger to the human civilizations" he finished.

Intense fighting in northwest of Mankulam, LTTE suffers heavy beating

Troops of the recently shaped military formation, Task Force 3, advancing from northwest of Mankulam towards A-9 main road dominating terror areas, confronted with LTTE terrorists causing serious damage to the adversary yesterday, 06 November.
According to the sources, hours long rivalry ensued in general area Panikkankulam send-off scores of terror cadres killed and many others upset. By intercepting terror message, it is learnt so as to a lot of terror cadres gone missing throughout the quarrel.
In a following search procedure conducted in the area, troops have establish 7 bodies of LTTE cadres killed all from side to side the physically powerful fight. One GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), five T-56 riffles and one T-81 riffle were also establish in the search procedure.
Troops are continuing their march towards Mankulam with capable armed thrust on LTTE.

28 Tamil civilians including 6 children escape LTTE held areas [Updated]

A group of 28 Tamil civilians including 6 children who had runaway the LTTE held areas, necessary defense with safety forces in Jaffna last morning, 4 November.
The naval tour of duty craft which detected two boats in northern seas immediately quick to their help and accompanied them aground under naval protection.
According to the sources, 22 adults counting 13 males and 9 females and 6 children are in the middle of the escapees and they are population of Mullaian, Kaddaikadu, Paranthan, Kilinochchi and Champianpaththu areas.
The escapees said that the blameless Tamil civilians living in non-unconventional areas in the North have to undergo harsh hardships as a consequence of LTTE activities, including extortion and recruitment of young people. Though the bulk of civilians are keen to flee from the LTTE grip, many have to end up their journey in LTTE prisons. After being imprisoned, these civilians are being by force used to construct bunkers in the Forward Defences.
The escapees have been provided with foods as well as essential checkup treatments and later handed over to the Kankesanturai Police. All the preparations have been made to give defense for civilians, the government officials in Jaffna said.

Wanni operation continues; LTTE suffers heavy beating in Kilinochchi front

strong fighting reported in the western half of the Kilinochchi battle frontage yesterday, 4 November, causing heavy compensation to the enemy as the troops of Task Force 1 advancing further towards Pooneryn dominating LTTE held areas the length of the A-32 Mannar - Pooneryn main road.
According to the defence sources, hour-long confrontations took place in general area Palayilkulam around 12 noon yesterday. In a subsequent look for operation conducted in the area 2 LTTE bodies were establish along with 5 T-56 rifles.
In a divide argument took place in general area Mukkamvillu, troops long-established that LTTE suffered heavy damages. The Confrontation took place at 3.30 pm and body of a slain LTTE cadre was establish the coldness end to end of with a bike left absent by the fleeing terrorists.
in the meantime, troops ambushed an LTTE group in worldwide area Adampimoddai throughout day hours the past. The LTTE terrorists have fled abandoning the tractor convey terror cadres. In a following search process, troops set up the abandoned tractor.

LTTE defences tumble as troops advance in Wanni

Troops met with less confrontation from LTTE at the Wanni battlefronts yesterday(Nov 1), as safety forces continued consolidating defences in the newly gained territory east and west of Kilinochchi.
According to military, sporadic hostility was reported shut to the 12th mile post the distance end to end of the A-32 Mannar - Pooneryn main road at the western Kilinochchi battlefront. Hostility was reported between troops and LTTE at Kovilkoduttavil, Podimuruppukulama and Urutirapurankulama general areas, the sources additional said.
The phase of the military rush has forced LTTE to retreat with heavy wounded, who are now in the verge of losing its 'supply line' along the western coast. LTTE has also located few weaponry batteries in the outer edge of Pooneryn, used to target civilian and military positions in the Jaffna mainland. The military hurry will force the LTTE to move its main gun barrels towards Mullaittivu where the last stages of battles are unsurprising, defence sources said.
Meanwhile, troops of the 57 Division continuing advances towards the LTTE mainland in Kilinochchi, are now located North of the Akkarayankulama built-up after weeks of strong fighting with LTTE. The terrorists are faced with fierce multi-pronged attacks from the military, which has left scores of terrorists killed and a lot of dugout overheads abandoned, security sources said.
At the Mullaittivu battlefront, clashes were reported between troops and LTTE in universal area North of Andankulama, Saturday. According to finalized military information, LTTE terrorists have suffered serious defeat from troops of the 59 Division. Troops have also uncovered 184 anti-personnel(AP) mines and 10 IEDs during divide search operations conducted at Andankulama. Few soldiers have received injuries during the confrontations with LTTE, military said.

LTTE terrorists with University IDs infiltrate Jaffna to disrupt normalcy

One of the suspects swallowed Cyanide while the other has runaway when the security forces personnel on foot patrol in Ariyale, Jaffna, attempting to question them about last noon, 01 November, defence sources in Jaffna said.
The suspect swallowed Cyanide died correct away and the other who has on fire at troops while evasion was also killed in security forces reprisal, sources added.
The person who swallowed Cyanide now confirmed to be an LTTE terrorist has a scholar identity card (Reg. No. 2003 A / 85) of the University of Jaffna in his control introducing him as Sellthurai Purusothaman of Kaithady North, Kaithady and a student of Faculty of Art. The other terrorist who was killed in security forces' retaliation had a 9 mm micro gun with shot and a student ID issued by Medical Faculty of University of JAFFNA in his possession.
Magisterial investigation were detained and bodies were in use to Teaching Hospital in Jaffna for additional investigations.
The Jaffna Police are conducting investigations.

Navy elites crush LTTE seaborne offensive; fighter jets target fleeing terrorist boats [Updated]

Air Force combatant jets have pounded LTTE boats stressed to every at Champion-Paththu coast after being compressed off by the Navy this morning (1st November). Air Force media spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told defence.lk that air strikes were taken at 8.30 a.m. He additional that two tiger boats destroyed and 3 LTTE terrorists were killed in the assault, citing intelligence reports.
Sri Lanka Navy's most excellent special boat squadron (SBS) and Rapid action boat squadron (RABS) intercepted a fleet of LTTE attack boats around 5.45, this morning, Off-Nagarkovil sea. According to the Naval sources, the LTTE fleet consisted over 15 boats.
Navy elites attacked the terrorists boats using their extremely possess special hostility technique, and destroyed 4 LTTE skill and inflicted compensation to another.
Intercepted LTTE radio transmissions have bare that 14 LTTE cadres counting 7 brain-washed suicide carders were killed and another 16 were wounded.
According to the Navy sources 5 sailors were injured in act.
According to the means of communication intercepted reports, 7 senior LTTE sea tiger cadres including Paduman master, Pulikutti, Seran, Kannan and Kalai-madhi were among the deceased.

2 pistols found in IOM office - Mannar

2 micro-pistols, 6 pistol magazines and 57 ammunition rounds were exposed by officials at the IOM (International Organisation for Migration) office, at Mannar, this dawn (Oct 28).
The revitalization was made during a usual safety make sure approved out at the office structure by the security staff, Mannar police sources said.
On detection of the armed items IOM officials have right away contacted the Mannar Police, sources said. Further investigations are on growth.

A 15Kg Claymore mine uncovered - Anuradhapura

The special Police Investigation Team of North Central Province has uncovered a claymore mine weighing of 15Kg along with a circuit and a remote control device from Anuradhapura area last night, 16 August, MCNS said.

The recovery was made around 8.30 PM yesterday and the claymore mine with other items had been hidden inside a jungle patch near the sluice of the Kuda Bulankulama tank in Anuradhapura, MCNS sources added.

Lankan expats urge EU action against LTTE

Sri Lankan expatriates and Austrians held a strong protest on Thursday in Vienna, Austria, against LTTE terrorist activities, in front of the Federal Parliament of Austria.

The demonstrators urged the Austrian and other EU governments to condemn LTTE terrorist bombings and their recruitment of child soldiers.

The protesters called for the EU to take urgent action against the terrorist group's fund-raising activities through front organizations in the EU countries.

The Sri Lankan expatriates are concerned that despite the ban in the EU, the LTTE continues to raise funds through fraudulent front organizations for its terrorist activities. LTTE front organizations have been carrying out malicious false campaigns against Sri Lanka in European capitals, they said.

In recent months, Sri Lankan expatriate communities have held similar protests in European capitals against the LTTE and its activities, to highlight the true nature of the LTTE and the inaction of the EU against the terror group.

Absolute freedom for media - President

There is no media suppression whatsoever in the country, President Mahinda Rajapaksa asserted yesterday.

Addressing a ceremony organised by the Land Reform Commission (LRC), to handover 'Ranbima Oppu' (Ranbima Land Deeds) to 1,200 recipients of the Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts at Temple Trees yesterday, President Rajapaksa re-affirmed his total commitment to media freedom, categorically stating that all allegations and accusations levelled against his Government pertaining to 'Media Suppression' was slanderous and unfounded.

"I am amazed and perturbed at the baseless allegations made with regard to 'Media Freedom' in the country. Any one could unmercifully target me and my Government in any manner, via the media, if they so wish.

If one would scan the weekend newspapers, he could testify for himself the freedom enjoyed by the media. "They have even depicted me in a very humiliating manner in some cartoons. This amply illustrates the extent of the 'Media Freedom' in this country," he remarked.

Vehemently pointing out that he has never and would never ever fall to the level depicted in some cartoons and other articles, President Rajapaksa opined that nonetheless, the media should refrain from being pawns in the hands of both local and international elements with vested interests, who strive to betray and destroy our Motherland.

He also claimed that he would not endeavour to protect any individual. The Police and the 'Rule of Law' mechanism was in place to carry out their functions independently, and mete out punishment, when and where necessary with the evidence available.

Referring to the fatal bomb-blast at Lotus Road recently, President Rajapaksa disclosed that on further investigation using advanced techniques, it had been revealed that the suicidal LTTE bomber responsible for the blast, had also been in the list of 'Abductions' of 'White-Van' fame.

"This clearly indicates the misleading and treacherous nature of these allegations," he added.

President Rajapaksa underscored the importance of handing over the 'Deeds' and consolidating their ownership of the lands to the 1200 lucky recipients, who from now onwards would be entitled to transfer the ownership to their offspring, or even obtain bank loans, if required.

He opined that his Government was highly concerned of the lands in the North and the East, which were transferred or written-off freely to the LTTE, by agreement or otherwise in the past.

"That is why we liberated the East and re-settled those displaced in their lands, sans any political or communal bias. We also held elections there. Now we are in the process of liberating the North as well very soon," he added.

The President was of the view that exporting candidates from Colombo to represent the people of Sabaragamuwa and the North Central, would prove futile as they had no understanding and a knowledge of the region, unlike those who were born and bred within it.

He said that as a leader who hailed from the village, he fully understood the problems encountered by villagers. It was with this knowledge that he adopted a strategy and a policy of reversing development programmes confined only to Colombo and its suburbs, to the village, which resulted in a resurgence of the village.

We are not only successfully battling with the LTTE. We have a definite '10 year' programme with specific targets, to confront the basic issues such as the rising costs of food and energy.

"With prudence and foresight, we have formulated elaborate plans to avert the energy crisis, by the construction of Norochcholai and Kerawalapitiya power projects, and become self-sufficient in food by our mega irrigation projects such as the Moragahakanda and Parakrama Samudraya. We have our plans.

We will not reverse or shift from them under any circumstances under the influence of anybody", he said. He noted that his Government was receiving the required aid from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, Japan, Iran, India and China as envisaged, and would not face any problems as indicated by certain parties who themselves may try to stifle the development.

President Rajapaksa added that funds were being allocated for the construction of all roads within the Provincial Council purview, in the country.

Ministers Rajitha Senarathna, Bandula Gunawardena, John Senevirathna, Pavithradevi Wanniarachchai and the Chairman of the LRC Nimal G. Punchihewa also addressed the ceremony.

Courtesy : Daily News

'Denying LTTE access to INGO, NGO materials critical' says Secretary Defence

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday (August 6) said that denying LTTE access to INGO and NGO material was a critical element in Sri Lanka's efforts to destroy the terrorist group. He had stated this while speaking to 'The Island' drawing concerns over the use of heavy vehicles belonging to the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) by LTTE for terror activities.

Also, adding insights to the military situation at the Wanni front the outspoken official asserted that, "the success of military actions would depend on a cohesive strategy to deny them not only arms, ammunition and recruitment but fuel and vehicles too. The LTTE had made use of heavy vehicles which were forcibly taken by the NPA and this is by no mean an isolated case, he was quoted as saying.

"The international community had repeatedly called for unrestricted access for INGOs and NGOs operating in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. I have on many occasions pointed out the fallacy of their position. Recent confirmation of NPA vehicles in the LTTE's hands had underscored the urgent need to tighten controls", Secretary Defence was cited as saying.

The IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) recently demanded the LTTE to return NPA vehicles.

While, welcoming the IASC statement issued through the UN Office in Colombo, he emphasised that there was absolutely no doubt the vehicles had been used for transportation of cadres, arms and equipment and building of obstacles to thwart the army advancing on the Wanni fronts, The Island reported.

"The tigers would be desperately trying to take anything they could lay their hands on as armed forces intensified pressure on multiple fronts. The NPA vehicles wouldn't have ended up in the hands of the LTTE had the INGOs and NGOs removed vehicles which weren't needed in the LTTE held area" he was quoted further saying.