Mop up operations in progress in Pooneryn salient; Air Force comes to troops assistance

Task Force 1 troops having liberated Poonaryn are now engaged in mop-up operations in the Poonaryn salient, Defence sources in the filed reveal. Troops are now clearing their way towards Kalmunai Point (K-Point) along the 20 Km long narrow land stretch where the LTTE terrorists used to stationed their artillery and mortar batteries.

Meanwhile , Sri Lanka Air Force has lunched a series of air strikes in support of ground troops in the Muhamalai area. Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told defence.lk that MI-24 helicopters and fighter jets have engaged LTTE artillery and mortar positions in the area since 6.30 to 9.45 this morning (Nov 15).

Army Chief , Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka describing the victory to state media said that the whole stretch of A-32 road from Mannar to Poonaryn has been liberated after 20 years. He said that troops of Task Force 1 and 57 Division have cutoff the Poonaryn- Paranthan road (B-69) yesterday and marched for about 8 Km down the road to Pooneryn junction .

"Then we advanced further and captured Sangupiddy ferry that connects the road to Thanankiluppu in Jaffna", now the army has dominated the whole west coast", he said.

Speaking further, he said that it is the first time after 20 years that the Army has opened a land route to Jaffna.

"We have eliminated large number of terrorists during this battle, remaining terrorists are now running for their lives across the Kilali lagoon", he said.

In addition, he said that troops of 57 Division and Task Force 1 have already started marching eastward towards A-9 road.

"At present, our forces have positioned themselves about 10 Km west of Paranthan on the A-9 road", he said.

Poonaryn remains a hallmark of the undying courage of Sri Lanka Army soldiers as they withstood frenetic attack by the terrorists at the isolated camp in 1993. Army handed over their positions in the area to IPKF in 1987 and regained them in 1992 in Operations Valampuri 1 and 2. On 11 November 1993 , LTTE made an attempt to capture the Poonaryn camp but failed before the courage of Army soldiers. The incident was excessively misinterpreted as a great debacle by media with exaggerated army death and casualty figures. According to records, 824 LTTE terrorists were killed in the military counter attacks. In mid 1996 , the camp was vacated by the Army as a tactical measure .

LTTE is the main obstacle to freedom of Tamils -- Media Minister

The LTTE is the main obstacle in bringing freedom to the Tamil community, Minister of Media Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Defeating terrorism is the first step of brining freedom to the Tamil community, he observed, adding that the present Government has taken a bold step in this regard under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"Terrorism has been wiped out from the Eastern Province and democracy has been restored; it is the due responsibility of the present Government to bring freedom to the Northern masses as well," he said.

Referring to the stipulations in the 2009-Budget, Minister Abeywardena noted that the increasing of cess was done to strengthen local industrialists and encourage local production.

The Minister was of the view that this budget has all the features that are essential for an agriculture based economy.

Courtesy : Government Information Department

2 LTTE boats destroyed, 6 terrorists killed in sea battle off Nayaru - Mullaittivu

2 LTTE boats were reported destroyed and 6 terrorists killed after a pre-dawn fierce sea battle, that erupted between Navy's elite Special boat squadron (SBS) personnel and LTTE, off Nayaru, Tuesday (Nov 18).

Detecting a cluster of 7 LTTE craft makingway along the coastal waters off Nayaru at around 6a.m., SBS engaged naval gunfire reportedly destroying two craft and damaging another, defence sources said. Meanwhile, Air Force MI-24 helicopter gunships providing close-in air support to the Navy elites, have engaged 4 LTTE craft detected fleeing the combined navy-air onslaught.

According to intercepted LTTE communication, 6 terrorists were confirmed killed and as many injured during the sea battle that lasted till 7.30a.m.

Awards for journalists betraying Lanka

The contemptuous action of a so-called National Mass Media Foundation has caused dismay and anger among journalists who are supporting the Security Forces anti-LTTE offensive to defend Sri Lanka's territorial integrity.

According to media sources, the uproar was sparked off when the names of some these journalists were removed at the last minute from the list of reporters who had been selected for awards this week by the 'Media Foundation.' When the journalists in question came for the awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel Colombo, they had been turned away by the organizers saying that their names were not in the list. Among them was Lake House (Dinamina) staffer Wijayani Edirisinghe.

Sources said that the names removed were replaced with those of journalists strongly critical of the government's military operations. Some of them had been allegedly selected for their UNP leanings. The irony of it was that the awards ceremony had been supposedly organized to mark the third year of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Presidency!

More: http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/14254

Mervyn indicted

Minister Mervyn Silva was indicted before the Colombo High Court for the theft of a video camera and attacking a journalist who went to cover the opening of the flyover in Kelaniya on August 4th.

What if tomorrow never comes?

Sri Lankan government has made many statements lately stating that they have captured areas under tiger control. However, some of these statements does not add up in the eye of the common man.

Many weeks ago the Army Commander stated that they can see buildings in Kilinochchi, the LTTE De-facto state in the country. Which, in layman's term only a few meters or maximum of a couple of KM away? However, now we have passed weeks, and the military has not entered this said building(s)! We all know how tough it is to see even the mighty World Trade Centre in Fort from 10 kilometers away, but to our military the buildings in the Tiger headquarters were clearly visible.

Another fact to be considered is Akkarayankulam. According to military reports, the 57th division has entered or captured this area 3 times in 3 weeks, please do educate my ignorance in military strategy or reporting.

Also once must not forget that the Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake announced on the eve of the August provincial council elections stated that Kilinochchi town might fall "even tomorrow." -

What if tomorrow never comes?

Sri Lankan Flag

Week-long felicitation to mark victories

The Government has announced a week-long felicitation (Ranaviru Week) from today to mark the victories of the Security Forces, who captured Pooneryn, the last major Naval bastion of the Tigers in the North after nearly 15 years.

“Our soldiers have captured the strategically important Pooneryn in the North from the LTTE after several years and registered a major victory. We expect to honour our Security Forces and declare this week felicitate the victories of our heroic soldiers against terrorism,” Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

Sirisena said the Government planned to hold several events for the seven days in light of the latest military victory.

“Everyone should celebrate this victory in their work places and organisations by hoisting the national flag on Monday to strengthen our Security Forces and encourage them to win more battles in the future,” Sirisena said.

Addressing a media briefing at the Parliamentary Complex, the Minister said the Government was announcing the Ranaviru Week to honour the gallant soldiers for their achievements in Pooneryn.

He said the liberation of the other terrorist dominated areas would be completed soon and they wished the troops success in achieving these victories.

The Defence Ministry said troops backed by artillery bombardment, captured Pooneryn on Saturday.

“Task Force-1 troops having liberated Pooneryn are now engaged in mop-up operations in Pooneryn. Troops are now clearing their way towards Kalmunai Point (K-Point) along the 20 km long narrow land stretch where the LTTE terrorists used to station their artillery and mortar batteries,” the Defence Ministry said. Army Chief Lt.

Gen. Sarath Fonseka, commenting on the latest military victory, said the whole stretch of A-32 road from Mannar to Pooneryn has been liberated and his troops have now opened a land route to the northern Jaffna peninsula with the capture of Pooneryn bastion from the LTTE.

“We have eliminated a large number of terrorists during this battle. The remaining terrorists are now running for their lives across the Kilali lagoon,” the Defence Ministry quoted the army chief as saying.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in a televised address to the nation on Saturday morning announced the capture of Pooneryn and urged the Tiger leadership “to lay down their weapons and come for talks”.

President congratulates Forces on Pooneryn victory

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on being informed of the Army achievements in Pooneryn while extending his congratulations and best wishes to valiant troops called upon once again LTTE leader Prabhakaran to lay down his arms and immediately return to the negotiating table. Here is the full text of His message.

“I inform the people in this country that our heroic soldiers have been able to liberate the full stretch of the Mannar-Pooneryn Road and the Pooneryn area this morning (15). Now, we can open a land route to the peninsula after many years.

I think, we can say, it was after the second Eelam War.

At this moment, I very clearly call upon Prabhakaran of the LTTE to immediately lay down his arms and come to the negotiating table. It is the greatest service you can do to the people in the Wanni.

We congratulate the War Heroes and express our sincere gratitude to the citizens of Sri Lanka who have given unstinted support for our struggle.”

President-elect Nasheed to be inaugurated today

President-elect Mohamed Nasheed will be inaugurated today at a special ceremony at Dharubaaruge.

The ceremony will be attended by several South Asian leaders and many foreign dignitaries. Nasheed’s inauguration will mark the beginning a new era of democracy in the island republic after the ratification of the new Constitution and far reaching reforms embraced by the country.

In today’s inauguration of the new President the Chief Justice would administer the oath on President Nasheed and Vice President Waheed.

This is the first time the Maldives has elected a President and Vice President in a multi-party election.

The new President will address the nation after taking the oath of office. The new President will be accorded a 21 gun salute after taking oath of the office of the President. Nasheed is 41 and Gayoom was also 41 when he first took office on November 11. Nasheed is the fourth President of the Maldives.

India extended the ban on the LTTE by another two more years

A special tribunal headed by a Delhi High Court judge upheld the Centre's notification for extending the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam for another two years.

The notification extending the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, declaring it as an unlawful association, was issued by the Union Home Ministry on May 15.

India was the first country ban the LTTE followed by USA, United Kingdom, 27 European Union Countries, Canada and it is learnt that Australia as well as Malaysia are seriously contempt plating on banning this terrorists’ outfit in their soil.

Govt. rules out CFA, talks

KOTTE: The Government will not enter into a CFA or talks with the LTTE at this juncture unless it was prepared to lay down arms, Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena told Parliament yesterday.

The Minister said the Government will not accept LTTE political Leader Nadesan’s claims for a Ceasefirebecause it had enough experiences on the LTTE’s double standard ceasefires.

Minister Sirisena replying to a question raised by Ranaweera Pathirana of the JVP, said the successful campaign launched by the Government to defeat LTTE terrorism will not be stopped at this juncture as heroic Armed Forces have achieved numerous victories.

“We will not go for peace talks until the LTTE is totally defeated militarily,” he said. Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe claimed that the LTTE could not be defeated by military, means President Mahinda Rajapaksa proved him wrong by achieving a number of military victories in combating terrorism. He said the Government will not take any action to discourage or demoralise the Forces engaged in the humanitarian mission to liberate the North from terrorism.

TNA states that LTTE will not lay down arms

TNA MP Senathiraja Jeyananthamoorthi stated in parliament on Monday that there was no other alternative than a separate state for Tamils, adding that the LTTE would not lay down arms. He said that they had strategically withdrawn, and that they could not be militarily defeated.

MR Congratulates Obama

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Congratulated the US President-elect Senator Barack Obama expressing his great pleasure at his success at the November 4 US election.

The message ssid: "I have been following your campaign closely and have been impressed by the freshness and candour that you introduced to the US political landscape and the hope that you generated in the United States, in particular and the wider world, in general. I am convinced that under your leadership, the United States, which has always been a beacon to the world on many an issue, will continue to provide that leadership in a re-invigorated manner."

The Sri Lankan President has wished the very best to Senator Obama as the next President of the United States, which office he will assume in January 2009."

Stocks keep gaining

Stocks at the Colombo Stock Exchange extended their gains for 6th straight day with the ASPI gaining 34 points (+1.7%) to 1,962, while the MPI gained 56 points (+2.6%) to 2,225.

LTTE atrocities shock French, UNESCO envoys

Paris : The Photographic depiction of inhuman acts of terrorism committed by the LTTE has shocked the French public, officials and UNESCO ambassadors who visited the exhibition of photographs titled ‘Sri Lanka: Democracy and Challenges’ which opened at the most prestigious Paris venue of Sall du Delegates at UNESCO on November 4.

French military analyst General Allain Lomballe who opened the exhibition said that terrorism is the most serious challenge faced by many countries and even the most powerful nations are faced with difficulties in eradication of this global menace.

“Many UNESCO ambassadors said that though they had studied the problem of terrorism in Sri Lanka for years, this is the first time they realised the most barbaric and inhuman nature of the LTTE”

He said that the democratic world should be united in the fight against terrorism. Large numbers of senior French officials, military experts and Paris based ambassadors and senior diplomats as well as the French public and Sri Lankan community in Paris visited the exhibition.

Representative of United Sri Lankans in Paris Ranjan Bandara said that holding such an exhibition at a prestigious venue like UNESCO is a tremendous achievement by the Sri Lanka Embassy and its senior diplomat Minister Counsellor Sugeeswara Senadhira.

“Many UNESCO ambassadors told me that though they had studied the problem of terrorism in Sri Lanka for years, this is the first time they realised the most barbaric and inhuman nature of the LTTE,” Bandara said. “They said that it was shocking to see the carnage of violence perpetrated by the LTTE as evident from the photographs”.

This is the third phase of the anti terrorist photographic exhibition aimed to display the acts of barbarism committed by LTTE terrorists to the outside world, first of which was held in the United Kingdom last month. It was followed by the exhibition at the Sri Lanka Embassy in The Hague in the Netherlands on October 27. Charge-d affairs at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Paris Himalee Arunatilake said that while fighting the menace of terrorism, the Sri Lanka Government was doing its best to cater to the needs of the Tamil speaking people in the country.

She said that the exhibition is an eye-opener to the international community to focus their attention towards the crimes committed by the LTTE terrorists.

Ambassadors and senior diplomats who visited the exhibition were from the members of the European Union, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Cuba, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Japan, Korea, Iran, Senegal, El Salvador and Chile.

Many French officials, UNESCO representatives and French military and police intelligence personnel too visited the exhibition. This is the first time an exhibition of this nature was held in Europe and the Sri Lanka United Anti-terrorist Organisation in Europe (SLUAOE) and the Embassy of Sri Lanka organised the event.

“That the Europe-based Sri Lankan groups have taken the lead to counter the LTTE propaganda is an expression of the confidence reposed in the Sri Lanka Government’s campaign against terrorism,” SLUAOE representative Anura Madagedara said.

US Election Results Table

Barack Obama Wins US Presidential Election

Sen. Barack Obama is elected the next President of The United States Of America.
Obama 324 votes and McCain 124.

Lanka Watch wishes to Congratulate (Mr.) President, Barack Obama, The 44th President of the United State of America

Gili bashes verbally on Murali's action

Yet again, another statement against the Sri Lankan Spin legend, Muralithran was made official by the former vice captain, Gilchrist. This comes after many controversial statements he made against the Indian star batsmen, Sachin Tendukar. Extracts given below.

'Does Murali chuck the ball? I thought for a few moments, and then said, cautiously: 'I think he does','' Gilchrist wrote, referring to a question posed to him.

''I say that because, if you read the laws of the game, there's no doubt in my mind that he and many others throughout cricket history have,'' he added.

''This reached an absurd point when the laws were changed to accommodate him. When I heard that the rules would now allow degree of straightening - 15 degrees to be exact, a fraction more than Murali's straightening had been measured at - I thought 'That's a load of horse crap. That's rubbish.'' Muralitharan has a history of confrontations with Australian players who have repeatedly questioned the legality of the off-spinner's action. This reached the boiling point during Sri Lanka's tour of Australia in 1999.

''It got even worse in 1999 when Murali was again no-balled in Australia and Ranatunga tried to take his team off the Adelaide Oval. Ranatunga was charged under the ICC Code of conduct, but turned up to his hearing with lawyers who argued that as the ICC match referee brought the charge, the same guy could not also sit in judgments on it,'' Gilchrist said.

''Legally this was true, but morally it was a landmark moment, a direct attack on the spirit of the game... the Sri Lankans seemed to be saying 'If you hold Murali to the laws, we're going to tear the whole game apart'.'' The former stumper went on to question Murali's famous 'doosra' delivery, and alleged that the ICC appeared to have passed it without the required level of examination.

''His doosra, the ball which spins away from the right-hander and attracted new scrutiny in 2004, seemed to be passed without any rigorous examination,'' Gilchrist felt.

''Often Australian players, having seen him bowl yet another suspect doosra past the outside edge, would look at each other in changing room and say: 'Wasn't that one meant to have been sorted out?'' The 36-year-old further accused the legendary off-spinner of spoiling the Test career of many batsmen.

''Nobody seemed to spare much thought for the batsmen playing Murali. Because he was so potent, guys were losing there wickets, and eventually losing their Test careers in some cases -- because of this bowler,'' Gilchrist quipped.

''As much as I like Murali, my sympathies lay more with those batsmen, from every other nation, whose careers suffered because of a bowler who was in technical breach of the rules and seemed to enjoy a kind of political protection.''

March to the North

It’s only when you fly over the Wanni jungle do you begin to understand why it’s taken the Sri Lankan armed forces months to wrest territory from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

And why despite launching a decisive assault to recapture the crucial city of Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s headquarters in the northern province, the security forces have made slow progress.

They are still some 10 km from the main town which they had planned to take before they got bogged down by the north-east monsoon that has just set in.

The trees of the surrounding tropical jungle soar to over 60 ft in many places and the canopy is so thick and dense that even sunlight finds it difficult to penetrate.

These are the jungles that the LTTE has made its second home, melting into greenery whenever there is a major assault and setting up deadly booby traps and ambushes for government troops in pursuit.

It’s the reason why the Sri Lankan Air Force Bell 212 helicopter flies at tree-top height right through the 40-minute-ride from Anuradhapura to the frontlines of the battle.

1st picture - Troops advancing in the Wanni, North of Sri Lanka

LTTE Operative sent to Jail in the US

US Court in Maryland, sentences a 57 year old Singaporean to three years in prison for conspiring to buy weaponry for the LTTE.

Former IPKF head states LTTE militarily weak now

In an Interview to BCC, former IPKF head Lt. Gen. has stated that the LTTE is weaker militarily than before at the hands of the Sri Lankan Military; hence, they are using one of their 3 cards to save the LTTE. According to him, the LTTE has 3 cards they use. 1. Military, 2. Political and 3. International. Currently, they only have their Political card, which is been used in India to ease attacks towards them in the North of the Country.

He further went on to state that the Sri Lankan government is trying to isolate the LTTE with the civilian population to win the hearts of the Tamil community in the area.

Canadian LTTE front sends death threats to Jayalalitha

The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayaram Jayalalitha has received death threats from a Canada based LTTE front organisation, Indian news sources reported citing close associates of the famed Tamil Nadu actress cum politician.

A former AIADMK Minister and close associate of Jayalalitha, Mr. Jaya Kumar, lodging a complaint yesterday(29)with the Chennai police said, a man calling himself Tamil Maindan, a functionary of the World Tamil Eelam Protection Organisation, has sent a letter of warning that Jayalalitha would be killed for opposing the banned terrorist outfit, LTTE.

"Jayalalitha would suffer the same fate as former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto for continuing to oppose Tamils in Sri Lanka," said the complaint. Jaya Kumar filed the complaint with Chennai Police Commissioner R Sekar, the news sources reported.

Indian news sources, citing a Chennai police official said the matter was being investigated. Meanwhile, the advocates' wing of AIADMK filed a writ in the Madras High Court seeking additional protection for Jayalalitha.

Former TN Chief Minister Jayalalitha, has been critical of the ruthless LTTE outfit and its Tamil Nadu based political fronts. Jayalalitha came out strongly against pro-LTTE protests this month in Tamil Nadu by extremist political parties seeking a bail for the LTTE in the face of defeat by the Sri Lankan security forces.

LTTE is a banned terrorist outfit in India since 1992, and its main figures Prabakaran and Pottu Amman still remains wanted for the assassination of former Indian Premier Rajiv Gandhi on 21st May, 1991.

Meanwhile, raising concerns defence observers stated that the LTTE diaspora has used Canada as a launching pad for pro-LTTE sentiments and violence despite the outfit being proscribed as an international terrorist organization in Canada since 2001.

The pro-LTTE fronts in Canada are alleged of drug and human trafficking, illegal arms dealing, extortions and other versions of anti-social violence. Despite, a string of anti-terrorist operations conducted by the Royal Canadian Mount Police (RCMP), pro-LTTE factions continue openly staging aggression against their minor counterparts in Canada.

Recently, these aggressions were taken to the cricketing fields against the champion Sri Lankan cricket team during their triumph 20-20 four nation tournament in Canada, this month.

Nachchikuda falls to troops - Kilinochchi

Adding another huge setback for the LTTE terrorists in Wanni battlefront, troops of Task Force 1 captured Nachchikuda, the LTTE's major strong point in northwestern coastal border in the Island, this evening, 29 October, the latest defence report received from the forefront said.

Troops of the Task Force -1, launched a multi-pronged offensive and marched towards Nachchikuda from three directions destroying and capturing vital terror positions in the area. The troops of three military battle formations, the one which cut-off Mannar- Poonaryn (A-32) road from the south Pallawarayankaddu area moved from north to south along the A-32 main road, the other marched northwards from immediate south of Nachchikuda, and the third formation in northeastern flank advanced towards Nachchikuda capturing Jeyapuram, have entered in to the Nachchikuda and gained total control over the area by this evening.

According to the defence sources, intense fighting between security forces and terrorists reported in this area from 17 October and LTTE suffered heavy casualties during these gun battles.

The LTTE terrorists who were unable to secure their stronghold have withdrawn from the area as the security forces intensified their military thrust into terror dominated Nachchikuda.

Further consolidating operations are now in progress.

Army captures vital positions in Kilinochchi front

The Army’s 58th Division engaged in the ongoing offensive at the Kilinochchi front captured Jayapuram area, a large buildup area of houses and offices next to Kilinochchi and entirely took the Akkarayankulam soil bund under its control today, Media Centre for National Security said.

President invites - CM. Karunandhi to visit SL

In an interview with ‘The Hindu’ newspaper President Mahinda Rajapaksa has invited Tamilnadu Chief Minister M. Karunandhi to visit Sri Lanka. “I have respect for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi — one of India’s senior-most politicians — and appreciate his thoughts and proposals for a just political solution of the current conflict within the framework of an undivided Sri Lanka. In this connection, I would like to convey through the Government of India my wish to invite Chief Minister Karunanidhi to visit Sri Lanka,” President Rajapaksa stated.

Little Damage From Arial Attack

But breach of air defences embarrassing.

The air wing of the LTTE targeted the Kelanitissa power plant in Colombo early hours of the morning causing little damage to the power plant. This was the 8th and the 9th air attack carried out by the LTTE and according to government sources the air force has only been able to down one LTTE aircraft out of the 4 or 5 light aircrafts the LTTE air wing is known to have operated in the previous raids. Despite the activation of the air defence systems in the island the LTTE aircrafts were all known to have returned to the LTTE areas safely in this attack.

Little Damage From Arial Attack

But breach of air defences embarrassing.

The air wing of the LTTE targeted the Kelanitissa power plant in Colombo early hours of the morning causing little damage to the power plant. This was the 8th and the 9th air attack carried out by the LTTE and according to government sources the air force has only been able to down one LTTE aircraft out of the 4 or 5 light aircrafts the LTTE air wing is known to have operated in the previous raids. Despite the activation of the air defence systems in the island the LTTE aircrafts were all known to have returned to the LTTE areas safely in this attack.

Suspected Air Attack in Colombo

Air Defences Activated in Colombo

LankaWatch correspondent in Colombo has reported that the city of Colombo may come under an air attack by the LTTE air wing. Witnesses have reported that electricity was cut out in the city and flashing lights were seen around Colombo and suburbs. The witnesses also reported sounds of gunfire and loud explosions.

LTTE Aircrafts Attack Mannar Army Headquaters

Reports from Mannar say that a light aircrafts of the LTTE air wing has dropped up to two bombs on the Army Headquarters in Mannar. Extent of the damage is not known at this time.