Salients of the Media Briefing
26 Nov 2008 - 19:35
The fall of Killinochchi the LTTE stronghold is imminent since the security forces have established their power in the outskirts, revealed Hon Minister Keheliya Rambukwella the Defence Spokesman at the media briefing held today (26) at the Media Centre for National Security.
309 civilians have escaped to Wanni areas. This movement of civilians from the uncleared areas is still a trickle, since they are facing pressure from the LTTE. The Minister recalling a similar situation in Vakarai observed that the civilians faced similar pressure in the initiated stages in Vakarai but in due course, there was an exodus from the uncleared areas. Similarly civilian will trek in large numbers to liberated area as the LTTE strength wanes, the Defence Spokesman stressed.
One of the prime concerns of the government is to ensure the civilians in conflict affected area are fed and clothed. For this purpose measures have been taken to transport essential foodstuffs and to build temporary shelter the Hon. Minister asserted.
The vital A-32 route has been cleared, making possible for the security force to move and prevent the LTTE carders movement. Mines are being removed now. The benefit the A 32 route for civilians is immense Rs. 500.00 million has been allocated for the reconstruction of the road said the Hon. Minister.
All restrictions on fishing in the Jaffna lagoon have been totally lifted, thus restoring the livelihood of the fishermen, revealed the Defence Spokesman.
Responding to a query the Defence Spokesman said after the total capture of Kilinochchi which is imminent cessation of open hostilities will follow.
The Hon. Minister, Defence Spokesman thanked the Indian government for cooperating with the Sri Lankan government in contributing to the welfare of the displaced civilians by donating foodstuffs (9000 tons) which are being distributed through an effective mechanism; The UN and ICRC. In spite of the possibility that the part of the foodstuffs will be grabbed by terrorists the government will continue to transport foodstuffs since it is a part of the humanitarian mission the Hon. Minister said.
Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, Military Spokesman said the Army captured Olumadu located 5km North East of Mankulam in the Mulativu district effectively restricting the activities of the LTTE on this vital route and permitting the civilians free movement from Wanni to seek refuge in government controlled areas. The operations of the security forces are now made easier with the capture of Olumadu area. Earlier the occupation of the terrorists in this area, obstructed the movement of civilians towards cleared areas. Now thanks to the capture of Olumadu by the Army, this obstacle has been removed explained Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara.
Last week, Kumulamunai in Mulathivu was liberated by the security forces and subsequent operations from the North West of the Nayaru lagoon have caused heavy losses to the LTTE yesterday (25).
The STF personnel who conducted a search operation found 03 dead bodies of terrorists, along with weapons. In another search operation conducted in Potuwil 03 terrorists were killed by the Army and recovered anti-personal mines and live bombs.
In November, 309 civilians have escaped to Jaffna, Karthive and Omantha, and out of them 221 had trekked a land route. This year 1244 civilians have fled uncleared area and reached cleared areas to seek refuge.
The STF launched another offensive in ambush killing 03 terrorists in Kalawaddi, Batticoloa yesterday (25) around 4.30 pm. 02 T-56 weapons, 03 anti-personal mines and several other military equipment were recovered, the Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara added.
The time frame allocated for fishing in the Jaffna lagoon has been extended from 6.30 am to 4.00 pm and the former 3km area has been changed. Now all the restrictions have been totally lifted: restoring the livelihood of fishermen resident in Gurunagar and Pasithurai. Over 10000 civilians demonstrated in the city of Jaffna, carrying the National Flag rejoicing over the victory by the security forces in Poonaryn.
6145 youth have been recruited to the Army recently. During the period of omnesty 5003 absentee soldiers have reported for duty at their respective Regiments, Brig. Nanayakkara concluded.
Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara Air Force Spokesman said the Air Force continue to support the ground forces in combat. He said that the Air Force has launched a recruitment drive to enlist about 1000 technical and non-technical personnel for the aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, medical and dentistry, clerical service, electronic and computer fields and drivers, too.
Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle Director General MCNS, Acting Navy Spokesman Commander Karunaratna, Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara also participated.
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