LTTE hold 300 patients hostage........

LTTE hold 300 patients hostage

*Prevents ICRC, UN transferring them from Puthukkudiyiruppu to Vavuniya

*Army offers full facilities but Tigers refuse to release patients

SRI LANKA-ICRC and UN officials, who went to Puthukkudiyiruppu area to fetch some three hundred patients to be transferred to Vavuniya Hospital for further treatment were refused and turned away by Tiger terrorists yesterday afternoon while holding all those patients captive as ‘human shields’.

Those ICRC and UN officials with the intention of bringing those 300 patients in Puthukkudiyiruppu uncleared areas to Vauniya on 16 ambulances, seven trucks and one other vehicle had reached the LTTE roadblock to transfer those patients to vehicles provided by the troops in cleared areas. sources-dailynews

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Meeting between President Mahinda Rajapaksa.......

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

SRI LANKA-Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee held detailed, useful and productive discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night (27 January). The visit of the Indian Minister followed an invitation for him to visit Sri Lanka, in keeping with the tradition of regular and constructive dialogue between India and Sri Lanka at the highest level. This visit followed the recent visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon. defence.lk

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister .........

President Mahinda Rajapaksa invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

SRI LANKA-President Mahinda Rajapaksa Sunday invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa Jayaram to visit Jaffna and Vanni and personally appeal to LTTEto release the civilians held as human shield at gun point.defence.lk

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Don’t station artillery among civilians........

Don’t station artillery among civilians

SRI LANKA-We urgently request the Tigers not to station themselves among the people in the safety zone and fire their artillery - shells and rockets at the Army. This will only increase more and more the death of civilians thus endangering the safety of the people, said the Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam in a letter to President Mahinda Rajapaksa calling for the extension of the Safety Zone for civilians in the Mullaitivu District. dailynews

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Army captures Mullaitivu.......

Army captures Mullaitivu

SRI LANKA-The Security Forces now engaged in the final battle against the LTTE in the Mullaitivu district achieved one of the major victories yesterday after 59 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Nandana Udawatta captured Mullaitivu, the LTTE’s most prestigious military stronghold in the Eastern coast by yesterday afternoon, military officials told the Daily News yesterday. dailynews

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Yashushi Akashi met President Mahinda Rajapaksa ...

Yashushi Akashi met President Mahinda Rajapaksa

SRI LANKA-Mr.Yashushi Akashi Specil envoy from Japan call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on 23rd morning.Ministers Rohitha Bogollagama,Mahinda Samarasinghe,Tissa Vitharana,Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga,Foreign Secretary Dr Palith Kohona were also present (pix Suadth Silva)

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Rivira editor and wife attacked...........

Rivira editor and wife attacked

SRI LANKA-

An unidentified group of motorcyclists attacked Rivira weekend newspaper editor Upali Thennakoon and his wife. The attack took place this morning (23) at Imbulgoda. The attackers followed Thennakoon and as the speed of his vehicle down blocked the vehicle. They broke the windows of the vehicle and assaulted the editor. When his wife attempted to guard Thennakoon, she was also attacked. With the screams of the victims, the group of attackers fled the scene in the motorcycles they came. Thennakoon and his wife were admitted in Colombo national hospital and their condition was not serious, said hospital sources.

Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramathunga was also assassinated in similar manner on January 08.lankaenews

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Rivira newspaper editor attacked

Rivira newspaper editor attacked

SRI LANKA-Editor of Rivira newspaper Upali Tennakoon has been assaulted and stabbed this morning, stated staff members of Rivira. His injuries are said to be non-critical.

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No US base in Trincomalee: Lankan FM

No US base in Trincomalee: Lankan FM

SRI LANKA- Sri Lankan government on Wednesday denied reports that the United States intends to set up a missile base in the key naval port of Trincomalee.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told Parliament that there was no move by the US to station missiles on the country's soil and there had been no discussion between Colombo and Washington in this regard. The minister, who was replying to allegations levelled by JVP Member of Parliament Anura Dissanayake, said senior officials of US Pacific Fleet Command, led by Major General Tomas L Konent, had visited Sri Lanka for a briefing on war against Tamil tiger militants and on an humanitarian mission.

"The objective of their visit is to engage in a school rehabilitation project in the eastern province and not to carry out any military operations in Sri Lanka," Bogollagama was quoted as saying by the State run Daily News. "Both the US Pacific Fleet Command and USAID will fund the project.

This is a humanitarian project and will be implemented to improve the social and economic standards of the people living in the Eastern Province", the minister said. The team also had bilateral discussions on the current security situation with the heads of the Sri Lankan Security Forces.Hindustan Times

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55 Div advances southwards gaining more LTTE hiding areas

55 Div advances southwards gaining more LTTE hiding areas

SRI LANKA-Troops of 55 Division commanded by Brigadier Prasanna Silva continued their offensive march further southwards gaining more remaining LTTE hiding areas in Kilinochchi today, 22 January. According to the latest information, troops have extended their defences advancing from Chundikulam to Chalai and now been engaged in consolidating operations in newly captured area. Fierce confrontations reported in the area and LTTE terrorists have withdrawn from the area with their casualties.

Meanwhile, a tractor carrying LTTE cadres for reinforcement was also destroyed in heavy artillery barrages launched by the troops, Electronic Warfare sources said citing LTTE communication channels. While consolidating the newly gained ground troops have found 3 bodies of LTTE terrorists killed during the battle along with weapons and vehicles. 40 feet long Dovra type sea craft and a Unicorn vehicle which were left away by the fleeing terrorists were also found during the consolidating operations. source-defence.lk

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TF -2 captures Udayarakattukulam tank bund - Mullaittivu

TF -2 captures Udayarakattukulam tank bund - Mullaittivu

SRI LANKA- The advancing Task Force -2 troops have captured the Udayarkattukulama tank bund in Mullaittivu, after hours of fierce fighting that ensued with LTTE today (Jan 21). According to latest military reports, TF-2 infantry formations have directed a two frontal assault at LTTE terrorists. Scores of terrorists were killed and many injured during the confrontations military sources said adding that troops are now consolidating defences in the area. The fighting was intense as terrorists made desperate attempts to stall the military advance, security sources further said. More information will follow. defence.lk

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Explosion in Batti kills one

Explosion in Batti kills one

SRI LANKA-One Police officer died and eleven others, including four school children were injured when a bomb exploded outside the Batticoloa Police station this morning,police said.

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Troops poised for final battle

Troops poised for final battle

SRI LANKA-The Security Forces in the final phase of the battle with the LTTE, had speedy progress yesterday with all Army Divisions advancing from South to North direction reached closer to Paranthan – Mullaitivu A-35 road confining the LTTE into a limited area in the North of A-35 road, Military sources told the Daily News last night. source-dailynews

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Yasushi Akashi will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow

Yasushi Akashi will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow


SRI LANKA-Japanese special peace envoy Yasushi Akashi will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow (21). During his stay, Akashi is expected to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Representatives of the Government and the opposition to encourage their work on the process towards a political solution to the ethnic conflict in the country , a release issued by the Japanese Embassy said.news.lk

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Security Forces discover massive LTTE fuel stock

Security Forces discover massive LTTE fuel stock


SRI LANKA-As Security Forces mounting pressure on the LTTE now entrapped in the Mullaitivu jungles in a massive frontage, the 58 Division troops yesterday unearthed a massive fuel stock buried in Dharmapuram town, which has been used by the LTTE as their main administrative centre after the fall of their administrative capital Kilinochchi, Military sources told the Daily News yesterday. source-dailynews

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Sri Lankan Army Captures Fifth Rebel Airstrip

Sri Lankan Army Captures Fifth Rebel Airstrip


SRI LANKA-- The Sri Lankan army sources said that on Thursday it captured a fifth airstrip used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The Tigers have suffered a series of defeats in the past weeks, most recently on Wednesday when the army completely took control of the Jaffna peninsula.filephoto-defence.lk

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‘No cause for journalists and media to fear Government’

‘No cause for journalists and media to fear Government’

SRI LANKA-President Mahinda Rajapaksa urged media institutions to act with the greatest responsibility in reporting events at a time when there is considerable public attention drawn to the attack on the MTV/Sirasa TV station and the killing of the Editor of The Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickremetunga, as well as the success of the security forces in the fight to eradicate terrorism, when he met the heads of private and state media institutions at Temple Trees this evening (14). dailynews

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Menon will visit Sri Lanka soon.

Menon will visit Sri Lanka soon.

SRI LANKA- Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon will visit Sri Lanka from January 16-17 a top official of the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.The Indian High Commission said during his visit he will have discussions on various issues of interest to the two countries.

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Entire Jaffna Peninsula liberated; Troops capture Chundikulam...........

Entire Jaffna Peninsula liberated; Troops capture Chundikulam


SRI LANKA- Army 55 Division soldiers this evening (Jan 14) liberated Chundikulam, the landmass that links the Jaffna peninsula with the mainland.. According to the defence sources, Sri Lanka Army has liberated the whole Jaffna peninsula from terrorist clutches with this victory.

Heroic troops of 551 Brigade (1 Gemunu Regiment, 1 Sri Lanka Light infantry and Commandos) joined in accomplishing this mission and it is observed that large number of vehicles including dozers, buses, tractors, canters and boats have been destroyed by exploding most of them by the fleeing LTTE terrorists. defence.lk- Picture by Tilak Perera

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Mass exodus expected from Wanni

Mass exodus expected from Wanni

SRI LANKA-The Government yesterday (Jan 12) reiterated that it was fully prepared to handle the mass exodus of civilians from Wanni, and Vavuniya was being readied as a humanitarian assistance hub to cater to their needs.

"Arrangements are underway to provide relief for those coming from uncleared areas seeking shelter and safety," Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishard Bathuideeen said.

According to Ministry sources, 1,168 persons have sought refuge with authorities and they have been housed in Menik farm and Nelumkulama welfare center in Vavuniya.

Authorities have also taken steps to clear an 80 acre land in Vavuniya to construct temporary shelters.

The displaced have been provided with cooked meals, dry rations, drinking water, health and sanitary facilities. Electricity, cooking utensils, clothes, infant food are also being provided, they added.

Ministry Secretary A. C. M. Razik said yesterday that the Government had already allocated Rs.30 million as an initial sum to expedite relief measures through the Government Agent in Vavuniya.

During the past two days, over 200 displaced people have sought refuge with the military at various destinations in the northern front and according to reports many others are on the way despite Tiger threats to deny them safe passage.

However, there were reports of LTTE intimidation as they desperately tried to keep civilians from fleeing the uncleared areas even going to the extent of shooting those who defied their orders, as demonstrated in the killing of seven civilians on Saturday.

But with military laying siege on the final LTTE frontier, authorities said they expect a mass exodus in the coming weeks.

They said that a safe passage had been prepared for the civilians fleeing Tigers to reach Vavuniya.

According to independent verifications, the number of displaced who are being forcibly kept in Vanni by the LTTE is between 150,000 to 250,000.-defence.lk

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Thousands mourn Sri Lanka editor............

Thousands mourn Sri Lanka editor

SRI LANKA-Thousands of mourners have attended the funeral of a leading Sri Lankan newspaper editor and fierce government critic who was shot dead last week. Security was tight in Colombo as crowds paid their last respects to Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickramatunga. Reports say some 10,000 people attended a Christian service ahead of a burial ceremony at Colombo's main cemetery.


Lawyers protest Lasantha murder

Lawyers in Sri Lanka have protested the killing of Sunday Leader Editor, Lasantha Wickramatunga. Marching from Supreme Court complex to the headquarters of Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) in Colombo, they called for a thorough investigation into the murder. bbc-sandesaya

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The terrorist owned airstrip and two hangers in Sri Lanka

The terrorist owned airstrip and two hangers in Sri Lanka


SRI LANKA-The pictures below show the extent to which a terrorist outfit can develop itself when the world remains ignorant of the true nature of such monstrous organizations. Mislead by false propaganda elements by front organizations of the LTTE and its proxy NGOs, world has let the LTTE to be the first terrorist organization to have an air arm. Not to forget that it is the same organization that has pioneered the art of suicide bombing, and suicide naval craft. There is no doubt that the LTTE and its fund raising mechanism spread across the globe has made a great contribution to the global terrorism in terms of knowledge and other means. Here is the fourth and the largest airstrip ever captured by Sri Lanka Army. There is a great possibility that it may be the only one of that kind owned by any terrorist organization in the world. Troops of Army 59 Division lead by Brigadier Nandana Udawatte captured the airstrip on Saturday (Jan 10) after crushing stiff terrorist resistance. It is located in thick Mullaittivu jungle, about 5km west of Nanthikandal lagoon.

I Infantrymen of 9 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) led by Lieutenant Colonel Janaka Ariyaratne were the first to enter in the airstrip. The airstrip is built with a tarmac about 1.5 km long and 100m wide. The area was heavily guarded by the terrorists with a barb wired fence built in a 300m distance around the air stripe . The two armour plated hangers and several other huts were also found.defence.lk

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Lasantha passed away......

Lasantha passed away......
update2

SRI LANKA-Popular Sri Lankan Editor who is Sunday Leader editor, Lasantha Wickramatunga has passed away in Colombo South General Hospital, Kalubowila to day evening(8) ,for emergency treatment after being shot at in the morning succumbed to his injuries this (Jan. 08th) afternoon. Lasantha Wickramatunga was shot a short while ago at the Bakery Junction, Attidiya.near the Colombo. Sri lanka Government Condemned this attack said by Media minister Anurapriyadarsanayapa.

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Sunday Leader chief editor Lasantha Wickramatunga was shot...

Sunday Leader chief editor Lasantha Wickramatunga was shot



SRI LANKA-Sunday Leader chief editor Lasantha Wickramatunga was shot a short while ago at the Bakery Junction, Attidiya. He has been admitted to Kalubowila Hospital.

Lasantha Wickramatunga is in critical condition, hospital sources confirmed. He is currently being taken to the Colombo General Hospital for surgery. According to reports available at the moment, two armed men had come in two motorcycles, blocked his vehicle and shot him near the ear.

Kalubowila Hospital authorities have decided not to bring Lasantha to the Colombo General Hospital, and was taken to the operating theater for immediate surgery.dailymirror

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Minor Explosion in Mt.Lavinia railway track

Minor Explosion in Mt.Lavinia railway track



SRI LANKA-A Minor explosion has occurred near the railway track close to the Mount Laviniya railway in Colombo,last evening (7 January) around 8.00 police sources said.

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Government bans LTTE

Government bans LTTE

SRI LANKA-The Government said yesterday that the Cabinet had taken a unanimous decision, in accordance with a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam(LTTE).more dailynews




Sri Lanka bans Tamil Tigers

SRI LANKA-The Sri Lankan government has re-imposed a formal ban on the Tamil Tiger rebel movement which it lifted in 2002 at start of a six year truce. The move means the rebels are once again designated as a terrorist organisation. A senior government minister, Maithripala Sirisena, said the cabinet had taken the decision because the Tigers were not letting civilians leave the combat area they still control in northern Sri Lanka. The main opposition, United National Party (UNP), questioned the timing of the decision.

UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake, told BBC Sandeshaya that the party is not against banning the LTTE but described it as a political stunt. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said consequences of the decision will be "most undesirable". TNA parliamentary leader, R Sampanthan, told the BBC Sandeshaya that it showed the government was only interested in imposing a military solution to the national question of the Tamils. Sri Lankan Government forces have recently made significant advances into rebel-held territory-bbc

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Forces overrun Tiger FDLs in Kilali, Muhamalai

Forces overrun Tiger FDLs in Kilali, Muhamalai


Troops advancing towards LTTE’s third FDL


In full control of Mankulam-Oddusuddan road

SRI LANKA-The LTTE defence line in Kilali and Muhamalai came under Security Forces’ control as 53 and 55 Divisions operating in the Jaffna front advanced and captured the Tiger defence line some 600 metres ahead of the Forces’ defences yesterday, Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. dailynews

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MTV/MBC attacked by armed gang........

MTV/MBC attacked by armed gang.

Extensive damage to the studio complex

SRI LANKA- A private radio and television station on the outskirts of Sri Lanka's capital has been attacked by an armed gang that inflicted extensive damage to the studio complex and interrupted its broadcasts, a spokesman for the station said Tuesday.

A gang of 15 to 20 men stormed the Maharaja TV and Maharaja Broadcasting Corporation at Pannipitiya, 20 kilometres south-east of the Colombo, holding the staff at gunpoint and assaulting some of them before causing the damage early Tuesday, the spokesman said. 'The attackers opened fire inside the building, lobbed grenades and went on the rampage, damaging office furniture, equipment and the mobile vehicle used for outdoor broadcasts in an attack that lasted 45 minutes,' the spokesman said.TV and radio programmes have been interrupted at the station, but management said they were making temporary arrangements to resume broadcast services.

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MTV/MBC under seige

The MTV/MBC transmission station in Pannipitiya has come under attack, and the network is comepletely off air. Unconfirmed sources say that an unidentified group has stormed the building. dailymirror


MTV/MBC under seige -

Officials from MTV/MBC say armed gang of about 20 entered the premises of the transmission station in Pannipitiya, and held staff and security personnel at gunpoint before setting the main control room on fire. A hand grenade was used inside the Main Control Room, and the Bomb Disposal Unit have recovered another unexploded grenade from the location. dailymirror

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Elephant Pass next target

Elephant Pass next target


SRI LANKA-The Security Forces who captured two key Tiger strongholds Paranthan and Kilinochchi within 24 hours are poised to capture strategic Elephant Pass, the isthmus that connects the Jaffna peninsula to the mainland, as 58 Division troops are only two and half kilometres short of their target by yesterday afternoon, Military sources told the Daily News yesterday. dailynews

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TF 4 troops enter Oddusuddan township - Mullaittivu...

TF 4 troops enter Oddusuddan township - Mullaittivu


SRI LANKA-Troops of Task Force 4 who have continued their advances further northwards after capturing Nadunkeni have entered Oddusuddan township by this afternoon, 4 January. According to the latest information, troops of 14 Sinha Regiment (SR) commanded by Major U.S.N.K Perera under command to 642 Brigade commanded by Lt. Colonel B.T Hathnagoda entered the Oddusuddan town following the days long fighting ensued in the area.

The strategically vital Oddusuddan junction located along the Mankulam - Mullaittivu (A34) main road had been used by the LTTE terrorists for their administrative and logistic purposes as it has direct route access towards Mullaittivu, Puthukkudiyiruppu, Mankulam and Nedunkeni. Troops own engaged in further consolidating operations in north and west of Oddusudan areas, defence sources said. defence.lk

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We give highest priority to civilian safety' says President Rajapaksa

We give highest priority to civilian safety' says President Rajapaksa


SRI LANKA-Post-Kilinochchi, President Mahinda Rajapaksa expects the Sri Lankan armed forces to make rapid advances and capture Elephant Pass, which controls access to the Jaffna Peninsula, and other key targets in a short while. He is confident that, in the near future, the fighting cadres of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam will have nowhere to go outside the jungles of Mullaittivu district in northern Sri Lanka. Speaking to me over the telephone from Colombo on Sunday evening (Jan 4), Mr. Rajapaksa expressed satisfaction that his 'Zero Civilian Casualty Policy' was implemented perfectly by the armed forces during the operations to liberate Kilinochchi, the administrative hub and de facto 'capital' of the LTTE. They would continue to implement this policy in all their operations. "See what is happening in Palestine! Horrible," the Sri Lankan President said. "I spoke to the Palestinian President [Mahmoud Abbas] to find out the real situation there." Mr. Rajapaksa expressed concern over the LTTE not releasing the tens of thousands of Tamil civilians it holds "virtually as prisoners." He has warned the organisation that it would face a ban if it continued to deny Tamil civilians their freedom and human rights. It is understood that the ban could come within a week. Paradoxically, the LTTE, which has been banned or designated as a terrorist entity in some 30 countries, including India, is yet to be proscribed in Sri Lanka. "We have to give the highest priority to looking after these civilians," Mr. Rajapaksa told me in the telephonic conversation. "We want their safety. That is why I am insisting strongly on their release." "We are sending them food," the Sri Lankan President added. "We are feeding the LTTE. We won't keep them hungry even after the civilians come over!" Mr. Rajapaksa said some of the LTTE cadres were surrendering to the armed forces. His government was aware that there was a possibility of some suicide bombers trying to come out as refugees. The government was doing its best to apprehend and neutralise the LTTE's suicide bombers, possibly 15 to 20 of them, who are believed to have infiltrated into Colombo and its environs. (By: N. Ram - The Hindu)

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Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed comes to Sri Lanka

Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed comes to Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA-Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed accompanied by Madam Nasheed in their first tour in Sri Lanka , were given an enthusiastic welcome by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa on arrival at the Bandaranaike Internaitonal Airport today.pix Sudath Silva

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Sri Lanka: troops enter rebel headquarters.

Sri Lanka: troops enter rebel headquarters.


Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lankan soldiers fought their way into the Tamil Tiger rebel capital Friday for the first time in a decade, military officials said, following months of fierce battles on the outskirts that left scores dead.

Troops entered the northern town of Kilinochchi from two sides, senior military officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with government rules.

The level of fighting inside the town remained unclear. The military had predicted Thursday that soldiers would seize the town within two days.

The fall of Kilinochchi would be devastating to the separatist Tigers, who have had used the town as their political and military headquarters for the past 10 years and have created structures for an independent state, such as a police, courts, and tax offices.

Recent government military offensives have forced the rebels out of much of their territory in the north of the Indian Ocean island nation. President Mahinda Rajapaksa has promised to crush the rebel group and end the nation's 25-year-old civil war this year.

A 6-year-old Norway-brokered truce was officially called off last year with both sides openly violating the agreement.

Senior Sri Lankan officials have said repeatedly over the past two months that Kilinochchi would fall soon, but troops became bogged down by heavy rains and fierce rebel resistance.

The rebels could not immediately be reached for comment. But Tamil Tiger political leader Balasingham Nadesan told The Associated Press on Tuesday that they began as a guerrilla group and would be able to keep fighting even if they lost much of the territory they controlled in the north.

Military spokesman Brig. Udaya Nanayakkara said that 15 insurgents were killed in daylong fighting near the rebels' northeastern stronghold of Mullaitivu on Thursday. Thirteen soldiers were wounded in the battle, he said.

The rebels have fought since 1983 to create an independent homeland for the minority Tamils, who have suffered decades of marginalization by successive governments controlled by the Sinhalese majority. The conflict has killed more than 70,000 people.

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Kilinochchi railway station comes under Army control.......

Kilinochchi railway station comes under Army control

SRI LANKA-Sri Lanka Army 57 Division troops now in the process of liberating Kilinochchi town have taken control over the Kilinochchi railway station short while ago (Jan 2).

According to the battlefields reports troops of 571 Brigade lead by Lieutenant Colonel Harendra Ranasinghe have beaten off the terrorists from the area in an intense battle. defence.lk

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Change in Ministries......

Change in Ministries


SRI LANKA-Investment Promotion and Enterprise Development Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama is scheduled to take oaths as the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs this evening. Media Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa will take oaths as the Investment Promotion and Enterprise Development Minister.Minister Yapa continues to remain as Minister of Mass Media and Information-

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Kilinochchi will be captured in 48 hrs. - Army chief

Kilinochchi will be captured in 48 hrs. - Army chief


SRI LANKA-Army commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka says the LTTE heartland of Kilinochchi town will be captured within the next 48 hours.

His statement came hours after the Army announced that it had taken control of Paranthan town and Iranamadu Junction.

According to reports, the Defence Ministry is due take a media team from Colombo this evening (Jan. 01st) to cover the capture of Kilinochchi town.lankadessent

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War is a sacrifice for political gain-Mangala

War is a sacrifice for political gain-Mangala


SRI LANKA-Parliamentarian Mangala Samaraweera said that the government is engaged in sacrificing the lives of security forcers for political gain. In a statement issued this week, Mangala Samaraweera claimed that, "three thousand soldiers have died in combat during 2008 and further nine thousand had been wounded". When asked about the source of the figures, he told the BBC, "We get the information from within the military. Government is hiding the damage. even the Prime Minister had stopped giving casualty figures in parliament as part of the monthly emergency debate".

He also said that lives of soldiers are being sacrificed because the defence secretary and army commander do not have an understanding or strategy to conduct the war. political settlement He said that although the Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga administration was forced in to war but never pushed Tamil civilians towards the Tamil Tigers.

“Alongside fighting the war we seriously discussed a political settlement” Said Samaraweera. Responding to a question Samaraweera said that while in the Kumaratunga cabinet he never opposed the ceasefire agreement between the LTTE and Ranil Wickramasinha administration but only questioned certain aspects of the agreement. “President Kumaranatunga took over three ministries and there could be criticisms regarding that” Said Samaraweera"-bbc sandesaya

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Sri Lanka defeat spirited Tigers.......

Sri Lanka defeat spirited Tigers


SRI LANKA-Sri Lanka won by the first Test in Mirpur by 107 runs after Bangladesh made a gallant attempt to reach a massive victory target of 521. The home side's 413 all out was their highest fourth innings total and the fourth highest overall score in Tests. Skipper Mohammad Ashraful completed his fifth Test century before falling lbw to Chaminda Vaas for 101. bbc

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