If anyone thought that military operations were intended to pressurise the LTTE into coming to the negotiating table, such illusions were effectively dispelled by the Defence Secretary’s frank disclosure. It is no longer a case of bringing the LTTE to the negotiating table through military means for a political settlement. It is now a case of destroying or diminishing the LTTE as a pre-requisite for a political solution
It’s ‘unofficially’ official now! Three things are certain.
There’s going to be a big war in the Northern Province against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
There will be no let up until the objective of vanquishing the Tigers is achieved. Even if it is not feasible, an ongoing relentless attempt will be made.
There won’t be any political solution until and unless the military goal of eradicating ‘terrorism’ (read LTTE) is fulfilled.
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa emphasised the above three points unambiguously at Trincomalee last week. The occasion was the felicitation ceremony for the navy for reportedly destroying three ships, allegedly carrying arms for the LTTE.
The Defence Secretary’s elder sibling, President Mahinda Rajapaksa was also present as Gotabhaya stated these views but maintained silence, indicating tacit consent. The fact that the Defence Secretary stated so in the presence of the Head of State, Head of Government and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces shows that the sentiments expressed were an ‘officially sanctioned unofficial policy declaration.’ So it’s unofficially official.
Calling the shots
It is also crystal clear now who calls the shots literally and metaphorically as far as war and peace is concerned. Mahinda Samarasinghe may say one thing and Rohitha Bogollagama another, but effective decisions are made and articulated elsewhere. The Minister who repeats these more lucidly than any other of his colleagues is Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.
It was only a few weeks ago that Gotabhaya Rajapaksa spoke forthrightly at a passing out parade about a proposed military advance into the LTTE held areas of the north. This was emphatically denied by some Cabinet ministers but within days the Musali region of Mannar District was taken over in a surprise manoeuvre.
If anyone thought that military operations were intended to pressurise the LTTE into coming to the negotiating table, such illusions were effectively dispelled by the Defence Secretary’s frank disclosure.
It is no longer a case of bringing the LTTE to the negotiating table through military means for a political settlement. It is now a case of destroying or diminishing the LTTE as a pre-requisite for a political solution.
There is a saying about an army marching on its stomach. The cost conscious sections of society might be appalled by the economic consequences of prosecuting a prolonged war. But Gotabhaya Rajapaksa thinks otherwise. “We cannot establish permanent peace in the country by winning only half or two-thirds of the war against terrorism,” he said in Trincomalee.
The Defence Secretary also said “President Rajapaksa cannot implement the desired political solution to the north and east conflict unless LTTE terrorism is defeated 100 percent.”
Defence Secretary’s stance
He said that President Rajapaksa, amidst the economic constraints the country is facing, has given all that is required for the security forces and the police to achieve their task of defeating LTTE terrorism.
On another occasion the Defence Secretary’s erstwhile Commanding Officer and present Army Commander Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka was posed a question by a media person about the impact of the escalating war on the economy. “It is better to have a bankrupt country than half a country,” was the answer.
This then sums up the military mood. The military option against the LTTE will be pursued relentlessly and diligently regardless of economic or any other consequences. The defence establishment has scented blood. It wants to go in for what it perceives to be an easy kill.
The Bard of Avon wrote of a ‘tide in the affairs of men.’ The defence establishment feels that the security forces are riding the crest of a victorious anti-Tiger wave. The wave has to be ridden until the LTTE is engulfed, it is felt.
There is a frenzy of populist euphoria in the air. It is a combination of the natural and artificial, spontaneous and contrived, real and imaginary. But it is there.
It was Talleyrand I think who warned that “war is too serious a matter to be left in the hands of generals.” But currently in Sri Lanka, that is exactly what is happening. The military and defence hierarchy runs the war and makes policy. The political establishment falls in line.
Some might say this is not healthy for a country but there are few takers for this in the upper echelons of the government. A feeble opposition with an unimaginative leadership is hopelessly unable or unwilling to check this militarisation of the government. Arguably, a national security state is in formation.
Puzzling conduct
The behaviour and conduct of the LTTE in recent times has been, at best, puzzling. The seeming helplessness of the LTTE in the face of Colombo’s military juggernaut has contributed to this new found confidence and determination on the part of the security establishment.
The LTTE is primarily a militant movement fighting for the goal of national liberation. The government depicts it as terrorist while the LTTE self-perception is that of being freedom fighters. One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist.
Fighting for the lofty objective of national liberation does not automatically remove the terrorist tag if terror tactics are adopted. Likewise, the adoption of terrorist tactics does not automatically disqualify a national liberation movement. One can be both a terrorist and freedom fighter. It is not a case of one or the other.
However, realistically, these distinctions do not manner any more in an increasingly uni-polar world where there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ terrorists. No matter what the ideal is, the use of terrorist methods makes a group or an individual, terrorist. The end does not justify the means after September 11, 2001. All terrorists are ‘evil.’
There is a lot of hypocrisy and double standards here. A state is allowed to adopt all sorts of underhand methods amounting to state terrorism but it is not labelled terrorist. An air force plane can kill innocent civilians by dropping a bomb from the air and get away with it by calling it ‘collateral damage.’
But woe unto a non-state actor planting a bomb that kills civilians intentionally or unintentionally – it will be automatically labelled terrorism and very often does deserve that label. But dropping bombs from an altitude allows greater latitude in getting away from the terrorist label. All states gang up in refusing to admit state terrorism.
Defining terrorism
How does one define the LTTE? Each violent action has to be scrutinised on its own merits to arrive at a definition. The Tigers have three salient aspects when it comes to engaging in violence.
It has the attributes of a conventional militia when it adopts positional warfare. The LTTE fights like an army when it captures or defends territory. The Tigers function as a guerilla force when launching attacks against security force installations or convoys. It is a terrorist outfit whenever it kills innocent civilians through bombs or massacres and assassinates political leaders and other civilians.
Thus, the LTTE can be loosely termed as a self-styled national liberation movement that engages in terrorism at times. Each LTTE action has to be specifically classified into categories of warfare, guerilla tactics or sheer terrorism.
After the LTTE withdrew from the Eastern Province, analysts predicted that all three dimensions of the Tigers would come into play in due course.
The LTTE would engage in positional warfare and fight like a conventional army to retain northern territory. The Tigers would adopt guerilla tactics against security forces in the east. It would assassinate political leaders and destroy economic targets through terrorist methods in Colombo and elsewhere in the south, it was expected.
However, so far, no target has been attacked in Colombo or elsewhere except for the diversionary thrills of a nascent air wing dropping bombs. The limited air strikes too have stopped for some months now.
In the east some limited landmine ambushes have occurred in the Ampara and Trincomalee District jungle adjacent areas, but few attacks were reported in Batticaloa District.
Defending territory
In the north, the LTTE has been stoutly defending areas on the Vavuniya-Mannar District borders and in the Weli Oya/Manal Aaru region. It is also defending territory in the Jaffna Peninsula along the Forward Defence Lines (FDLs) of the Kilaly-Eluthumattuvaal- Nagar Kovil axis. But in the Musali region of Mannar South, the LTTE did not fire a single shot and allowed a walkover.
Even though a major offensive has not been launched by either side, there have been sporadic exchanges of artillery fire between both sides in the Vavuniya-Mannar District borders and also in the peninsula. There has also been regular aerial bombardment and strafing by the air force at positions in the Wanni. The navy too has shelled the coastal areas and also battled the Sea Tigers off the Mullaitivu coast.
It can be seen, therefore, that war related incidents have been happening since April last year. Many civilians in the Wanni have been killed, injured and displaced over the past 17 months.
Both sides are wary of the other launching an ‘invasion’ into their territory. Therefore, bombing and shelling is done by the armed forces on the one hand and shelling by the LTTE on the other to prevent major offensives. There are widely prevalent minor skirmishes. These activities are done to keep the ‘other’ side on its toes and to keep it guessing from where and when the big attack will come.
The preliminary limited strikes and offensives are no substitutes for the real McCoy. They cannot pre-empt or prevent the major offensive, counter-offensive or raid, if and when they are launched.
The armed forces can commence their ground based drives southwards from the peninsula, south-eastwards from Thallady in Mannar, northwards and north-westwards from any point along the Mannar-Vavuniya Road or from Omanthai or the Iranai Iluppaikulam Road or from Maamaduwa or the Weli-Oya/Manal Aaru region.
Sea-borne invasions across the Jaffna lagoon towards the Mannar-Poonagary coast or via the northern seas on the Mullaitivu-Chundikulam coast are also possible.
Defensive strategy
The LTTE too can commence major attacks on several possible targets. A sea-borne operation across the lagoon into the peninsula, a ground based offensive from Muhamaalai or Nagar Kovil points; attacks on army camps in Mannar, Vavuniya and Weli-Oya sector are also possible. A long shot could be incursions via jungles into Medawachchiya, Kebethigollewe, Padaviya, etc.
By all accounts the Tigers seem to be adopting a defensive strategy for now. LTTE Political Chief S.P. Tamilselvan said recently that the Tigers were maintaining “patience intentionally.” This strategy may have certain politico-military reasons.
In the first place, the LTTE is heavily disadvantaged vis-à-vis the armed forces in terms of manpower, firepower, airpower, naval power and armoured vehicle power. This places the Tigers in a very weak position.
Therefore, it would naturally be reluctant to hold on to extensive territory. The Tigers will yield some territory in order to prevent over stretching and dilution of personnel. To cite a phrase used by defence analysts, they will “trade space for time.”
What will this time be used for? Obviously, strengthening defences and recruiting cadres is one. This is happening now. But the Tigers will prolong the war in the hope that the time gained will work against Colombo. Rising defence costs will drain the Treasury and increase the cost of living and inflation. Economic problems can cause social and political unrest.
The armed forces may over extend themselves in the bid to gain more real estate. If they bite more than they can chew, the LTTE would like to make them choke.
The mounting tally of alleged human rights violations and civilian casualties caused by the armed forces can discredit the regime internationally. There may come a point where international intervention becomes inevitable.
The Tigers also expect stirrings in Tamil Nadu and related impact in New Delhi. There is also the expectation that the Tamil people in Sri Lanka and abroad will rally around the LTTE as the war escalates and civilian suffering increases.
Vital rear base
Even if the LTTE Political Commissar’s claim of exercising patience is true, the security establishment is in no mood to believe it. It will be seen as the LTTE making a virtue out of necessity as the view in defence circles is that the Tigers are weak and vulnerable. Therefore, the resolve to go on the offensive will gain strength.
However, there is a point beyond which the LTTE cannot retreat, lie low or exercise patience. This is because the Wanni heartland is, in guerilla parlance, the rear base of the LTTE. It is very vital to the Tigers that they retain control of a swathe of territory with access to the sea. The LTTE has to offer fierce resistance to preserve some territory at least.
The Tigers have strengthened defences and are ready to adopt positional warfare to defend this territory. Apparently, the Tigers have set up three ‘defence rings’ – A primary outer ring around most territory under their control, a secondary inner ring around key areas in Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu, and a tertiary line of defence around strategic areas of the north-eastern sector.
The fact that this primary defensive outer line has been able to prevent government incursions on the Vavuniya-Mannar borders and inside the peninsula shows the determination and grit of the LTTE to resist military advances.
Unlike what happened in the east or the peninsula when defeated, the Tigers have no place to go if the Wanni is overrun. So the Tigers, fighting a desperate battle to safeguard their rear base, will fight hard when the time comes.
The Tigers may even adopt their customary tactic of letting the enemy advance and then hit back swiftly and hard. This was well demonstrated during the conflict of the nineties.
Armed forces strategy
But the armed forces strategy devised by the Sarath-Gotabhaya duo is not likely to be a mechanical repetition of the disastrous approach under ‘Gen.’ Anuruddha Ratwatte during ‘Operation Jayasikuru’ in the nineties.
It is more likely that the government will adopt the ruthless double-track strategy adopted successfully in the east: A widespread campaign of bombing and shelling on a broad scale on points throughout the region on the one hand and on the other, a sustained campaign of intensive concentrated attacks on a limited target area.
The civilians are uprooted and their dwellings and infrastructural facilities demolished. After civilians leave a particular area and move to another place, the vacated place is shelled and bombed to saturation point. Then the army advances on ground, consolidates and establishes control of a limited area.
Thereafter, this process is repeated again and again. In a slow, systematic manner, the armed forces advance and hold target areas while the civilian population flees from place to place or to government areas. This is what happened in stages in the east and after 15 months, the armed forces dominate the province now.
Moreover, unofficial embargoes on food, medicine, fuel and essential items will be imposed as was done in the east. Transport and movement of people will be restricted. Payment of salaries of government employees, including teachers, will be suspended. Agriculture, fisheries and cottage industries will be reduced to a standstill.
If the armed forces have their way as they did in the east, this scenario is likely to happen in the north too.
This strategy will certainly cause immense hardship to the civilians. But judging from the apathy and silence of the international community towards the tragic civilian plight in the east, there seems very little chance of any foreign pressure to make Colombo call off the war or abandon its hard-line strategy.
Beginning of the end
Though Sinhala hawks would like the armed forces to go in quickly and finish off the Tigers, the defence establishment is not likely to rush in. Plans and preparations will be made carefully and cautiously.
However, it seems highly improbable that the Tigers will passively wait for the government to enfeeble, encircle and then engulf them. Contrary to optimistic assertions in Colombo, the LTTE is not both down and out. It is only down, but not fully out. Past experience has shown that the Tigers crouch to pounce.
If the armed forces succeed in dislodging the Tigers from their entrenched positions in the Wanni, it can only mean the beginning of the end. So the Tigers will fiercely resist such moves. It is a back-to-the-wall situation
This resistance is not likely to be reactive alone. There could be counter-offensives and counter-strikes that could change the situation drastically. Also, this counter-strategy need not be confined specifically to the battlefields.
Another moot point having a bearing on the war situation is the approaching ‘Maa Veerar Naal’ (Great Heroes’ Day) on November 27. What will Prabhakaran say on that day? Conversely, what will the armed forces allow him to say on that day?
Whatever the situation, full-scale war seems inevitable and imminent. Even the raging monsoon rains may not be able to deter its pace or intensity.
The fluctuating fortunes of war may be fickle and fluid. But one thing is certain. The civilians are going to suffer. The misery of the east will be repeated in the north. The tragic plight of recently displaced Tamils and Muslims from Mannar South is a sad pointer of things to come in this respect.
(http://www.nation.lk/2007/09/23/newsfe2.htm)
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Air strike on LTTE leadership confab
Site turned into inferno
Air Force fighter jets yesterday bombed a location where a leadership meeting of the LTTE was in progress in Mullaithivu inflicting large scale death and destruction on the outfit.
Security sources said the pilots had observed a massive inferno following the bombings of the building network which also served as an ammunition dump.
"The precise target was destroyed while the LTTE high rankers were gathered," Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. Fighter jets Mig27 and Kafir carried out the air strike targeting the key tiger position in Vishvamadu in the Tiger stronghold of Mullaithivu at around 12.15 p.m.
"The target was accurate and precise according to the ground intelligence and air based surveillance," the Brigadier said.
He said the air strike was carried out while the LTTE leaders were gathered at a meeting. This was a location where key LTTE leaders met regularly to discuss military strategy.
"We are yet unable to confirm the number of casualties as the target was located in the uncleared area", he added.
Air Force fighters also confirmed that the aim was accurate and that a huge fire was observed. The Vishvamadu base was one of the key LTTE bases in the North, Brigadier said.
"The air strike was carried out on the LTTE base complex also consisting of an arms an ammunition dump which exploded in the strike.
"The LTTE Headquarters 'Imran Pandian' regiment also was located in the vicinity. From this base the Tiger cadres were ferrying weapons to other locations," he pointed out. Meanwhile, three civilians were injured in an LTTE claymore blast targeting the STF foot patrol yesterday at around 2.05 p.m. in Chawalakade, Ampara.
According to Brigadier Nanayakkara the LTTE cadres detonated a claymore mine targeting the STF in Chawalakada, Ampara-Kalmunai road.
"Three civilians who were travelling in a cab got caught to the LTTE claymore mine and were severely injured in the blast," he added.
The injured civilians were admitted to the Kalmunai hospital.
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/22/sec01.asp)
Air Force fighter jets yesterday bombed a location where a leadership meeting of the LTTE was in progress in Mullaithivu inflicting large scale death and destruction on the outfit.
Security sources said the pilots had observed a massive inferno following the bombings of the building network which also served as an ammunition dump.
"The precise target was destroyed while the LTTE high rankers were gathered," Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. Fighter jets Mig27 and Kafir carried out the air strike targeting the key tiger position in Vishvamadu in the Tiger stronghold of Mullaithivu at around 12.15 p.m.
"The target was accurate and precise according to the ground intelligence and air based surveillance," the Brigadier said.
He said the air strike was carried out while the LTTE leaders were gathered at a meeting. This was a location where key LTTE leaders met regularly to discuss military strategy.
"We are yet unable to confirm the number of casualties as the target was located in the uncleared area", he added.
Air Force fighters also confirmed that the aim was accurate and that a huge fire was observed. The Vishvamadu base was one of the key LTTE bases in the North, Brigadier said.
"The air strike was carried out on the LTTE base complex also consisting of an arms an ammunition dump which exploded in the strike.
"The LTTE Headquarters 'Imran Pandian' regiment also was located in the vicinity. From this base the Tiger cadres were ferrying weapons to other locations," he pointed out. Meanwhile, three civilians were injured in an LTTE claymore blast targeting the STF foot patrol yesterday at around 2.05 p.m. in Chawalakade, Ampara.
According to Brigadier Nanayakkara the LTTE cadres detonated a claymore mine targeting the STF in Chawalakada, Ampara-Kalmunai road.
"Three civilians who were travelling in a cab got caught to the LTTE claymore mine and were severely injured in the blast," he added.
The injured civilians were admitted to the Kalmunai hospital.
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/22/sec01.asp)
Bus driver killed in claymore attack
One civilian was killed and two injured when LTTE cadres exploded a claymore mine targeting a bus carrying civilians along the Trincomalee-Sallisambaltivu area around 11.45 a.m. yesterday, military officials said.
The driver of the bus was killed in the incident which occurred when the bus was proceeding from Trincomalee to Irrakkandi Road. Meanwhile Air Force fighterjets launched another attack in the area around the LTTE Vishvamadu base in Mullaitivu yesterday morning, targeting LTTE cadres who were engaged in attempting to salvage what remained from Friday’s air attack on this site, the Media Centre for National Security said.
It said Friday’s attack had destroyed the LTTE base complex consisting of large arms and ammunitions dumps and which was also reportedly the location for the LTTE's special "regiment" (Imran Pandiyan). The Military said the LTTE facility was a regular visiting place for key terrorist leaders.The LTTE denied the claims and said what was attacked was a TRO office and several civilians were injured in the attacks.
(http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070923/News/news0004.html)
The driver of the bus was killed in the incident which occurred when the bus was proceeding from Trincomalee to Irrakkandi Road. Meanwhile Air Force fighterjets launched another attack in the area around the LTTE Vishvamadu base in Mullaitivu yesterday morning, targeting LTTE cadres who were engaged in attempting to salvage what remained from Friday’s air attack on this site, the Media Centre for National Security said.
It said Friday’s attack had destroyed the LTTE base complex consisting of large arms and ammunitions dumps and which was also reportedly the location for the LTTE's special "regiment" (Imran Pandiyan). The Military said the LTTE facility was a regular visiting place for key terrorist leaders.The LTTE denied the claims and said what was attacked was a TRO office and several civilians were injured in the attacks.
(http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070923/News/news0004.html)
LTTE targets Tamil bus passengers in Samabalthievu killing bus driver and injuring two passengers
Sri Lankan policemen inspect the scene of a roadside bomb explosion in Trincomalee, about 257 km (160 miles) east of Colombo, September 22, 2007. A suspected Tamil Tiger roadside bomb hit a civilian bus in the island's northeast on Saturday killing the driver, police said.
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the separatist terrorist organization, continues to harass the Tamil civilians and this time by detonating a claymore mine targeting a private bus plying between Trincomalee and Irakkandi .
The bus driver Suntharam of the private bus was killed and two passengers were injured. The injured passengers are admitted to Trincomalee hospital.
The bus with its full capacity was proceeding along Trincomalee – Nilaveli Road when LTTE terrorists cadres detonated the claymore mine, most probably taking cover behind some buildings. The incident took place around 11.45 AM in Salli, a Tamil village, located in Sambalthievu, seven kilometers off the East of Trincomalee.
Uppuveli police are investigating the incident
LTTE’s strategic locations destroyed
For the second day in a row, the Air Force claimed to have bombed “strategic” locations of the Tamil Tigers in Mullathivu district.
The Defence Ministry said the jets “destroyed a strategically important LTTE facility in precision air strikes”. “The air sorties were carried out at an LTTE base complex consisting of large arms and ammunitions dumps which was also said to be a harbouring location for the LTTE’s special ‘regiment’ (Imran Pandiyan). The air strikes were based on accurate air and ground surveillance information.”
It said strikes were also launched on a place where high-ranking terrorists meet. It said the pilots had reported heavy activity in the camp.
Separately, three civilians were killed when suspected LTTE cadres detonated a claymore mine in Ampara district.
(http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/22/stories/2007092256031600.htm)
The Defence Ministry said the jets “destroyed a strategically important LTTE facility in precision air strikes”. “The air sorties were carried out at an LTTE base complex consisting of large arms and ammunitions dumps which was also said to be a harbouring location for the LTTE’s special ‘regiment’ (Imran Pandiyan). The air strikes were based on accurate air and ground surveillance information.”
It said strikes were also launched on a place where high-ranking terrorists meet. It said the pilots had reported heavy activity in the camp.
Separately, three civilians were killed when suspected LTTE cadres detonated a claymore mine in Ampara district.
(http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/22/stories/2007092256031600.htm)
Sri Lanka says jets bomb rebel leaders' meeting
Sri Lankan fighter jets bombed a Tamil Tiger military base in the rebel-held far north on Friday triggering multiple explosions, the air force said, while a suspected rebel roadside bomb killed one civilian in the east.
The air strike near the town of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the northern district of Mullaittivu was targeted at top leaders of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and was the second such raid in the area in as many days.
"We got to know through intelligence there was a high ranking meeting of the LTTE, so we took the target," said Air Force spokesman Group Captain Ajantha De Silva.
"It was an LTTE military complex called Imbran Pandian regiment." He had no details of any casualties.
The LTTE who say they are fighting for an independent state for minority ethnic Tamils in the north and east, said in an email the bombs had damaged homes but caused no casualties.
However they were not immediately available for comment on a roadside bomb attack in the eastern district of Batticaloa, which killed one civilian and wounded two others. The army said the rebels were responsible.
Following another raid in the area on Thursday, in which the military said it destroyed a rebel munitions store, the Tigers said the bombs had damaged houses and wounded six civilians.
There was no independent confirmation of what the jets hit on Thursday or Friday, how many people were killed or what had happened and analysts say both sides exaggerate enemy losses amid a parallel The bombings come on the heels of a new offensive launched by the Sri Lankan military this month to drive the rebels from the northwestern district of Mannar, after pushing them out from jungle terrain they controlled in the east earlier this year.
An estimated 5,000 people have died since early last year alone in renewed fighting after a peace process collapsed. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since the war erupted in 1983.
(http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-29655320070921?pageNumber=2)
The air strike near the town of Puthukkudiyiruppu in the northern district of Mullaittivu was targeted at top leaders of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and was the second such raid in the area in as many days.
"We got to know through intelligence there was a high ranking meeting of the LTTE, so we took the target," said Air Force spokesman Group Captain Ajantha De Silva.
"It was an LTTE military complex called Imbran Pandian regiment." He had no details of any casualties.
The LTTE who say they are fighting for an independent state for minority ethnic Tamils in the north and east, said in an email the bombs had damaged homes but caused no casualties.
However they were not immediately available for comment on a roadside bomb attack in the eastern district of Batticaloa, which killed one civilian and wounded two others. The army said the rebels were responsible.
Following another raid in the area on Thursday, in which the military said it destroyed a rebel munitions store, the Tigers said the bombs had damaged houses and wounded six civilians.
There was no independent confirmation of what the jets hit on Thursday or Friday, how many people were killed or what had happened and analysts say both sides exaggerate enemy losses amid a parallel The bombings come on the heels of a new offensive launched by the Sri Lankan military this month to drive the rebels from the northwestern district of Mannar, after pushing them out from jungle terrain they controlled in the east earlier this year.
An estimated 5,000 people have died since early last year alone in renewed fighting after a peace process collapsed. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since the war erupted in 1983.
(http://in.reuters.com/article/southAsiaNews/idINIndia-29655320070921?pageNumber=2)
Sri Lanka Air Force strikes LTTE leaders' meeting in Northeast, claymore blast kills a civilian
Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets today struck and destroyed a LTTE meeting place and a strategically important LTTE arms facility triggering multiple explosions in the Mullaitivu area in the northeast while a civilian was killed in a claymore blast in the East, the military said.
Air attacks were carried out at a LTTE base complex that housed large arms and ammunitions following accurate air and ground surveillance information, a defence official said.
Air Force also effectively struck an LTTE meeting place in the area, where high raking LTTE leaders regularly meet inflicting heavy damages, sources said. Simultaneous explosions were observed from the site, following the air raid, pilots confirmed. However, the exact number of LTTE casualties is yet to be known, the sources added.
The air sorties were carried for a third day in the rebel held Mullaitivu area which has been identified as a key LTTE activity area.
Meanwhile a civilian was killed and two others sustained injuries when suspected Tigers detonated a roadside claymore mine targeting a delivery van along the Chavalkade- Mandur road , at general area of Chavalkade in Kalmunai, Ampara district, this afternoon. The driver of the van later succumbed to his injuries.
(http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/September21122450CH.html)
Air attacks were carried out at a LTTE base complex that housed large arms and ammunitions following accurate air and ground surveillance information, a defence official said.
Air Force also effectively struck an LTTE meeting place in the area, where high raking LTTE leaders regularly meet inflicting heavy damages, sources said. Simultaneous explosions were observed from the site, following the air raid, pilots confirmed. However, the exact number of LTTE casualties is yet to be known, the sources added.
The air sorties were carried for a third day in the rebel held Mullaitivu area which has been identified as a key LTTE activity area.
Meanwhile a civilian was killed and two others sustained injuries when suspected Tigers detonated a roadside claymore mine targeting a delivery van along the Chavalkade- Mandur road , at general area of Chavalkade in Kalmunai, Ampara district, this afternoon. The driver of the van later succumbed to his injuries.
(http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/September21122450CH.html)
Nedumaran phobia?
“I have been looking through binoculars but I cannot see any boats”. It was the latter part of 1983 after the notorious July riots that killed many Tamils. An executive, with at least half a dozen degrees to adorn his name in his business card, called me from his 6th floor office of a century old colonial company, bearing an English name, and opposite to the Central Bank of Ceylon. As I did not know how to answer, I controlled my laughter and wondered to myself how such a frog in the well could obtain so much excellence in his educational career. “He came to Dhanuskodi coast with his followers but he was arrested by the Tamilnadu police and the game is over” was my reply.
Seeing the hype created presently by the Sri Lankan politicians, government and the media, I may say Nedumaran has, after 24 years once again emerged as a ‘hero’ in Sri Lanka. Comments made by many alarmists about his venture, clearly exposed their ignorance of Indian politics – particularly Tamilnadu politics. One carried an opposition parliamentarian’s comments as; He also said that Nedumaran had the backing of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi. “The Central Government of India backs Nedumaran as the support of his party is needed for it to survive. Therefore the Sri Lankan government should act with circumspection.”
I did not know what to say except controlling my laughter and wondering to myself about their lack of knowledge of the immediate neighbourhood. To me this parliamentarian does not seem to be anything better than the binocular man of 1983. Karunanithi and Jayalalitha are at logger heads with Nedumaran and imprisoned him a few times during their tenure. I wish to ask the member in what way Central Government of India backs Nedumaran whose face the cabinet [except Tamils] might have not seen at all even in news papers?
In every political party there would be one or two dedicated to follow events of a particular country, and only that particular person would comment on the happenings there. In Lanka it looks such things don’t exist. Don’t worry even the present President of the most powerful country, six months prior to his election did not know where India was, what the Prime Minister’s name was. If you are a regular TV news viewer you would agree that nowadays, it is proved politics does not need intelligence only guns, sorry guts – to do any thing. Nedumaran started his political career with the DMK and later moved over to Congress with a group that collided with Karunanithi. In 1978 when Mrs.Indira Gandhi visited Madurai he was her escort. At one point when a DMK man threw a deadly weapon at Mrs.Gandhi, Nedumaran saved her. This incident gave him prominence in all India political circles, but strengthened the enmity with Karunanithi and the DMK. Even now on the 12th and before, he shouted anti Karunanithi slogans and accused him as, just because of his lack of concern for the Tamils of Eelam only, the people in Eelam suffer - starve to this extent.
Surprisingly Congress and the DMK formed an alliance for the 1980 state legislature election to fight MGR. Nedumaran who was against DMK left the party to form his own as Tamilnadu Kamaraj Congress Party and went along with MGR, winning three seats. In the meantime his friendship with Tamil militants especially the LTTE grew and his legislature hostel room in Madras [like Sirawasthi] became a safe house to LTTErs like Baby, Kittu and another one person who wanted to keep his presence secret. The Pondy Bazaar shooting incident made police arrest Uma Magheswaran who was injured and also the one who injured him, whose head carried Rs.300,000 rewards for killing Jaffna’s Mayor Alfred Duraiappa. As Baby sought help, Nedumaran visited the prison and was shocked to be introduced to a person hitherto was said to be in Jaffna. “Sorry” was the first word Pirabhakaran uttered to Nedumaran who took it easy with a smile. The court ordered Pirabhakaran to be in Madurai and this cemented the relationship between the two. The fugitive finally wanted to leave India on January 4, 1987. “Have you made all arrangements?” “Yes I am informing you only. Nobody else knows about my plans. If we remain here we will not be able to take independent decisions for our people’s welfare” he added. “There is a plan to have me killed in Madras or New Delhi. The danger will remain as long as I remain here. Our struggle will intensify if I return to Eelam”. Pirabhakaran left for Jaffna. As said Nedumaran was the one only Indian who knew about his exit.
Who is Nedumaran? He is a good orator, a lover of Tamil language and its culture, a simple living man who does not yearn for a Mercedes Benz, but a public commuter. Above all, he is a sympathizer of the LTTE leader and his struggle. That made him to give up national politics and become an admirer cum advisor to the Tigers. He helped the movement a lot at crucial times and took care of the Tiger boss too when he stayed in Madurai under court order. Well, no doubt Nedumaran commands the respect as the most trusted person of the LTTE boss. But what is his position today? Is he politically a mass leader or a spent force? Is he in a position to collect 50,000 people on a Monday morning to march towards the SL Deputy High Commissioner’s office in Chennai like the DMK did in March against the alleged shooting of TN fishermen by SL Navy? No he is not. Even last week only 300 volunteers gathered with him at Nagapattinan jetty even though over half a dozen least known associations expressed participation.
What prompted him to go on fast to death? September 27th is the 20th death anniversary of Dhileepan, 25, who went on fast to death. Younger readers may not know about Dhileepan who was the head of political wing of the LTTE in Jaffna. LTTE blamed India that many things that were promised in the Indo – Lanka Pact were not given to them. Talks in this regard with Indian High Commissioner J.N. Dixit were quite turbulent. Therefore to confront India in Gandhian way Dhileepan went on a hunger strike near a Hindu temple in Jaffna and died after few days. Actually Nedumaran was secretly in Jaffna with Pirabhakaran when Dhileepan died.
Now who blocked the food and medicine consignment? Whether it was Tamilnadu government, Delhi, Colombo or all three together I may consider it politically unwise. Delhi would just parrot what TN says. I wonder what instigated M.K. to go against it, may be not to give prominence to Nedumaran and his efforts? “We wanted to send them through Red Cross, which agreed to it. But the world organisation wrote to the Centre seeking permission. It was not given. Only then, we decided to take medicine and food directly to Sri Lanka through boats from Nagapattinam,” was his argument. Now Nedumaran broke his fast on Saturday with an assurance from the Chief Minister that he would take meaningful steps to fulfill his demand.
Lanka need not have any reservation to receive it through any official channel. We accepted Tsunami fund and goods from school children too while India and Thailand said no to foreign aid. Mind you if we are still shy, to save our face and honour, we should pay back to TN government what they spend on the Sri Lankan boat refugees. Minister Douglas Devananda who expressed his willingness to accept it through ICRC on BBC’s Tamil service, should inform Chennai and Delhi his readiness and save Tamilnadu CM’s embarrassment of approaching Delhi. Acceptance of this consignment will create some good will in both sides of the Palk-Strait. At times one will have to give in, to win.
An Indian senior journalist said last week in Colombo that, support to the LTTE in TN is zero. No it is not. That is the wish of his establishment. Brahmins do not like the prominence of low castes. When politicians like Vaiko, Thirumavalavan, and Dr.Ramdoss are openly supporting the Tigers, one can not opine against the reality. But it can be defined to a single digit. On the contrary people of TN are fully sympathetic to the plight of Northeast civilians.
Nedumaran is a politician of yesteryear, not a piper to arouse people to walk over water with him to Lanka or bring an Armada. Any such move will be stopped by law enforcing authorities immediately. Therefore here no one needs to use binoculars. The Opposition member now will understand neither Karunanithi nor Central government backs Nedumaran. Such acts of him will take place in future too, but don’t raise Tsunami signals. On the whole it looks Lanka or Tamilnadu, or both together made a mountain out of a molehill making him a hero.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/22/opinion/1.asp)
Seeing the hype created presently by the Sri Lankan politicians, government and the media, I may say Nedumaran has, after 24 years once again emerged as a ‘hero’ in Sri Lanka. Comments made by many alarmists about his venture, clearly exposed their ignorance of Indian politics – particularly Tamilnadu politics. One carried an opposition parliamentarian’s comments as; He also said that Nedumaran had the backing of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi. “The Central Government of India backs Nedumaran as the support of his party is needed for it to survive. Therefore the Sri Lankan government should act with circumspection.”
I did not know what to say except controlling my laughter and wondering to myself about their lack of knowledge of the immediate neighbourhood. To me this parliamentarian does not seem to be anything better than the binocular man of 1983. Karunanithi and Jayalalitha are at logger heads with Nedumaran and imprisoned him a few times during their tenure. I wish to ask the member in what way Central Government of India backs Nedumaran whose face the cabinet [except Tamils] might have not seen at all even in news papers?
In every political party there would be one or two dedicated to follow events of a particular country, and only that particular person would comment on the happenings there. In Lanka it looks such things don’t exist. Don’t worry even the present President of the most powerful country, six months prior to his election did not know where India was, what the Prime Minister’s name was. If you are a regular TV news viewer you would agree that nowadays, it is proved politics does not need intelligence only guns, sorry guts – to do any thing. Nedumaran started his political career with the DMK and later moved over to Congress with a group that collided with Karunanithi. In 1978 when Mrs.Indira Gandhi visited Madurai he was her escort. At one point when a DMK man threw a deadly weapon at Mrs.Gandhi, Nedumaran saved her. This incident gave him prominence in all India political circles, but strengthened the enmity with Karunanithi and the DMK. Even now on the 12th and before, he shouted anti Karunanithi slogans and accused him as, just because of his lack of concern for the Tamils of Eelam only, the people in Eelam suffer - starve to this extent.
Surprisingly Congress and the DMK formed an alliance for the 1980 state legislature election to fight MGR. Nedumaran who was against DMK left the party to form his own as Tamilnadu Kamaraj Congress Party and went along with MGR, winning three seats. In the meantime his friendship with Tamil militants especially the LTTE grew and his legislature hostel room in Madras [like Sirawasthi] became a safe house to LTTErs like Baby, Kittu and another one person who wanted to keep his presence secret. The Pondy Bazaar shooting incident made police arrest Uma Magheswaran who was injured and also the one who injured him, whose head carried Rs.300,000 rewards for killing Jaffna’s Mayor Alfred Duraiappa. As Baby sought help, Nedumaran visited the prison and was shocked to be introduced to a person hitherto was said to be in Jaffna. “Sorry” was the first word Pirabhakaran uttered to Nedumaran who took it easy with a smile. The court ordered Pirabhakaran to be in Madurai and this cemented the relationship between the two. The fugitive finally wanted to leave India on January 4, 1987. “Have you made all arrangements?” “Yes I am informing you only. Nobody else knows about my plans. If we remain here we will not be able to take independent decisions for our people’s welfare” he added. “There is a plan to have me killed in Madras or New Delhi. The danger will remain as long as I remain here. Our struggle will intensify if I return to Eelam”. Pirabhakaran left for Jaffna. As said Nedumaran was the one only Indian who knew about his exit.
Who is Nedumaran? He is a good orator, a lover of Tamil language and its culture, a simple living man who does not yearn for a Mercedes Benz, but a public commuter. Above all, he is a sympathizer of the LTTE leader and his struggle. That made him to give up national politics and become an admirer cum advisor to the Tigers. He helped the movement a lot at crucial times and took care of the Tiger boss too when he stayed in Madurai under court order. Well, no doubt Nedumaran commands the respect as the most trusted person of the LTTE boss. But what is his position today? Is he politically a mass leader or a spent force? Is he in a position to collect 50,000 people on a Monday morning to march towards the SL Deputy High Commissioner’s office in Chennai like the DMK did in March against the alleged shooting of TN fishermen by SL Navy? No he is not. Even last week only 300 volunteers gathered with him at Nagapattinan jetty even though over half a dozen least known associations expressed participation.
What prompted him to go on fast to death? September 27th is the 20th death anniversary of Dhileepan, 25, who went on fast to death. Younger readers may not know about Dhileepan who was the head of political wing of the LTTE in Jaffna. LTTE blamed India that many things that were promised in the Indo – Lanka Pact were not given to them. Talks in this regard with Indian High Commissioner J.N. Dixit were quite turbulent. Therefore to confront India in Gandhian way Dhileepan went on a hunger strike near a Hindu temple in Jaffna and died after few days. Actually Nedumaran was secretly in Jaffna with Pirabhakaran when Dhileepan died.
Now who blocked the food and medicine consignment? Whether it was Tamilnadu government, Delhi, Colombo or all three together I may consider it politically unwise. Delhi would just parrot what TN says. I wonder what instigated M.K. to go against it, may be not to give prominence to Nedumaran and his efforts? “We wanted to send them through Red Cross, which agreed to it. But the world organisation wrote to the Centre seeking permission. It was not given. Only then, we decided to take medicine and food directly to Sri Lanka through boats from Nagapattinam,” was his argument. Now Nedumaran broke his fast on Saturday with an assurance from the Chief Minister that he would take meaningful steps to fulfill his demand.
Lanka need not have any reservation to receive it through any official channel. We accepted Tsunami fund and goods from school children too while India and Thailand said no to foreign aid. Mind you if we are still shy, to save our face and honour, we should pay back to TN government what they spend on the Sri Lankan boat refugees. Minister Douglas Devananda who expressed his willingness to accept it through ICRC on BBC’s Tamil service, should inform Chennai and Delhi his readiness and save Tamilnadu CM’s embarrassment of approaching Delhi. Acceptance of this consignment will create some good will in both sides of the Palk-Strait. At times one will have to give in, to win.
An Indian senior journalist said last week in Colombo that, support to the LTTE in TN is zero. No it is not. That is the wish of his establishment. Brahmins do not like the prominence of low castes. When politicians like Vaiko, Thirumavalavan, and Dr.Ramdoss are openly supporting the Tigers, one can not opine against the reality. But it can be defined to a single digit. On the contrary people of TN are fully sympathetic to the plight of Northeast civilians.
Nedumaran is a politician of yesteryear, not a piper to arouse people to walk over water with him to Lanka or bring an Armada. Any such move will be stopped by law enforcing authorities immediately. Therefore here no one needs to use binoculars. The Opposition member now will understand neither Karunanithi nor Central government backs Nedumaran. Such acts of him will take place in future too, but don’t raise Tsunami signals. On the whole it looks Lanka or Tamilnadu, or both together made a mountain out of a molehill making him a hero.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/09/22/opinion/1.asp)
Friday, September 21, 2007
Sri Lanka air attacks injure 13: rebels
A Sri Lankan soldier at a checkpoint in Colombo. At least 13 civilians, including children, were wounded when Sri Lankan war planes staged three days of bombing raids over territory held by the Tamil Tiger rebels, the guerrillas said.
At least 13 civilians, including children, were wounded when Sri Lankan war planes staged three days of bombing raids over territory held by the Tamil Tiger rebels, the guerrillas said.
Sri Lanka's military said earlier it had identified and bombed guerrilla targets. It denied hitting civilians during the raids, which were staged over three consecutive days until Friday.
The rebels in a statement listed the names of 13 people they said had been wounded in the bombings, adding they had been admitted to hospital.
The Tamil Tigers have been fighting since 1972 for a separate homeland on the tropical island for minority Tamils.
Official figures say the conflict has claimed more than 65,000 lives, including more than 5,400 in the last 21 months.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070922/wl_sthasia_afp/
srilankaunrest_070922055852&printer=1;_ylt=AtOb_s.DXzhl9ziUdEzcdgbuOrgF)
Monday, September 10, 2007
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
Soldiers bring in supplies by boat to their colleagues conducting search operations in Silavathura which was liberated by the Security Forces early this week.
Government troops patrolling near Thoppigala
Government troops patrolling near Thoppigala.Advancing Commandos captured the strategically important Thoppigala base complex eliminating the tiger pressence in the east.
(http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/07/10/index.asp)
Friday, September 07, 2007
Surprise the key element as Forces capture Silavathura
Huge blow to Tigers' supply system, tax collection:
MAJOR VICTORY: The news about the military operation to liberate the areas in the South of Mannar came as a surprise not only to the LTTE but to the Security Forces.
Even the troops involved in the operation were informed about the launch of the operation on Friday night after the decision was taken last Friday at the National Security Council.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the nod for the launch of this humanitarian operation after his arrival in Colombo from Kandy.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka moved the proposal to the Security Council emphasising the need to liberate the area from the clutches of the LTTE as Tigers were exploiting the population in Silavatura, Arippu who made fishing their lifeline.
Security Forces have received enough proof to say that the LTTE cadres mingling with the fishing community smuggle arms and ammunition and fuel to the area as they were experiencing an acute shortage of fuel in the unliberated areas.
One of the major contributing factors towards launching this operation to liberate the area was due to the continuous threats posed by the LTTE to military vehicles plying on the Mannar-Vavuniya road, the only supply route connected to Mannar town.
The presence of Tiger cadres in the South of Mannar provided many chances for the LTTE to cut off this Main Supply Route to Mannar and isolate the Security Forces in a decisive battle that may erupt in the Wanni under present conditions.
The possibility is very high with the strong presence of Tiger cadres in the Vidithalthivu in the North of Mannar a few Kilometres away from Mannar.
The LTTE is aware of this situation and made use of their presence in the area to launch claymore attacks on a number of Security Forces vehicles plying on the Vavuniya Mannar road.
The most recent attack was reported at Cheddikulam on the Medawachchiya - Mannar road killing 10 soldiers, wounding 19 including 13 civilians on July 24 this year.
If the LTTE musters their resources and launches an attack on Police posts or Army detachments established along the Mannar Vavuniya road, they could have easily cut off the road to induct their cadres from Wanni to South of Mannar in preparation of a major offensive against the Security Forces.
The threats on the civilian population living in the border of Puttalam and Anuradhapura districts was also a contributing factor for the launch of this operation as it helps strengthening the security of the settlements in Mahavilachchiya, Tantirimale and various other villages.
The LTTE posed a threat to many Home Guards deployed to secure these villages. They were attacked recently by the Tiger cadres. Four Home Guards were killed on July 24 in a pre dawn attack in Thiruwegama in the border of Vavuniya.
Earlier in April seven villagers including six women were massacred by the LTTE in Awaranthulawa, Paleuruwa in the border of Vavuniya.
In this backdrop it had become a compulsory factor for the Security Forces to launch this operation to strengthen the security of these villages.
From the Navy point of view the presence of the LTTE in Silavatura and Arippu in the South was a greater threat for the Naval patrol craft deployed for the security of Colombo harbour as the LTTE used to move to attack Colombo harbour mingling with the fishermen.
Sea Tiger cadres make use of the license issued to fishermen in Puttalam and Battalangunduwa to smuggle arms and ammunition to LTTE controlled areas posing as civilian fishermen.
On many occasions Sea Tigers launched attacks on Naval troops patrolling in the sea off Kalpitiya reaching the Naval craft in the guise of fishermen.
Apart from this the LTTE also made use of the area to send suicide cadres and explosives to Colombo from this area since it was the only available route for the LTTE to send in their cadres to Colombo.
This background provided reasons for the Security Forces to launch another humanitarian operation to liberate the area from the clutches of the LTTE.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka along with Wanni Security Forces Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya commanded the troops engaged in the Silavatura operation.
The humanitarian operation was commenced without any operation plan to maintain the secrecy of the operation as Security Forces did in the Eastern operations too.
Arrangements were made through the Area Headquarters in Mannar under the command of Brigadier Channa Goonetilleke, to accommodate the civilians from Silavatura and Arippu at several welfare centres until the humanitarian mission was completed.
According to statistics available with the Government Agent and the Non Government Organisations operating in Silavatura and Mannar area, there have been around 6,000 civilians in the area.
However the Security Forces realised that the figure was an exaggerated one, as the total number of civilians arriving in the cleared areas in Mannar did not exceed 3,000 even by Wednesday morning.
This number was reported except the civilians living in Mulliyavali area in the South of Silavatura who had not arrived in Government held areas even by Wednesday morning.
However, According to Mannar Government Agent Nicholes Pillai there was a SoS call from the civilians living in Mulliyavali to reach liberated areas as they have been already trapped in the area without food.
Therefore, the Security Forces believe that either civilians have left the area for various other places or the figure has been exaggerated by the NGOs to bring in supplies to the area to feed the LTTE as there were no other means for the LTTE to depend on food and other essential items such as fuel.
With the civilians in Arippu, and Silavatura and Kondachchi arriving in Murunakan and Nananddan, 1 SF troops commanded by Major Ihalagama under the Command of SF Brigade Commander Nirmal Dharmaratna moved into the area along with the 9 Gemunu Watch battalion commanded by Lt. Colonel Pradeep Perera.
The leading role was played by the Special Forces troops under the command of Colonel Nirmal Dharmaratne. Weeks prior to the launch of the operation they inducted reckie teams in to the area to observe the situation there and to cut off cut off all LTTE supply routes to the area.
As SF troops completed their mission inside Silavatura the ground troops were given instructions to move into the area in the early Saturday morning troops attached to 8 GW move into the area along the Murunkan Silavatura road.
Though they expected Tiger resistance at Kompansinthakulam bridge across Malwathu Oya or Arivu Aru they faced no resistance.
The 9 Gemunu Watch, 8 Sinha Regiment and 10 Gajaba Regiment were used to cut off the supply routes while Special Forces troops played the leading role.
The Bravo Company of the 8 GW battalion, commanded by Captain Imesh Habadivulvewa took control of the bridge which was earlier used by the LTTE as a tax collecting centre from the people and from the tractors transporting sand.
As Bravo Company took control of the bridge with no resistance Charley Company of the 9GW under the leadership of Captain Bandaranaike moved towards Chaddyappankulam junction on the Murunkan - Silavatura road.
From the Silavatura junction on the Murunkan - Silavatura junction two companies Delta Company under the leadership of Captain MUC Perera and Delta Company led by Captain Sampath moved in two directions to take control of Arippu.
As troops of the 9 Gemunu Watch were taking control of Arippu Silavatura was sealed off completely by the 9 GW troops. The troops attached to 8 Sinha Regiment were helidropped from Vavuniya to completely cut off Silavatura from the South.
Each Battalion has been given different tasks and were not aware of the other battalions involved in the operations. By the time 8SR troops were heli dropped to Kajuwatta area, 9 GW troops were not aware of their movements.
Surprise was fully maintained during the whole operation and 8 SR troops along with the 1 SF troops advanced towards the Silavatura from Kajuwatta area. By Sunday morning troops took full control of Silavatura capturing a Sea Tiger base.
Two Tiger cadres the intelligence leader and the political leader of Silavatura area were killed in a claymore attack with Special Forces troops cutting off the supply routes to the area.
Troops believe that many Tiger cadres fled the area by sea southwards and towards the Vedithalthivu north of Mannar despite the rough sea conditions in the area.
Despite the rough seas the Army started sending supplies to ground troops in Arippu by boat from Vankalai.
By Monday troops further advanced towards Kondachchi to take full control of the Silavatura area and consolidate their position in Silavatura.
Troops conducting search and clear operations in Silavatura found a Sea Tiger base along with ten boats and a suicide boat. Large stocks of RPG bombs, hand grenades, T-56 ammunition, detonators and explosives left behind by the fleeing Tiger cadres were recovered from the area.
The clandestine operations conducted by the Sea Tiger cadres were apparent during this search operations as troops found a few fishing boats fitted with claymore mines into the fibreglass bodies of the fishing boats.
It is very difficult to identify these suicide boats as they are similar to the normal fishing boats. They could be identified only by the detonator wires fixed to the boats.
The number of licences issued to civilians by the Navy to engage in fishing has also been recovered from this Sea Tiger base.
The recovery of these civilian identity cards from the Sea Tiger base very clearly indicates that the LTTE was using the licences issued for fishermen to smuggle arms and ammunition to their Tiger bases.
That was how the LTTE launched an attack on Naval craft in Battalangunduwa posing themselves as fishermen. With the use of these suicide boats the LTTE can reach the Navy boats and destroy them once they reach close to these boats to check their identity.
The troops have taken shelter at Government buildings like Divisional Secretariat offices, schools and other public offices in Arippu and Silavatura without touching any private property belonging to the civilians who left the area with the advancement of troops.
Civilians who had left the area with the advancement of troops towards Silavatura, have now taken refuge at Don Bosco Church in Murunkan and Nanaddan Maha Vidyalaya until the Security Force declare the area free of LTTE threat.
These civilians now come out with the suffering they had undergone at the hands of the LTTE as they had to live under the pressure of the LTTE. One Vijayalakshmi who had arrived there in Silavatura from Kebithigollewa area had not been allowed to go back to her village.
She has been asked to live with her relatives there in Silavatura and had not been allowed to use even a telephone suspecting that she would give information to Security Forces.
These civilians are willing to return to their villages under the protection of the Security Forces to live a normal life like the civilians living in other parts of the country.
Therefore, they will soon be given the chance to return their villages very soon as Security Forces have almost completed their task of clearing the area in Silavatura to establish civilian administration.
Though some elements describe the victory of the Security Forces in Silavatura as mere capture of lands with no Tiger resistance, it was the strategy adopted by the Security Forces to liberate the area that compelled the LTTE to flee from the area.
Though the LTTE highly boasted about the fighting capabilities they were not capable of fighting a professional Army. What they should consider is that these type of military successes will definitely will pave the way for the success in future operations in the Wanni to capture LTTE strongholds.
No strong Army can capture any territory without moving to the target step by step. The task before the Security Forces is to liberate the civilian population from the clutches of the LTTE to free them from the harassments of the LTTE.
It is absolutely nonsensical to think of capturing Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi directly without liberating the people in other parts in the North and East.
That should be done considering the manpower and the firepower available with the Armed Forces. Now the Forces are on track to achieve their task once the time is ripe for them to move into the strongholds in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/07/fea03.asp)
MAJOR VICTORY: The news about the military operation to liberate the areas in the South of Mannar came as a surprise not only to the LTTE but to the Security Forces.
Even the troops involved in the operation were informed about the launch of the operation on Friday night after the decision was taken last Friday at the National Security Council.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa gave the nod for the launch of this humanitarian operation after his arrival in Colombo from Kandy.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka moved the proposal to the Security Council emphasising the need to liberate the area from the clutches of the LTTE as Tigers were exploiting the population in Silavatura, Arippu who made fishing their lifeline.
Security Forces have received enough proof to say that the LTTE cadres mingling with the fishing community smuggle arms and ammunition and fuel to the area as they were experiencing an acute shortage of fuel in the unliberated areas.
One of the major contributing factors towards launching this operation to liberate the area was due to the continuous threats posed by the LTTE to military vehicles plying on the Mannar-Vavuniya road, the only supply route connected to Mannar town.
The presence of Tiger cadres in the South of Mannar provided many chances for the LTTE to cut off this Main Supply Route to Mannar and isolate the Security Forces in a decisive battle that may erupt in the Wanni under present conditions.
The possibility is very high with the strong presence of Tiger cadres in the Vidithalthivu in the North of Mannar a few Kilometres away from Mannar.
The LTTE is aware of this situation and made use of their presence in the area to launch claymore attacks on a number of Security Forces vehicles plying on the Vavuniya Mannar road.
The most recent attack was reported at Cheddikulam on the Medawachchiya - Mannar road killing 10 soldiers, wounding 19 including 13 civilians on July 24 this year.
If the LTTE musters their resources and launches an attack on Police posts or Army detachments established along the Mannar Vavuniya road, they could have easily cut off the road to induct their cadres from Wanni to South of Mannar in preparation of a major offensive against the Security Forces.
The threats on the civilian population living in the border of Puttalam and Anuradhapura districts was also a contributing factor for the launch of this operation as it helps strengthening the security of the settlements in Mahavilachchiya, Tantirimale and various other villages.
The LTTE posed a threat to many Home Guards deployed to secure these villages. They were attacked recently by the Tiger cadres. Four Home Guards were killed on July 24 in a pre dawn attack in Thiruwegama in the border of Vavuniya.
Earlier in April seven villagers including six women were massacred by the LTTE in Awaranthulawa, Paleuruwa in the border of Vavuniya.
In this backdrop it had become a compulsory factor for the Security Forces to launch this operation to strengthen the security of these villages.
From the Navy point of view the presence of the LTTE in Silavatura and Arippu in the South was a greater threat for the Naval patrol craft deployed for the security of Colombo harbour as the LTTE used to move to attack Colombo harbour mingling with the fishermen.
Sea Tiger cadres make use of the license issued to fishermen in Puttalam and Battalangunduwa to smuggle arms and ammunition to LTTE controlled areas posing as civilian fishermen.
On many occasions Sea Tigers launched attacks on Naval troops patrolling in the sea off Kalpitiya reaching the Naval craft in the guise of fishermen.
Apart from this the LTTE also made use of the area to send suicide cadres and explosives to Colombo from this area since it was the only available route for the LTTE to send in their cadres to Colombo.
This background provided reasons for the Security Forces to launch another humanitarian operation to liberate the area from the clutches of the LTTE.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka along with Wanni Security Forces Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya commanded the troops engaged in the Silavatura operation.
The humanitarian operation was commenced without any operation plan to maintain the secrecy of the operation as Security Forces did in the Eastern operations too.
Arrangements were made through the Area Headquarters in Mannar under the command of Brigadier Channa Goonetilleke, to accommodate the civilians from Silavatura and Arippu at several welfare centres until the humanitarian mission was completed.
According to statistics available with the Government Agent and the Non Government Organisations operating in Silavatura and Mannar area, there have been around 6,000 civilians in the area.
However the Security Forces realised that the figure was an exaggerated one, as the total number of civilians arriving in the cleared areas in Mannar did not exceed 3,000 even by Wednesday morning.
This number was reported except the civilians living in Mulliyavali area in the South of Silavatura who had not arrived in Government held areas even by Wednesday morning.
However, According to Mannar Government Agent Nicholes Pillai there was a SoS call from the civilians living in Mulliyavali to reach liberated areas as they have been already trapped in the area without food.
Therefore, the Security Forces believe that either civilians have left the area for various other places or the figure has been exaggerated by the NGOs to bring in supplies to the area to feed the LTTE as there were no other means for the LTTE to depend on food and other essential items such as fuel.
With the civilians in Arippu, and Silavatura and Kondachchi arriving in Murunakan and Nananddan, 1 SF troops commanded by Major Ihalagama under the Command of SF Brigade Commander Nirmal Dharmaratna moved into the area along with the 9 Gemunu Watch battalion commanded by Lt. Colonel Pradeep Perera.
The leading role was played by the Special Forces troops under the command of Colonel Nirmal Dharmaratne. Weeks prior to the launch of the operation they inducted reckie teams in to the area to observe the situation there and to cut off cut off all LTTE supply routes to the area.
As SF troops completed their mission inside Silavatura the ground troops were given instructions to move into the area in the early Saturday morning troops attached to 8 GW move into the area along the Murunkan Silavatura road.
Though they expected Tiger resistance at Kompansinthakulam bridge across Malwathu Oya or Arivu Aru they faced no resistance.
The 9 Gemunu Watch, 8 Sinha Regiment and 10 Gajaba Regiment were used to cut off the supply routes while Special Forces troops played the leading role.
The Bravo Company of the 8 GW battalion, commanded by Captain Imesh Habadivulvewa took control of the bridge which was earlier used by the LTTE as a tax collecting centre from the people and from the tractors transporting sand.
As Bravo Company took control of the bridge with no resistance Charley Company of the 9GW under the leadership of Captain Bandaranaike moved towards Chaddyappankulam junction on the Murunkan - Silavatura road.
From the Silavatura junction on the Murunkan - Silavatura junction two companies Delta Company under the leadership of Captain MUC Perera and Delta Company led by Captain Sampath moved in two directions to take control of Arippu.
As troops of the 9 Gemunu Watch were taking control of Arippu Silavatura was sealed off completely by the 9 GW troops. The troops attached to 8 Sinha Regiment were helidropped from Vavuniya to completely cut off Silavatura from the South.
Each Battalion has been given different tasks and were not aware of the other battalions involved in the operations. By the time 8SR troops were heli dropped to Kajuwatta area, 9 GW troops were not aware of their movements.
Surprise was fully maintained during the whole operation and 8 SR troops along with the 1 SF troops advanced towards the Silavatura from Kajuwatta area. By Sunday morning troops took full control of Silavatura capturing a Sea Tiger base.
Two Tiger cadres the intelligence leader and the political leader of Silavatura area were killed in a claymore attack with Special Forces troops cutting off the supply routes to the area.
Troops believe that many Tiger cadres fled the area by sea southwards and towards the Vedithalthivu north of Mannar despite the rough sea conditions in the area.
Despite the rough seas the Army started sending supplies to ground troops in Arippu by boat from Vankalai.
By Monday troops further advanced towards Kondachchi to take full control of the Silavatura area and consolidate their position in Silavatura.
Troops conducting search and clear operations in Silavatura found a Sea Tiger base along with ten boats and a suicide boat. Large stocks of RPG bombs, hand grenades, T-56 ammunition, detonators and explosives left behind by the fleeing Tiger cadres were recovered from the area.
The clandestine operations conducted by the Sea Tiger cadres were apparent during this search operations as troops found a few fishing boats fitted with claymore mines into the fibreglass bodies of the fishing boats.
It is very difficult to identify these suicide boats as they are similar to the normal fishing boats. They could be identified only by the detonator wires fixed to the boats.
The number of licences issued to civilians by the Navy to engage in fishing has also been recovered from this Sea Tiger base.
The recovery of these civilian identity cards from the Sea Tiger base very clearly indicates that the LTTE was using the licences issued for fishermen to smuggle arms and ammunition to their Tiger bases.
That was how the LTTE launched an attack on Naval craft in Battalangunduwa posing themselves as fishermen. With the use of these suicide boats the LTTE can reach the Navy boats and destroy them once they reach close to these boats to check their identity.
The troops have taken shelter at Government buildings like Divisional Secretariat offices, schools and other public offices in Arippu and Silavatura without touching any private property belonging to the civilians who left the area with the advancement of troops.
Civilians who had left the area with the advancement of troops towards Silavatura, have now taken refuge at Don Bosco Church in Murunkan and Nanaddan Maha Vidyalaya until the Security Force declare the area free of LTTE threat.
These civilians now come out with the suffering they had undergone at the hands of the LTTE as they had to live under the pressure of the LTTE. One Vijayalakshmi who had arrived there in Silavatura from Kebithigollewa area had not been allowed to go back to her village.
She has been asked to live with her relatives there in Silavatura and had not been allowed to use even a telephone suspecting that she would give information to Security Forces.
These civilians are willing to return to their villages under the protection of the Security Forces to live a normal life like the civilians living in other parts of the country.
Therefore, they will soon be given the chance to return their villages very soon as Security Forces have almost completed their task of clearing the area in Silavatura to establish civilian administration.
Though some elements describe the victory of the Security Forces in Silavatura as mere capture of lands with no Tiger resistance, it was the strategy adopted by the Security Forces to liberate the area that compelled the LTTE to flee from the area.
Though the LTTE highly boasted about the fighting capabilities they were not capable of fighting a professional Army. What they should consider is that these type of military successes will definitely will pave the way for the success in future operations in the Wanni to capture LTTE strongholds.
No strong Army can capture any territory without moving to the target step by step. The task before the Security Forces is to liberate the civilian population from the clutches of the LTTE to free them from the harassments of the LTTE.
It is absolutely nonsensical to think of capturing Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi directly without liberating the people in other parts in the North and East.
That should be done considering the manpower and the firepower available with the Armed Forces. Now the Forces are on track to achieve their task once the time is ripe for them to move into the strongholds in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/07/fea03.asp)
Special Forces destroying LTTE morale, combat power
In Sri Lanka, one of the more successful units of the army are the “Deep Penetration Units,” that go into rebel territory to collect information, and destroy rebel morale and combat power. These are Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRPs). They belong to the Sri Lankan Special Force Regiment, which was established in 1986.
A LRRP unit, of a hundred or so men, was organised in the 1990s. The unit’s existence and the names of those in it, were kept secret. That’s because the LTTE was expert at hunting down and assassinating anyone they wanted (including Heads of State and senior military commanders.)
Initial operations of the LRRPs were very successful, but LTTE spies found out about the LRRP unit, and who was in it. About 80 members of the LRRP unit were subsequently killed by the LTTE, and the LRRP unit was disbanded. But in the last few years, the LRRP unit, has been reformed and is back in action.
Sri Lanka has several Special Forces type units. There are three Army Commando Regiments, three Army Special Forces Regiments (SF), the Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS), the Air Force Special Force and the Police Special Task Force. All of these are small organisations, full of carefully selected men (and a few women), who train hard, and are usually found heavily involved whenever there is a successful operation against the LTTE.
In the last five years, India and the United States has sent many of their own Special Forces troops to Sri Lanka to help train their Sri Lankan counterparts.
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/05/sec20.asp)
A LRRP unit, of a hundred or so men, was organised in the 1990s. The unit’s existence and the names of those in it, were kept secret. That’s because the LTTE was expert at hunting down and assassinating anyone they wanted (including Heads of State and senior military commanders.)
Initial operations of the LRRPs were very successful, but LTTE spies found out about the LRRP unit, and who was in it. About 80 members of the LRRP unit were subsequently killed by the LTTE, and the LRRP unit was disbanded. But in the last few years, the LRRP unit, has been reformed and is back in action.
Sri Lanka has several Special Forces type units. There are three Army Commando Regiments, three Army Special Forces Regiments (SF), the Navy Special Boat Squadron (SBS), the Air Force Special Force and the Police Special Task Force. All of these are small organisations, full of carefully selected men (and a few women), who train hard, and are usually found heavily involved whenever there is a successful operation against the LTTE.
In the last five years, India and the United States has sent many of their own Special Forces troops to Sri Lanka to help train their Sri Lankan counterparts.
(http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/09/05/sec20.asp)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Sri Lanka Aims to Divide Districts in East, Tamil Lawmaker Says
Sri Lanka's government is dividing districts in the east to prevent a Tamil homeland being created, a move that will spoil the chances of a peace settlement, a lawmaker with the Tamil National Alliance party said.
The aim is to create an ethnic-Sinhalese region between the port of Trincomalee in the Eastern Province and Mullaiththeevu in the Northern Province, R. Sampanthan, the TNA's leader in Parliament, told the assembly yesterday, according to TamilNet's Web site. The TNA has 22 seats in the 225-seat Parliament.
The army won control of the Eastern Province in July after 14 years of fighting with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The LTTE still controls parts of the northern Jaffna peninsula.
The Tamil Tigers are fighting for a separate homeland in the South Asian island nation of 20 million people. Ethnic Sinhalese make up almost 74 percent of the population and Tamils about 8.5 percent, according to U.S. government data.
The government has pledged to hold elections and attract investors and tourists to the Eastern Province that has a 462- kilometer (287-mile) coastline. It offered an amnesty from Sept. 1 to rebels hiding in the jungles in the east, saying they will be rehabilitated and given job training.
Sampanthan said the government is creating ethnic- Sinhalese administrations in the region, TamilNet reported, citing comments he made during a parliamentary debate on events in the east since July.
Sri Lankan Unity
A political solution to Tamil demands must be based on maintaining the unity of Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said this week, according to the Defense Ministry's Web site.
``I was elected primarily by a Sinhala constituency on an election manifesto which made it clear that an ultimate solution to the ethnic crisis could be evolved only on the basis of a unitary state,'' Rajapaksa said in an interview with Indian media, according to the ministry. The LTTE enforced a boycott of Tamil voters in the 2005 election, he said.
There are ``genuine Tamil grievances'' and ``genuine Tamil aspirations'' that have to be addressed, Rajapaksa said. The LTTE doesn't speak for all Tamils, he said, adding that Tamil groups should present a united agenda and proposals for peace.
``The vast majority of Tamil people want peace above everything and to them (the state of) Eelam is just an illusion,'' Rajapaksa said. ``The only question that is non- negotiable is a divided Sri Lanka.''
The president said he intends to bring democracy to the Eastern Province and wants elections held there before the end of this year.
The LTTE has an estimated 12,000 fighters in its land forces and 4,000 members of its Sea Tigers unit. It unveiled an air wing when light aircraft bombed areas near the capital, Colombo, in March and April.
The army will drive the Tamil Tigers from the northeastern region, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said last month. The LTTE said in July that its units were still operating in the Batticaloa area in the east.
The government and LTTE held two rounds of peace talks in Geneva last year that failed to make any progress.
(http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=axpr9glUE3hc&refer=india#)
The aim is to create an ethnic-Sinhalese region between the port of Trincomalee in the Eastern Province and Mullaiththeevu in the Northern Province, R. Sampanthan, the TNA's leader in Parliament, told the assembly yesterday, according to TamilNet's Web site. The TNA has 22 seats in the 225-seat Parliament.
The army won control of the Eastern Province in July after 14 years of fighting with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The LTTE still controls parts of the northern Jaffna peninsula.
The Tamil Tigers are fighting for a separate homeland in the South Asian island nation of 20 million people. Ethnic Sinhalese make up almost 74 percent of the population and Tamils about 8.5 percent, according to U.S. government data.
The government has pledged to hold elections and attract investors and tourists to the Eastern Province that has a 462- kilometer (287-mile) coastline. It offered an amnesty from Sept. 1 to rebels hiding in the jungles in the east, saying they will be rehabilitated and given job training.
Sampanthan said the government is creating ethnic- Sinhalese administrations in the region, TamilNet reported, citing comments he made during a parliamentary debate on events in the east since July.
Sri Lankan Unity
A political solution to Tamil demands must be based on maintaining the unity of Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said this week, according to the Defense Ministry's Web site.
``I was elected primarily by a Sinhala constituency on an election manifesto which made it clear that an ultimate solution to the ethnic crisis could be evolved only on the basis of a unitary state,'' Rajapaksa said in an interview with Indian media, according to the ministry. The LTTE enforced a boycott of Tamil voters in the 2005 election, he said.
There are ``genuine Tamil grievances'' and ``genuine Tamil aspirations'' that have to be addressed, Rajapaksa said. The LTTE doesn't speak for all Tamils, he said, adding that Tamil groups should present a united agenda and proposals for peace.
``The vast majority of Tamil people want peace above everything and to them (the state of) Eelam is just an illusion,'' Rajapaksa said. ``The only question that is non- negotiable is a divided Sri Lanka.''
The president said he intends to bring democracy to the Eastern Province and wants elections held there before the end of this year.
The LTTE has an estimated 12,000 fighters in its land forces and 4,000 members of its Sea Tigers unit. It unveiled an air wing when light aircraft bombed areas near the capital, Colombo, in March and April.
The army will drive the Tamil Tigers from the northeastern region, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said last month. The LTTE said in July that its units were still operating in the Batticaloa area in the east.
The government and LTTE held two rounds of peace talks in Geneva last year that failed to make any progress.
(http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=axpr9glUE3hc&refer=india#)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Commandos rescue eight LTTE child soldiers - Kangikaidichchi Aru
Police Commandos the elite corps of the Police Special Task Force (STF) on Tuesday (August 28) rescued seven child combatants along with another 20-year old youth who had been forced by the LTTE to engage in a terrorist attack against the security forces in the Kangikaidichchi Aru area.
According to STF sources, the commandos had rescued the group of young LTTE cadres comprising four girls and four boys when they had successfully intercepted a terrorist movement at a location close to the 212 milepost on the Akkaraipattu- Pothuvil main road.
The group of terrorists had attacked the STF commandos who had been conducting a clearing operation in the area around 5 am on Tuesday. The STF personnel had overpowered the terrorist attack successfully forcing them to flee in all directions.
During the subsequent search, STF personnel found eight fear-stricken children who had been hiding in the jungle along with weapons and other military gear belonging to the LTTE.
On inquires, the children have revealed they had come to attack the STF with a group consisting of about 50 other LTTE terrorists. The children have further said the terrorists group had attacked the STF with rocket-propelled grenades and T-56 weapons during the firefight on Tuesday early morning.
STF officials told defence.lk that there are seven LTTE child soldiers, boys and girls between the ages 14 and 16 years and one cadre aged 20 years. It has been further revealed that all the rescued LTTE cadres had been forcibly recruited to the terrorist outfit at a very young age. They told the STF that they had been abducted from their parents by the LTTE at different times, forcibly given arms training and put into combat. According to the details obtained the rescued were from Vinayagapuram, Thirukkovil , Kanchankuda and Akkaraipaththuwa areas. Their names are as follows:
1 Jeewarasa Sudan 15 Male
2 Chamuth Nadan 20 Male
3 Perumal Sinnathambi 15 Male
4 Dharmaratnam Ramesh 16 Male
5 Selvarasa Suwarajini 15 Female
6 Thuraisingham Sumana 14 Female
7 Vigneswaran Vinoyani 16 Female
8 Thavarasa Rashika 14 Female
During the search STF personnel also seized one claymore mine, one detonator, one detonator code, one wire roll, three anti-personnel mines, and one T-56 magazine with rounds along with some clothing and food items belonged to the LTTE.
In addition, the STF officials said that they had noticed bloodstains on the ground, raising suspicions that several LTTE cadres had been seriously injured or killed in the confrontation with the STF.
Meanwhile, Pro-LTTE media yesterday (August 29) reported that the Special Task Force had ambushed a group of LTTE cadres comprising 14 child soldiers in the same area on Tuesday (August 28) morning. They also claimed that the 14 child combatants were being taken to be handed over to the parents via UNICEF.
However, the rescued child soldiers, as well as the adult cadre have revealed that they were unaware about where they had been led to by the senior LTTE cadres, though they were eagerly waiting to desert the outfit.
The STF officials told defence.lk that it is highly unlikely that LTTE was taking the child soldiers to be handed over to UNICEF as the terrorists had launched several attacks at STF personnel in the same area during last few days.
The LTTE is a terrorist outfit that has been placed on the UN's list of shame for using child combatants to fight its war against Sri Lanka. Led by its psychopathic leader, V.Prabhakaran, the outfit has been fighting since 1983 for a mono-ethnic separate state for Tamils.
It is reliably estimated that at present the LTTE holds over 2000 child soldiers in its shameful "baby brigade" waiting to be killed as suicide bombers or as one-way fighters as desired by their leader. The LTTE, as one of their abominable tactics in war, uses untrained child combatants and teenage girls to lead the frontal assaults before its male cadres enter the battlefield. It is said the LTTE leader had introduced this tactic to make the maximum impact in the initial attack waves. Having been brain-washed and given no option to turn back, thousands of young combatants had died as one-way fighters in previous battles.
The STF that arranged for the children to be reunited with their parents has sent us some emotional moments that its camera captured when the parents met their loved children whom they lost a longtime ago. On seeing their teenage daughters with shortly cut hairs, the mothers burst into tears and cursed the LTTE leader for destroying their young lives . It is said the LTTE shaves the hair of the girl recruits and do not permit them to keep long hair again, in order to break their female image. Also, it is well known that, Prabhakaran's image as ruthless terror-chief is mostly built by these desperate girls who had no option but to die a violent death as suicide bombers.
Defence.lk requests LTTE activists living abroad in comfort and fighting for the "cause" via Internet from safe distances, to watch what disaster they had brought to the innocent Tamil people in Sri Lanka; and for LTTE fund raisers and sympathizers to watch the wicked purpose for which their funds have been used. Finally, we request human rights institutions to see what their inaction over LTTE crimes has resulted in.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070829_11)
According to STF sources, the commandos had rescued the group of young LTTE cadres comprising four girls and four boys when they had successfully intercepted a terrorist movement at a location close to the 212 milepost on the Akkaraipattu- Pothuvil main road.
The group of terrorists had attacked the STF commandos who had been conducting a clearing operation in the area around 5 am on Tuesday. The STF personnel had overpowered the terrorist attack successfully forcing them to flee in all directions.
During the subsequent search, STF personnel found eight fear-stricken children who had been hiding in the jungle along with weapons and other military gear belonging to the LTTE.
On inquires, the children have revealed they had come to attack the STF with a group consisting of about 50 other LTTE terrorists. The children have further said the terrorists group had attacked the STF with rocket-propelled grenades and T-56 weapons during the firefight on Tuesday early morning.
STF officials told defence.lk that there are seven LTTE child soldiers, boys and girls between the ages 14 and 16 years and one cadre aged 20 years. It has been further revealed that all the rescued LTTE cadres had been forcibly recruited to the terrorist outfit at a very young age. They told the STF that they had been abducted from their parents by the LTTE at different times, forcibly given arms training and put into combat. According to the details obtained the rescued were from Vinayagapuram, Thirukkovil , Kanchankuda and Akkaraipaththuwa areas. Their names are as follows:
1 Jeewarasa Sudan 15 Male
2 Chamuth Nadan 20 Male
3 Perumal Sinnathambi 15 Male
4 Dharmaratnam Ramesh 16 Male
5 Selvarasa Suwarajini 15 Female
6 Thuraisingham Sumana 14 Female
7 Vigneswaran Vinoyani 16 Female
8 Thavarasa Rashika 14 Female
During the search STF personnel also seized one claymore mine, one detonator, one detonator code, one wire roll, three anti-personnel mines, and one T-56 magazine with rounds along with some clothing and food items belonged to the LTTE.
In addition, the STF officials said that they had noticed bloodstains on the ground, raising suspicions that several LTTE cadres had been seriously injured or killed in the confrontation with the STF.
Meanwhile, Pro-LTTE media yesterday (August 29) reported that the Special Task Force had ambushed a group of LTTE cadres comprising 14 child soldiers in the same area on Tuesday (August 28) morning. They also claimed that the 14 child combatants were being taken to be handed over to the parents via UNICEF.
However, the rescued child soldiers, as well as the adult cadre have revealed that they were unaware about where they had been led to by the senior LTTE cadres, though they were eagerly waiting to desert the outfit.
The STF officials told defence.lk that it is highly unlikely that LTTE was taking the child soldiers to be handed over to UNICEF as the terrorists had launched several attacks at STF personnel in the same area during last few days.
The LTTE is a terrorist outfit that has been placed on the UN's list of shame for using child combatants to fight its war against Sri Lanka. Led by its psychopathic leader, V.Prabhakaran, the outfit has been fighting since 1983 for a mono-ethnic separate state for Tamils.
It is reliably estimated that at present the LTTE holds over 2000 child soldiers in its shameful "baby brigade" waiting to be killed as suicide bombers or as one-way fighters as desired by their leader. The LTTE, as one of their abominable tactics in war, uses untrained child combatants and teenage girls to lead the frontal assaults before its male cadres enter the battlefield. It is said the LTTE leader had introduced this tactic to make the maximum impact in the initial attack waves. Having been brain-washed and given no option to turn back, thousands of young combatants had died as one-way fighters in previous battles.
The STF that arranged for the children to be reunited with their parents has sent us some emotional moments that its camera captured when the parents met their loved children whom they lost a longtime ago. On seeing their teenage daughters with shortly cut hairs, the mothers burst into tears and cursed the LTTE leader for destroying their young lives . It is said the LTTE shaves the hair of the girl recruits and do not permit them to keep long hair again, in order to break their female image. Also, it is well known that, Prabhakaran's image as ruthless terror-chief is mostly built by these desperate girls who had no option but to die a violent death as suicide bombers.
Defence.lk requests LTTE activists living abroad in comfort and fighting for the "cause" via Internet from safe distances, to watch what disaster they had brought to the innocent Tamil people in Sri Lanka; and for LTTE fund raisers and sympathizers to watch the wicked purpose for which their funds have been used. Finally, we request human rights institutions to see what their inaction over LTTE crimes has resulted in.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070829_11)
Tamil students kept away from exams due to fear of LTTE conscription - EPDP Leader
The Leader of the Ealem Peoples' Democratic party (EPDP) the Minister of Social Services Douglas Devananda has stated that many Tamil students in Vanni kept away from the GCE examinations due to the fear of the LTTE forcible conscription.
Minister Devananda said that as a result of LTTE's decision to conscript 60,000 children by recruiting one child from each household, only 7 to 8 per cent of the registered students in the Vanni were able to sit the Advanced Level exam this year.
According to EPDP Leader reliable reports have revealed that the LTTE Leader Velupillai Prebhakeran is considering to increase the demand to two children from each household during his Matyrs Day speech scheduled for November 26, 2007.
Minister Devananda pointed out that the safety of 2000 families who had been displaced from Ariyalai in the Jaffna Town due to the area being declared a High security Zone is a major concern and the government is taking steps to relocate them in alternate lands. The displaced living in temporarily shelters in the coastal areas of Navalady, Maniam Thottam etc. could be prone to pressure and attacks by the LTTE in the future.
He added that the LTTE was continually threatening to shell the EPDP office. "It was only last week that some of the LTTE Artillery shells fell into or around the Palaly area and that was why I spoke to these displaced and offered to find alternate land for them to resettle," he said.
Minister Devananda added that he met with 200 or more residents of Jaffna daily, listened to their grievances and took whatever possible steps to grant then redress.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070831_02)
Minister Devananda said that as a result of LTTE's decision to conscript 60,000 children by recruiting one child from each household, only 7 to 8 per cent of the registered students in the Vanni were able to sit the Advanced Level exam this year.
According to EPDP Leader reliable reports have revealed that the LTTE Leader Velupillai Prebhakeran is considering to increase the demand to two children from each household during his Matyrs Day speech scheduled for November 26, 2007.
Minister Devananda pointed out that the safety of 2000 families who had been displaced from Ariyalai in the Jaffna Town due to the area being declared a High security Zone is a major concern and the government is taking steps to relocate them in alternate lands. The displaced living in temporarily shelters in the coastal areas of Navalady, Maniam Thottam etc. could be prone to pressure and attacks by the LTTE in the future.
He added that the LTTE was continually threatening to shell the EPDP office. "It was only last week that some of the LTTE Artillery shells fell into or around the Palaly area and that was why I spoke to these displaced and offered to find alternate land for them to resettle," he said.
Minister Devananda added that he met with 200 or more residents of Jaffna daily, listened to their grievances and took whatever possible steps to grant then redress.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070831_02)
Govt. of Eritrea providing military aid to tiger terrorists – US Senate report
A report of the Foreign Relations Committee of US Senate has authoritatively said that the Government of Eritrea is providing ‘direct military aid’ to tiger terrorists.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to this conclusion after sending six of its staff attached to the Republican Party committee members last year to twenty countries in Asia, Africa and South America.
This is the first occasion that an influential and powerful senate committee such as foreign relations has arrived at a conclusion when discussing the Tamil Tiger activities in Sri Lanka and the threat that it posses to Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The report also states it is a violation of the UN code for a member nation of the United Nations to provide military aid against another member of the same World Body which has a legitimate democratically elected government to facilitate a terrorist group fighting for a separate state.
It is stated that Government of Sri Lanka could officially get an explanation from the committee to ascertain more details of the findings of the investigation which was authorized and executed by a congressional committee that covers relations between the United States and foreign nations, in this case with Sri Lanka. Foreign Relations Committee could be reached through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the Department of State.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/Aug/31/200700831_01.htm)
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee came to this conclusion after sending six of its staff attached to the Republican Party committee members last year to twenty countries in Asia, Africa and South America.
This is the first occasion that an influential and powerful senate committee such as foreign relations has arrived at a conclusion when discussing the Tamil Tiger activities in Sri Lanka and the threat that it posses to Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The report also states it is a violation of the UN code for a member nation of the United Nations to provide military aid against another member of the same World Body which has a legitimate democratically elected government to facilitate a terrorist group fighting for a separate state.
It is stated that Government of Sri Lanka could officially get an explanation from the committee to ascertain more details of the findings of the investigation which was authorized and executed by a congressional committee that covers relations between the United States and foreign nations, in this case with Sri Lanka. Foreign Relations Committee could be reached through the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the Department of State.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/Aug/31/200700831_01.htm)
Tigers involved in Hyderabad bomb blast– Indian Police
The bomb blast that killed forty people in Hyderabad in India has been carried out with support of the tiger terrorist organization says Indian Police.
According to Indian Police Naxalite group in Andra Pradesh which had carried out the bomb attack is linked to tiger terrorist organization and the bomb technology has been given to Naxalite by them.
Indian Police say that they had received information that several explosive experts of tiger organization had gone to Andra Pradesh to train Naxalite cadres in bomb technology. The high powered bomb that was exploded in Hyderabad is the creation of the tiger organization states Indian Police.
Meanwhile government of Sri Lanka has stated that it would give its fullest corporation in the investigations into the Hyderabad explosion.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/Aug/31/200700831_02.htm)
According to Indian Police Naxalite group in Andra Pradesh which had carried out the bomb attack is linked to tiger terrorist organization and the bomb technology has been given to Naxalite by them.
Indian Police say that they had received information that several explosive experts of tiger organization had gone to Andra Pradesh to train Naxalite cadres in bomb technology. The high powered bomb that was exploded in Hyderabad is the creation of the tiger organization states Indian Police.
Meanwhile government of Sri Lanka has stated that it would give its fullest corporation in the investigations into the Hyderabad explosion.
(http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/Aug/31/200700831_02.htm)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The STF and Tsunami recovery in the East
An STF officer strokes the head of a small boy who lost both parents to the tsunami waves that swept through Kalmunai. The child resides at the "Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya" camp but has not yet been recognized by anyone or claimed by relatives. Traumatized by his horrible experience, he does not remember his parents or even his own name and does not speak except to say "Na" when questioned about the fate of his parents.
Sri Lanka troops kill 12 Tiger rebels: military
Sri Lankan troops shot dead at least 12 Tamil Tiger rebels in three separate clashes in the island's north, the defence ministry here said Thursday.
Eight guerrillas of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were shot dead at Muhamalai along a de facto border separating rebel-held territory from the rest of the island late Wednesday, the ministry said.
"Troops fired small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at the group of LTTE cadres attempting to infiltrate," the ministry said in a statement.
It said four Tiger rebels were killed in two separate confrontations in the Vavuniya district on Wednesday.
There was no immediate reaction from the LTTE, which has been locked in combat with the government since 1972 for a separate state for minority Tamils. The 35-year-old ethnic conflict has claimed over 60,000 lives.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070830/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrest_070830122208&printer
=1;_ylt=Aqpxg2DaT0XAkp5MMlyw84PuOrgF)
Eight guerrillas of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were shot dead at Muhamalai along a de facto border separating rebel-held territory from the rest of the island late Wednesday, the ministry said.
"Troops fired small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at the group of LTTE cadres attempting to infiltrate," the ministry said in a statement.
It said four Tiger rebels were killed in two separate confrontations in the Vavuniya district on Wednesday.
There was no immediate reaction from the LTTE, which has been locked in combat with the government since 1972 for a separate state for minority Tamils. The 35-year-old ethnic conflict has claimed over 60,000 lives.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070830/wl_sthasia_afp/srilankaunrest_070830122208&printer
=1;_ylt=Aqpxg2DaT0XAkp5MMlyw84PuOrgF)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Legitimising Tiger ‘aspirations’
It is becoming increasingly clear to separatist elements of all hues that the LTTE’s military option is not going to work at all in realising their goal. The CFA too failed to meet this objective through `legal’ means.
So ‘Tamil Eelam’ sympathisers are now trying the second option. Earlier, they tried it as ‘a test run’ during the many `anti-war’ rallies in Colombo and in interviews given to the foreign media. This time they are re-attempting the same strategy with renewed vigour, since they have absolutely no alternative.
The aim is to fully convince the world that Sri Lanka is a failed State under the Rajapaksa regime. The NGO ‘civil society’ is currently exploring all possible avenues to meet this goal. Once the so-called international community and the world bodies like the UN are compelled to accept that this country is a failed state - a land without hope - the way is open to legitimise the claim for a Tamil Eelam in Sri Lankan territory. Then the Security Forces will have to withdraw from the East and the North and no longer will there be High Security Zones in these areas - the so-called Tamil Eelam. The sacrifices our troops made for the past 24 years will then come to nothing.
The TNA has already said that the government has no mandate to develop the East. In other words it means that the Eastern Province (and for that matter the North too) is not part of the Sri Lankan State.
It is immaterial whether it is the LTTE or some other separatist group that is going to fill the vacuum in the two provinces in the very unlikely event that such a misfortune occurs. After all, the Tigers have today been reduced to the level of a rabid dog on a leash. And dubious peace makers both local and foreign use this animal to threaten the government and all patriots whenever it suits them. What matters to us is that these actions will jeopardise this country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in the name of a confederation. There is no question that Ranil Wickremesinghe’s UNP will gladly embrace this idea if it helps the party to grab power and secure “peace for all communities.”
So it is hardly a wonder that the Opposition leader, the TNA and the ‘peace brigade’ are repeatedly blaming the government for the war. Have any of these pundits answered the questions: who started this armed conflict in the first place - not only in 1983 but also in 1987 (with the Indian Peace Keeping Forces) in 1991, 1995 and finally in 2005 soon after the present government came to power? Did the perceived injustices and alleged discrimination warrant an endless terror campaign that has brought nothing but absolute misery and suffering to all ethnic groups of this country over the past two decades? Who backed out of peace talks giving flimsy excuses (from Thimpu to Geneva)?
Who justified the LTTE terror campaign all these years by saying that the Tamils have graduated from grievances to aspirations?
Who has helped to prolong the crisis by urging successive governments to engage in fruitless dialogue (“Get back to the negotiating table!”) with the Tigers when Tamil Leaders like V. Anandasangaree and Douglas Devananda see no point in talking to the LTTE?
And again we he hear the cry “disarm the Karuna group.” Why only Karuna’s cadres? What about the LTTE?
The SLMM has quite rightly insisted that only government troops have the right to bear arms. However at this stage whose interests will the government serve if it tries to disarm only Karuna’s cadres? Have these pundits forgotten the fate that befell many EPDP and PLOTE and other anti-LTTE groups at the hands of the Tigers when the former were compelled to give up their arms in the name of peace.
It is up to the government and all concerned citizens to fully ensure that no opportunity is given to the separatists - some pretending to be `moderates’ - to push forward their bogus power-sharing `peace’ agendas.
The only way to secure a genuine and lasting peace and stability in this country is not to stop the war but to end it. An armed conflict always involves two or more sides and it is the party which fired the first shots that should stop fighting. When the JVP took up arms against the Sri Lankan State did the then government stop fighting before the rebellion could be crushed - both in 1971 and in 1988-89 - and get back to “negotiating table?” Why should it be any different now? Are the Tamil Tigers a community far superior to the Sinhala rebels?
How much longer is the `Sun God’ going to be in hiding in his Wanni bunker and pretend that he is the sole and authentic representative of Tamils?
There can be no end to the war as long as he is alive and kicking. So the first step to end the conflict is to crush him and his gang of desperadoes once and for all. If he and his cohorts wish to survive, they have to lay down arms in the same way the IRA did in Northern Ireland and agree to unconditional talks.
Such talks can be fruitful only if both parties agree - among other issues - that every citizen has the right to purchase land and live in any part of the country, without harassment.
In this context we need to recall Attorney-at-Law Senaka Weeraratne’s address last year to the international conference on “Geneva Negotiations: Implementing the Electoral Mandate’’ at the BMICH Colombo. There, he called for the recognition of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty as the foundation of resolving the national problem and insisted that the centre remained sovereign over all aspects that are integral to the nation’s sovereignty in devolving power.
Weeraratne emphasised the need for total autonomy in conducting Foreign Relations with other States and international institutions.
“Negotiations with foreign states and international institutions such as the World Bank or IMF must be done exclusively by the central government. Any departure from this principle must have the express consent of the centre, which should not be given under any circumstance that impact on sovereignty and national security.”
He also insisted on total authority over foreign policy, which has to be the Centre’s exclusive responsibility.
“There cannot be conflicting foreign policies within one individual State. That would be a contradiction of true sovereignty. Component elements should have the right to contribute towards the making of foreign policy but there can be only one foreign policy, which must be handled and controlled from the centre.”
On the matter of national defence, Weeraratne made it quite clear that any delegation of some powers dealing with national security to the provinces, if need be, must be on the basis that such delegation is subject to the central government’s supervision. He drew attention to countries such as the USA, where national security meant not only maintaining the armed forces but also the mobilisation of industry and scientific knowledge to strengthen national defence.
“A fundamental attribute of a country’s sovereignty is that all armed forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - must come directly under the Head of State who shall act as Supreme Commander.”
He also stressed the need for the Centre’s total authority on territorial waters and shipping, international frontiers (the power to levy customs duty, impose immigration barriers etc.) and, the country’s entire airspace. Other important factors included the Centre’s total autonomy over exchange and currency, total authority over international treaties and a common legal system and central judiciary.
Weeraratne notes that out of 191 nation states that UN members, 127 countries “have systems of Government that are unitary or biased towards a unitary form of Government. These countries included France, China, and Japan and Indonesia.”
The Government of Sri Lanka represents all its citizens - Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslims and all other communities. It cannot be expected to represent only the Sinhala people. So when committees and tribunals are formed for conflict resolution it is not only the Tamil and Muslim point of view that needs to be considered but also the majority Sinhala point of view.
If this is ignored we will surely be paving the way for another major crisis.
()
So ‘Tamil Eelam’ sympathisers are now trying the second option. Earlier, they tried it as ‘a test run’ during the many `anti-war’ rallies in Colombo and in interviews given to the foreign media. This time they are re-attempting the same strategy with renewed vigour, since they have absolutely no alternative.
The aim is to fully convince the world that Sri Lanka is a failed State under the Rajapaksa regime. The NGO ‘civil society’ is currently exploring all possible avenues to meet this goal. Once the so-called international community and the world bodies like the UN are compelled to accept that this country is a failed state - a land without hope - the way is open to legitimise the claim for a Tamil Eelam in Sri Lankan territory. Then the Security Forces will have to withdraw from the East and the North and no longer will there be High Security Zones in these areas - the so-called Tamil Eelam. The sacrifices our troops made for the past 24 years will then come to nothing.
The TNA has already said that the government has no mandate to develop the East. In other words it means that the Eastern Province (and for that matter the North too) is not part of the Sri Lankan State.
It is immaterial whether it is the LTTE or some other separatist group that is going to fill the vacuum in the two provinces in the very unlikely event that such a misfortune occurs. After all, the Tigers have today been reduced to the level of a rabid dog on a leash. And dubious peace makers both local and foreign use this animal to threaten the government and all patriots whenever it suits them. What matters to us is that these actions will jeopardise this country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in the name of a confederation. There is no question that Ranil Wickremesinghe’s UNP will gladly embrace this idea if it helps the party to grab power and secure “peace for all communities.”
So it is hardly a wonder that the Opposition leader, the TNA and the ‘peace brigade’ are repeatedly blaming the government for the war. Have any of these pundits answered the questions: who started this armed conflict in the first place - not only in 1983 but also in 1987 (with the Indian Peace Keeping Forces) in 1991, 1995 and finally in 2005 soon after the present government came to power? Did the perceived injustices and alleged discrimination warrant an endless terror campaign that has brought nothing but absolute misery and suffering to all ethnic groups of this country over the past two decades? Who backed out of peace talks giving flimsy excuses (from Thimpu to Geneva)?
Who justified the LTTE terror campaign all these years by saying that the Tamils have graduated from grievances to aspirations?
Who has helped to prolong the crisis by urging successive governments to engage in fruitless dialogue (“Get back to the negotiating table!”) with the Tigers when Tamil Leaders like V. Anandasangaree and Douglas Devananda see no point in talking to the LTTE?
And again we he hear the cry “disarm the Karuna group.” Why only Karuna’s cadres? What about the LTTE?
The SLMM has quite rightly insisted that only government troops have the right to bear arms. However at this stage whose interests will the government serve if it tries to disarm only Karuna’s cadres? Have these pundits forgotten the fate that befell many EPDP and PLOTE and other anti-LTTE groups at the hands of the Tigers when the former were compelled to give up their arms in the name of peace.
It is up to the government and all concerned citizens to fully ensure that no opportunity is given to the separatists - some pretending to be `moderates’ - to push forward their bogus power-sharing `peace’ agendas.
The only way to secure a genuine and lasting peace and stability in this country is not to stop the war but to end it. An armed conflict always involves two or more sides and it is the party which fired the first shots that should stop fighting. When the JVP took up arms against the Sri Lankan State did the then government stop fighting before the rebellion could be crushed - both in 1971 and in 1988-89 - and get back to “negotiating table?” Why should it be any different now? Are the Tamil Tigers a community far superior to the Sinhala rebels?
How much longer is the `Sun God’ going to be in hiding in his Wanni bunker and pretend that he is the sole and authentic representative of Tamils?
There can be no end to the war as long as he is alive and kicking. So the first step to end the conflict is to crush him and his gang of desperadoes once and for all. If he and his cohorts wish to survive, they have to lay down arms in the same way the IRA did in Northern Ireland and agree to unconditional talks.
Such talks can be fruitful only if both parties agree - among other issues - that every citizen has the right to purchase land and live in any part of the country, without harassment.
In this context we need to recall Attorney-at-Law Senaka Weeraratne’s address last year to the international conference on “Geneva Negotiations: Implementing the Electoral Mandate’’ at the BMICH Colombo. There, he called for the recognition of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty as the foundation of resolving the national problem and insisted that the centre remained sovereign over all aspects that are integral to the nation’s sovereignty in devolving power.
Weeraratne emphasised the need for total autonomy in conducting Foreign Relations with other States and international institutions.
“Negotiations with foreign states and international institutions such as the World Bank or IMF must be done exclusively by the central government. Any departure from this principle must have the express consent of the centre, which should not be given under any circumstance that impact on sovereignty and national security.”
He also insisted on total authority over foreign policy, which has to be the Centre’s exclusive responsibility.
“There cannot be conflicting foreign policies within one individual State. That would be a contradiction of true sovereignty. Component elements should have the right to contribute towards the making of foreign policy but there can be only one foreign policy, which must be handled and controlled from the centre.”
On the matter of national defence, Weeraratne made it quite clear that any delegation of some powers dealing with national security to the provinces, if need be, must be on the basis that such delegation is subject to the central government’s supervision. He drew attention to countries such as the USA, where national security meant not only maintaining the armed forces but also the mobilisation of industry and scientific knowledge to strengthen national defence.
“A fundamental attribute of a country’s sovereignty is that all armed forces - Army, Navy and Air Force - must come directly under the Head of State who shall act as Supreme Commander.”
He also stressed the need for the Centre’s total authority on territorial waters and shipping, international frontiers (the power to levy customs duty, impose immigration barriers etc.) and, the country’s entire airspace. Other important factors included the Centre’s total autonomy over exchange and currency, total authority over international treaties and a common legal system and central judiciary.
Weeraratne notes that out of 191 nation states that UN members, 127 countries “have systems of Government that are unitary or biased towards a unitary form of Government. These countries included France, China, and Japan and Indonesia.”
The Government of Sri Lanka represents all its citizens - Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslims and all other communities. It cannot be expected to represent only the Sinhala people. So when committees and tribunals are formed for conflict resolution it is not only the Tamil and Muslim point of view that needs to be considered but also the majority Sinhala point of view.
If this is ignored we will surely be paving the way for another major crisis.
()
Eight LTTE tax collectors executed for criticizing leaders- Kilinochchi
Civilian sources in Wanni revealed that eight LTTE tax collectors had been executed publicly by the supporters of Pottu Amman, at Vattakachchi in Kilinochchi two weeks ago.
According to these sources, Pottu Amman, Intelligence Leader of the LTTE, had informed the public that the eight cadres had to be executed because they had misappropriated funds of the terror outfit. The eight victims were said to have been shot dead on a playground in front of a large gathering.
However, a civilian who had managed to escape to government controlled areas recently told defence.lk that the actual reason for the killing was because they criticized the LTTE leaders who used funds for personal ends.
"Those victims were educated youth. They were unhappy about the extortion of poor civilians, and what is being done to the money so collected" he said
"They dared to criticize the LTTE leaders those who misuse funds for their personal ends" he added.
Defence.lk further learned from these sources that the victims had openly criticized Pottu Amman for being the most fraudulent leader. The informed speculation is that Pottu Amman has been able to misappropriate a large sum of money, by showing that he had used it for "clandestine" operations.
Meanwhile, the leadership disputes among the senior ranks in the LTTE are also known to be getting worse. Intelligence sources said they had received information indicating that Terror Chief V. Prabhakaran has now been reduced to a virtual figurehead, while powerful leaders such as Thamilchelvam, Pottu Amman and Balraj are fighting each other for more status. The sources further said that Soosai, leader of LTTE's rudimentary navy, has already been removed from the scene.
It has also been reported that the facilities given to the LTTE military leader for Mannar, Lakshman, had been removed recently. The vehicles and the escorts given to Lakshman are said to have been reduced by the Wanni leadership, blaming him for failing to recruit sufficient cadre from the area.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070828_01)
According to these sources, Pottu Amman, Intelligence Leader of the LTTE, had informed the public that the eight cadres had to be executed because they had misappropriated funds of the terror outfit. The eight victims were said to have been shot dead on a playground in front of a large gathering.
However, a civilian who had managed to escape to government controlled areas recently told defence.lk that the actual reason for the killing was because they criticized the LTTE leaders who used funds for personal ends.
"Those victims were educated youth. They were unhappy about the extortion of poor civilians, and what is being done to the money so collected" he said
"They dared to criticize the LTTE leaders those who misuse funds for their personal ends" he added.
Defence.lk further learned from these sources that the victims had openly criticized Pottu Amman for being the most fraudulent leader. The informed speculation is that Pottu Amman has been able to misappropriate a large sum of money, by showing that he had used it for "clandestine" operations.
Meanwhile, the leadership disputes among the senior ranks in the LTTE are also known to be getting worse. Intelligence sources said they had received information indicating that Terror Chief V. Prabhakaran has now been reduced to a virtual figurehead, while powerful leaders such as Thamilchelvam, Pottu Amman and Balraj are fighting each other for more status. The sources further said that Soosai, leader of LTTE's rudimentary navy, has already been removed from the scene.
It has also been reported that the facilities given to the LTTE military leader for Mannar, Lakshman, had been removed recently. The vehicles and the escorts given to Lakshman are said to have been reduced by the Wanni leadership, blaming him for failing to recruit sufficient cadre from the area.
(http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070828_01)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
warrior critical of former decisions on war front
Janaka Perera tells all-- success and sabotage
Major General Janaka Perera was the hero of Jaffna, as Overall Forces Commander of the North. He would have been the Army Commander had the Kumaratunga government not forced him into retirement, and sent him as Ambassador to Australia.
Perera is now leading marches in memory of soldiers who died in the Thoppigala capture of 1993. In this interview he talks of his Jaffna campaign, the political ambitions that are attributed to him, the true story and the strategy and politics of the successful military campaign in Jaffna.
Following are excerpts from the interview.
Ln: Once a powerful military commander, how does it feel to be a retired serviceman?
JP: I feel wonderful. I enjoy life to the fullest. Until I went to Australia I didn’t have time for my children. I was always in the battlefield. But after I went to Australia my children came to know about this man called Janaka Perera. I came to know and appreciate my wife and children. I felt sad when I was retired suddenly. I was not made the Army commander for unknown reasons. I was denied something in life. But, there is a saying in English’ if God closes one door he opens another door.’ The God above must have felt that this man had done such a sincere job, let’s give him a break for him to get to know his family.
Ln: You were unexpectedly retired while successfully serving as the Jaffna Commander. How do you recall this incident?
JP: In 2000, starting from the President all the government leaders, political and otherwise, and the service leaders, said Jaffna cannot be saved. I became the voice of the soldiers, sailors and airmen and the policemen saying that Jaffna will be won; I will send the unceasing waves back and preserve the country as one unit for future generations. At that time I was number two. General Weerasuriya was the Army commander but he was eventually retiring. So I gave an assurance to President Chandrika Kumaratunga that if she gives me the post of Army commander, within two years, I will make this insurgency and the LTTE history. But instead of my being given the opportunity to make the LTTE history and bring in peace to the country, I became history. I felt sad because I served 35 years in this army. When I asked the President why she is not making me the Army Commander (especially since I have brought on so much of success during her tenure) she said no one disputes my ability, my sincerity, dedication and bravery. She said, ‘you are one singular man who is genuine and trying to do an honest job. Then I asked her if I have all these ingredients why it’s not possible to make me the Army Commander because my aim is to defeat terrorism and bring in peace and stability to the country. Then, Chandrananda Silva, Secretary Defence said ‘no, no that’s all right whatever the qualification you have, we are happy with the man we have (General Balagalle)., I don’t know what qualification he has above me! I personally think I have more qualifications in proven ability. I was sidelined because General Anurudha Ratwatte didn’t like me. That’s a fact. I can’t understand why they are scared of me. I’m a nice man with a nice smile. I am good hearted. So why would anyone be scared of me? The LTTE is scared of me. That I know and they hate me even today. Internationally they carry out campaigns against me in their websites and in their demonstrations Janaka Perera goes with an honorable mention. I can understand the LTTE fear, but I can’t understand why anyone else can be scared of me. However, although I was sad I was sent to Australia as high commissioner that gave me another opportunity to be with my family.
Ln: Although former President Chandrika Kumaratunga stopped you from realising your aim to become the Army Commander, she was one of your closest friends at one time.
JP: Wijeya was my friend. So was Chandrika. Following Wijeya Kumaratunga’s death, before Chandrika Kumaratunga got into active politics she said ‘Janaka all my people are asking me to come into politics. I saw my father die and I have seen my husband die. If I die my children will become orphans. You are the only man I trust. If you say it is safe, I will get into politics.’ So when it was safe, I told her so and that it how she returned. But the funniest thing is, the moment she came into power all these people who were against her were the people who became closest to her. I was one of the first persons who was rejected by her. So that is history.
Ln: Do you think your sudden retirement was politically motivated?
JP: I don’t know. But I know a lot of people tried their best to stop me from being the Army Commander. I lost in my goal of becoming the Army Commander. But the country and the people lost too. If anyone stopped me from achieving that post they didn’t do it in the best interests of the country. I am not saying I am an exceptional person but the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen rallied around me and we proved the results. If you are sincere and genuine in the heart, gods will bless you with victory. God will not grant victory to a cruel person with malicious thinking. In all battles under my leadership we became victorious with minimum casualties. Welioya battle was a major victory, where the LTTE lost 503 but we lost only two. At that victory we didn’t have commandos, Special Forces or airborne troops. That excellent victory was achieved by Jatika Arakshaka Balamuluwa, engineering troops and normal troops. Following the Welioya victory I went to Jaffna. It was the operation before Riviresa called the ‘thunder strike’. That was the greatest victory we achieved in Jaffna. During this battle the LTTE lost 311 men while we lost only 19, so I think those soldiers worked with faith in me. I get the blessings and the safety of the Triple Gem and the gods because of my dedication and sincerity.
Ln: Are you saying that the forces and the country do not have faith in the present Commander?
JP: I talked about my command. But different people have different types of command. My style of command which has been successful is to get the willing participation of everyone right down to the private soldier. After every operation I talk to my troops. During such meetings even the private soldier has a right to comment. I think that came about with my long-time links with the Commandos and the Special Forces. My style of planning includes involvement of the battalion commander and brigade commanders in the planning stage. But which plan is to be implemented is a decision taken by me and is only revealed at the last moment. Likewise different types of people have different styles. So it’s not for me to comment on somebody else’s type. It is not for me to say whether people have faith in the present commander. That should be asked from the soldiers who are serving.
Ln: What did you do in Australia?
JP: Even in Australia I didn’t sit on my back. I worked hard during my tenure. We formed the Australia - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group and it went up to 42 members, second only to the Israeli lobbying group. Meanwhile, I was able to get 75 cricket kits for the rural outstation schools, which were distributed by the Australian High Commission here. Then we also got Youth Ambassadors to serve in Sri Lanka in rural areas, improving standards of the English. During the Tsunami we got a lot of funds from Australia. Though I was in Australia, I was serving the country in a humanitarian way and I have achieved a lot. Even when I was in Indonesia, for the first time we were able to break the LTTE network of arms smuggling and arrest their ships and arrest people.
Ln: Could you tell us about the motive behind last Saturday’s programme organised by you in remembrance of soldiers who died during the 1993 Thoppigala victory?
JP: I did it for all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who died from the day this war started. The first person to sacrifice his life was private Hewawasam in Jaffna before all others. My idea is to bestow honour to the families of those brave soldiers who fought for this country. We should remember that not only the soldier who dies is victorious. Unfortunately, today in this country whenever there is a victory, everyone claims or wants to share the victory. They even go to the length of high-jacking the victory. But when there is a defeat even the people who participated do not want to know about it. The important thing is people who die during these battles are our sons The reason why I organised this program is because not only have I been a soldier in the battlefront, fighting in all major operations, because I am a person who has suffered the pain of loss. I went to the houses of our great leaders like General Kobbekaduwa and, General Wimalarathne. I also went to the poorest and most innocent soldier’s house. They all ask the same question ‘why did this happen to our son or husband?’, so the pain is equal whether you are at the top or at the bottom; I saw it, I felt it and I live with it. When I was in the army I decided to serve these families and I started a programe called Ranawiru Mavupiya Upahara Uthsawaya. I organised six such programs. After I went to Australia the whole thing got disrupted. Now that I have returned I have started it again. To show them that as long as I live my heart belongs to them. When we were at a crucial stage of the Jaffna battle I wanted to send some of the commandos in the inner defence of the headquarters of Palali to the front. We were short of special operational teams so I contacted the STF commandant at that time DIG Nimal Gunatilake, and asked him to send me 100 STF personnel for the protection of headquarters. He said I am the only one who says that Jaffna will be safe and will be preserved. The President, no minister or senior government officials or service commanders say that we will win Jaffna. Therefore, it was difficult for him to order 100 STF people. So when the DIG spoke to the STF troops guess what happened? 900 volunteered to go to Jaffna and to battle, to support General Janaka Perera. This was when the President of the country and everyone else said it’s a no go, it’s a death trap. Those soldiers were prepared to go to that death trap because I said it can be won; they were people who had families but they were prepared to take that chance. These incidents should be specifically mentioned because I think this is heroism. They are heroes, they have the dedication, they have the ability, and they have the commitment. So we can’t let them down. At any stage victories are there. We must appreciate the present day victories of Mavilaru, Sampur, Vakarai and Thoppigala, but in the midst of these great victories if anyone says there were no victories in the East and the East was not stabilised, I think then we are doing a great injustice to soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who fought and sacrificed in 1992 and 1993.
We told their families your husband, your son your father, they were all heroes, they have sacrificed their lives to chase the LTTE from the East and to bring peace and stability to the country. And today we are saying, no they are not heroes. What a shameful thing and what a painful thing this is for their families.
Ln: There are allegations that you organised this programme with a political motive.
JP: When I was in the army I organised similar programmes in six districts. If I can do that in uniform and the work is accepted as a genuine effort, why can’t I do it now? I’m a citizen of this country who has fought in every major battle risking my life and the future of my family, and also suffered the pain of loss, so why don’t I have the right?
Ln: Tell us about your return.
JP: I have come back to my country after six or seven years. I have returned to my roots. This is my home .I could have lived in Australia but after serving this country for 35 years as a soldier and six years as a diplomat I think I have a bigger commitment to my country and my people. So I have returned.
Ln: What do you think about the recent Thoppigala victory?
JP: As a citizen and as a soldier I am very proud of every military victory. But, we have been there at Thoppigala before. The first battalion that occupied Thoppigala did so in 1991. Four Gajabha regiments under Major Roshan Silva. The second battalion that occupied Thoppigala was the seven Sinha regiment under Lt. Colonel Udeni Kandaragama and then it was reduced to strengthen under Major Channa Karunarathne.
I changed the demography instead of holding Thoppigala. I shifted the camps one to North Napathawilluwa and the main camp to Tharavikulam because those were water sources. During the dry season the water in Thoppigala dries up and every time you go to a water source you’ll get ambushed but if you occupied the water source the LTTE has to come to you in the Napatha Willuwa Tharavikulam and south of Taravikullam towards Unnichchi area. We had Kokadicholai, Aithamalai, Thickkodai and one other camp which I can’t remember now. Towards the north we had Kayankerny, Marnkerny, Kadjuwatta anichchankerny, Vakarai, Kadiraweli, Werugal and eventually we occupied Angodawilluwa also. All those camps were there.
My question is this. In October 1993, the government had elections and 81 percent of the population voted. If LTTE had control of these areas do you think they would have allowed 81 percent of the people to vote? So how did 81 percent voted. It’s because the LTTE was reduced from a 2000 strength to less than 20. Karuna and all the others who survived, fled to Wanni. This is the truth.
Ln: Following the recapture of the East, the LTTE is yet to come up with any major attacks. Isn’t it a success from the Sri Lankan military point of view?
JP: Yes. It is successful. As a soldier I am happy about it. It’s the soldier that matters and they give their lives to achieve such success. So every victory even if it is a road skirmish in which the LTTE is destroyed, it makes me happy. And every success is very good. That’s why I said we have to honour the victory in Mavilaru, Vakarai and Thoppigala.We have been able to read he LTTE in the East. Now the most important thing is to convert that into developing peace. That is the success! We have the military achievement but eventual success is how we convert that to an enduring, stable and peaceful situation. So I am praying and hoping that we will be able to achieve that.
Ln: What do you think about the UNP allegations about the controversial MIG deals?
JP: I have no comments. I don’t know anything about these deals. If you ask me about operations I will be able to comment. But when it comes to deals, I am not in a position to answer. Even in the army I didn’t do deals... so I don’t know these deals.
Ln: Is it true that you will be appointed the Maharagama UNP organiser?
JP: Well, I am totally confused, because people from Anuradhapura asked whether I would like to contest from there. Another delegation from Kurunegala wants me to contest from there. Delegations from Ambalangoda and Panadura queried whether I would like to contest from their constituencies. So everyone is asking why you don’t contest from where they are. So you form
your opinion, I don’t know.
Ln: Will you get into active politics?
JP: In 2000 and 2001 both the UNP and the SLFP invited me to get into politics. There had been two elections but I have not got involved. At the moment my priority is to serve my soldiers and their families. I am hoping to organise similar programmes. But, we need funds. I have spoken to various non governmental orgaisations to help. I want to help war widows to be engaged in self employment. I am also concerned about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who have served and left in 12 years. They may not have lost a limb but that does not mean their service of 12 years is of no value. I want to do something for them as well. Without talking about crime caused by deserters and retired soldiers, we are trying to find a way to help sustain themselves. I’m sure they prefer that, than joining crime. All this is very time consuming and I think it’s better to do a little now to make it a success.Ln: What are your memories from the Jaffna battle?
JP:When Jaffna was starting to throttle, General Balagalle and General Chula Senerathne were in Jaffna in charge of all the operations. I told General Weerasuriya the Army Commander to let me go, because they couldn’t do it. Then he said, ‘no General Ratwatta will never hear of it, he will throw me out. But I went again I went and talked to him he said the same thing, he said General Ratawatte will never agree to it. On the 20th of April he came after the Security Council meeting and said Elephant Pass is gone. He said he has given the order to withdraw from there. He also said that Jaffna was a matter of days. But he said that I have been appointed the Overall Commander to take over Jaffna. Then I said if you are saying Elephant Pass is gone, Jaffna is a matter of days, are you asking me whether I’m prepared to commit suicide?
But I said I will go but I need two days to prepare the mind-set of my wife and my children to the eventuality that I will not come back. Then he said two days was too much that I will be given a day to finish everything. Then he asked who I need as my deputy. I said I couldn’t care less. I’m the one who is doing it. You nominate anyone you want. Then he said he is giving me General Sarath Fonseka. He was briefed and said that I have been appointed Overall Commander of Jaffna and I need a day to finish my religious observances. General Fonseka was instructed to fly on the day he was briefed. The moment I agreed to go to Jaffna, they aired it over the radio and TV continuously. ‘General Janaka Perera appointed Overall Commander Jaffna’ etc., My telephone was ringing continuously. Everyone told me not to go. They said Jaffna cannot be saved. It’s too late. They said what the government was trying to do is send you there and say ‘look we sent Janaka Perera he screwed it up and Jaffna fell’. The fact that these people have screwed it up right along will be forgotten.
But, I said if I don’t go, 32,000 families will lose their lives and five times of that number of people will become destitute. I have to go and I am going with sincerity and genuineness with the sole purpose of saving these 32,000 lives and five times that number of families and preserving the country for future generations.
We were short of ammunition. There were days I cancelled ration flights and troops flights mainly to get ammunition. We had no food we had rice we had dhal, we had pol sambol and dry fish. The first question by the president was what we could do? She said she had already made a request through the Foreign Minister for the evacuation of these people to India and to be sent back to Sri Lanka.
The Air Force Commander, Jayalath Weerakkody said we should not start the battle from the Wanni. Then the President asked for my opinion and I strongly said that withdrawal was not a good option. I said it will be an absolute disaster — the moment you start withdrawing, LTTE will start shelling. I said our only choice is to fight and win. I said ‘Madam, all I am requesting is to make available ammunition and multi-barrel rockets. The only service commander who was with us from the April 20 until the multi-barrels came was General Lal Weerasuriya. But after the multi-barrels came and when we were turning the tide and LTTE was on the backfoot everyone came there-- the minister, service
commanders-- they all came. Everyone wanted to be part of that impending victory and lay claim to it. But if at that crucial moment the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen didn’t fight as a team we would have been gone. So it was a participatory battle of the army, navy, air force police the STF and the people. Eventually we won. In the process there were people who wanted to flee -- who wanted to abandon 32000 troops. I don’t want to mention the names at this stage but they wanted the dora be kept aside. One person said ‘we cant hold, we have to have dora ready’(door to escape). I asked why we need a dora, and at that point he asked for the command element to go to Colombo.
So I asked what about these 32000 soldiers, sailors aimen and policemen -- what will happen to them? This officer said, ‘no we are leaders we have to live to fight another battle and that’s the sacrifice we have to make.’ I said, ‘please listen I can’t do that, I gave the assurance to our troops personally when visiting their camps, that I will be with them ‘till the last.
If you want a dora I will give you a dora, but let me tell you one thing if you flee this battle even the dog on the street would not follow you. So my advise was, ‘you wait I will turn it around’ and that is what happened.
(http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm)
Major General Janaka Perera was the hero of Jaffna, as Overall Forces Commander of the North. He would have been the Army Commander had the Kumaratunga government not forced him into retirement, and sent him as Ambassador to Australia.
Perera is now leading marches in memory of soldiers who died in the Thoppigala capture of 1993. In this interview he talks of his Jaffna campaign, the political ambitions that are attributed to him, the true story and the strategy and politics of the successful military campaign in Jaffna.
Following are excerpts from the interview.
Ln: Once a powerful military commander, how does it feel to be a retired serviceman?
JP: I feel wonderful. I enjoy life to the fullest. Until I went to Australia I didn’t have time for my children. I was always in the battlefield. But after I went to Australia my children came to know about this man called Janaka Perera. I came to know and appreciate my wife and children. I felt sad when I was retired suddenly. I was not made the Army commander for unknown reasons. I was denied something in life. But, there is a saying in English’ if God closes one door he opens another door.’ The God above must have felt that this man had done such a sincere job, let’s give him a break for him to get to know his family.
Ln: You were unexpectedly retired while successfully serving as the Jaffna Commander. How do you recall this incident?
JP: In 2000, starting from the President all the government leaders, political and otherwise, and the service leaders, said Jaffna cannot be saved. I became the voice of the soldiers, sailors and airmen and the policemen saying that Jaffna will be won; I will send the unceasing waves back and preserve the country as one unit for future generations. At that time I was number two. General Weerasuriya was the Army commander but he was eventually retiring. So I gave an assurance to President Chandrika Kumaratunga that if she gives me the post of Army commander, within two years, I will make this insurgency and the LTTE history. But instead of my being given the opportunity to make the LTTE history and bring in peace to the country, I became history. I felt sad because I served 35 years in this army. When I asked the President why she is not making me the Army Commander (especially since I have brought on so much of success during her tenure) she said no one disputes my ability, my sincerity, dedication and bravery. She said, ‘you are one singular man who is genuine and trying to do an honest job. Then I asked her if I have all these ingredients why it’s not possible to make me the Army Commander because my aim is to defeat terrorism and bring in peace and stability to the country. Then, Chandrananda Silva, Secretary Defence said ‘no, no that’s all right whatever the qualification you have, we are happy with the man we have (General Balagalle)., I don’t know what qualification he has above me! I personally think I have more qualifications in proven ability. I was sidelined because General Anurudha Ratwatte didn’t like me. That’s a fact. I can’t understand why they are scared of me. I’m a nice man with a nice smile. I am good hearted. So why would anyone be scared of me? The LTTE is scared of me. That I know and they hate me even today. Internationally they carry out campaigns against me in their websites and in their demonstrations Janaka Perera goes with an honorable mention. I can understand the LTTE fear, but I can’t understand why anyone else can be scared of me. However, although I was sad I was sent to Australia as high commissioner that gave me another opportunity to be with my family.
Ln: Although former President Chandrika Kumaratunga stopped you from realising your aim to become the Army Commander, she was one of your closest friends at one time.
JP: Wijeya was my friend. So was Chandrika. Following Wijeya Kumaratunga’s death, before Chandrika Kumaratunga got into active politics she said ‘Janaka all my people are asking me to come into politics. I saw my father die and I have seen my husband die. If I die my children will become orphans. You are the only man I trust. If you say it is safe, I will get into politics.’ So when it was safe, I told her so and that it how she returned. But the funniest thing is, the moment she came into power all these people who were against her were the people who became closest to her. I was one of the first persons who was rejected by her. So that is history.
Ln: Do you think your sudden retirement was politically motivated?
JP: I don’t know. But I know a lot of people tried their best to stop me from being the Army Commander. I lost in my goal of becoming the Army Commander. But the country and the people lost too. If anyone stopped me from achieving that post they didn’t do it in the best interests of the country. I am not saying I am an exceptional person but the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen rallied around me and we proved the results. If you are sincere and genuine in the heart, gods will bless you with victory. God will not grant victory to a cruel person with malicious thinking. In all battles under my leadership we became victorious with minimum casualties. Welioya battle was a major victory, where the LTTE lost 503 but we lost only two. At that victory we didn’t have commandos, Special Forces or airborne troops. That excellent victory was achieved by Jatika Arakshaka Balamuluwa, engineering troops and normal troops. Following the Welioya victory I went to Jaffna. It was the operation before Riviresa called the ‘thunder strike’. That was the greatest victory we achieved in Jaffna. During this battle the LTTE lost 311 men while we lost only 19, so I think those soldiers worked with faith in me. I get the blessings and the safety of the Triple Gem and the gods because of my dedication and sincerity.
Ln: Are you saying that the forces and the country do not have faith in the present Commander?
JP: I talked about my command. But different people have different types of command. My style of command which has been successful is to get the willing participation of everyone right down to the private soldier. After every operation I talk to my troops. During such meetings even the private soldier has a right to comment. I think that came about with my long-time links with the Commandos and the Special Forces. My style of planning includes involvement of the battalion commander and brigade commanders in the planning stage. But which plan is to be implemented is a decision taken by me and is only revealed at the last moment. Likewise different types of people have different styles. So it’s not for me to comment on somebody else’s type. It is not for me to say whether people have faith in the present commander. That should be asked from the soldiers who are serving.
Ln: What did you do in Australia?
JP: Even in Australia I didn’t sit on my back. I worked hard during my tenure. We formed the Australia - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group and it went up to 42 members, second only to the Israeli lobbying group. Meanwhile, I was able to get 75 cricket kits for the rural outstation schools, which were distributed by the Australian High Commission here. Then we also got Youth Ambassadors to serve in Sri Lanka in rural areas, improving standards of the English. During the Tsunami we got a lot of funds from Australia. Though I was in Australia, I was serving the country in a humanitarian way and I have achieved a lot. Even when I was in Indonesia, for the first time we were able to break the LTTE network of arms smuggling and arrest their ships and arrest people.
Ln: Could you tell us about the motive behind last Saturday’s programme organised by you in remembrance of soldiers who died during the 1993 Thoppigala victory?
JP: I did it for all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who died from the day this war started. The first person to sacrifice his life was private Hewawasam in Jaffna before all others. My idea is to bestow honour to the families of those brave soldiers who fought for this country. We should remember that not only the soldier who dies is victorious. Unfortunately, today in this country whenever there is a victory, everyone claims or wants to share the victory. They even go to the length of high-jacking the victory. But when there is a defeat even the people who participated do not want to know about it. The important thing is people who die during these battles are our sons The reason why I organised this program is because not only have I been a soldier in the battlefront, fighting in all major operations, because I am a person who has suffered the pain of loss. I went to the houses of our great leaders like General Kobbekaduwa and, General Wimalarathne. I also went to the poorest and most innocent soldier’s house. They all ask the same question ‘why did this happen to our son or husband?’, so the pain is equal whether you are at the top or at the bottom; I saw it, I felt it and I live with it. When I was in the army I decided to serve these families and I started a programe called Ranawiru Mavupiya Upahara Uthsawaya. I organised six such programs. After I went to Australia the whole thing got disrupted. Now that I have returned I have started it again. To show them that as long as I live my heart belongs to them. When we were at a crucial stage of the Jaffna battle I wanted to send some of the commandos in the inner defence of the headquarters of Palali to the front. We were short of special operational teams so I contacted the STF commandant at that time DIG Nimal Gunatilake, and asked him to send me 100 STF personnel for the protection of headquarters. He said I am the only one who says that Jaffna will be safe and will be preserved. The President, no minister or senior government officials or service commanders say that we will win Jaffna. Therefore, it was difficult for him to order 100 STF people. So when the DIG spoke to the STF troops guess what happened? 900 volunteered to go to Jaffna and to battle, to support General Janaka Perera. This was when the President of the country and everyone else said it’s a no go, it’s a death trap. Those soldiers were prepared to go to that death trap because I said it can be won; they were people who had families but they were prepared to take that chance. These incidents should be specifically mentioned because I think this is heroism. They are heroes, they have the dedication, they have the ability, and they have the commitment. So we can’t let them down. At any stage victories are there. We must appreciate the present day victories of Mavilaru, Sampur, Vakarai and Thoppigala, but in the midst of these great victories if anyone says there were no victories in the East and the East was not stabilised, I think then we are doing a great injustice to soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who fought and sacrificed in 1992 and 1993.
We told their families your husband, your son your father, they were all heroes, they have sacrificed their lives to chase the LTTE from the East and to bring peace and stability to the country. And today we are saying, no they are not heroes. What a shameful thing and what a painful thing this is for their families.
Ln: There are allegations that you organised this programme with a political motive.
JP: When I was in the army I organised similar programmes in six districts. If I can do that in uniform and the work is accepted as a genuine effort, why can’t I do it now? I’m a citizen of this country who has fought in every major battle risking my life and the future of my family, and also suffered the pain of loss, so why don’t I have the right?
Ln: Tell us about your return.
JP: I have come back to my country after six or seven years. I have returned to my roots. This is my home .I could have lived in Australia but after serving this country for 35 years as a soldier and six years as a diplomat I think I have a bigger commitment to my country and my people. So I have returned.
Ln: What do you think about the recent Thoppigala victory?
JP: As a citizen and as a soldier I am very proud of every military victory. But, we have been there at Thoppigala before. The first battalion that occupied Thoppigala did so in 1991. Four Gajabha regiments under Major Roshan Silva. The second battalion that occupied Thoppigala was the seven Sinha regiment under Lt. Colonel Udeni Kandaragama and then it was reduced to strengthen under Major Channa Karunarathne.
I changed the demography instead of holding Thoppigala. I shifted the camps one to North Napathawilluwa and the main camp to Tharavikulam because those were water sources. During the dry season the water in Thoppigala dries up and every time you go to a water source you’ll get ambushed but if you occupied the water source the LTTE has to come to you in the Napatha Willuwa Tharavikulam and south of Taravikullam towards Unnichchi area. We had Kokadicholai, Aithamalai, Thickkodai and one other camp which I can’t remember now. Towards the north we had Kayankerny, Marnkerny, Kadjuwatta anichchankerny, Vakarai, Kadiraweli, Werugal and eventually we occupied Angodawilluwa also. All those camps were there.
My question is this. In October 1993, the government had elections and 81 percent of the population voted. If LTTE had control of these areas do you think they would have allowed 81 percent of the people to vote? So how did 81 percent voted. It’s because the LTTE was reduced from a 2000 strength to less than 20. Karuna and all the others who survived, fled to Wanni. This is the truth.
Ln: Following the recapture of the East, the LTTE is yet to come up with any major attacks. Isn’t it a success from the Sri Lankan military point of view?
JP: Yes. It is successful. As a soldier I am happy about it. It’s the soldier that matters and they give their lives to achieve such success. So every victory even if it is a road skirmish in which the LTTE is destroyed, it makes me happy. And every success is very good. That’s why I said we have to honour the victory in Mavilaru, Vakarai and Thoppigala.We have been able to read he LTTE in the East. Now the most important thing is to convert that into developing peace. That is the success! We have the military achievement but eventual success is how we convert that to an enduring, stable and peaceful situation. So I am praying and hoping that we will be able to achieve that.
Ln: What do you think about the UNP allegations about the controversial MIG deals?
JP: I have no comments. I don’t know anything about these deals. If you ask me about operations I will be able to comment. But when it comes to deals, I am not in a position to answer. Even in the army I didn’t do deals... so I don’t know these deals.
Ln: Is it true that you will be appointed the Maharagama UNP organiser?
JP: Well, I am totally confused, because people from Anuradhapura asked whether I would like to contest from there. Another delegation from Kurunegala wants me to contest from there. Delegations from Ambalangoda and Panadura queried whether I would like to contest from their constituencies. So everyone is asking why you don’t contest from where they are. So you form
your opinion, I don’t know.
Ln: Will you get into active politics?
JP: In 2000 and 2001 both the UNP and the SLFP invited me to get into politics. There had been two elections but I have not got involved. At the moment my priority is to serve my soldiers and their families. I am hoping to organise similar programmes. But, we need funds. I have spoken to various non governmental orgaisations to help. I want to help war widows to be engaged in self employment. I am also concerned about the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen who have served and left in 12 years. They may not have lost a limb but that does not mean their service of 12 years is of no value. I want to do something for them as well. Without talking about crime caused by deserters and retired soldiers, we are trying to find a way to help sustain themselves. I’m sure they prefer that, than joining crime. All this is very time consuming and I think it’s better to do a little now to make it a success.Ln: What are your memories from the Jaffna battle?
JP:When Jaffna was starting to throttle, General Balagalle and General Chula Senerathne were in Jaffna in charge of all the operations. I told General Weerasuriya the Army Commander to let me go, because they couldn’t do it. Then he said, ‘no General Ratwatta will never hear of it, he will throw me out. But I went again I went and talked to him he said the same thing, he said General Ratawatte will never agree to it. On the 20th of April he came after the Security Council meeting and said Elephant Pass is gone. He said he has given the order to withdraw from there. He also said that Jaffna was a matter of days. But he said that I have been appointed the Overall Commander to take over Jaffna. Then I said if you are saying Elephant Pass is gone, Jaffna is a matter of days, are you asking me whether I’m prepared to commit suicide?
But I said I will go but I need two days to prepare the mind-set of my wife and my children to the eventuality that I will not come back. Then he said two days was too much that I will be given a day to finish everything. Then he asked who I need as my deputy. I said I couldn’t care less. I’m the one who is doing it. You nominate anyone you want. Then he said he is giving me General Sarath Fonseka. He was briefed and said that I have been appointed Overall Commander of Jaffna and I need a day to finish my religious observances. General Fonseka was instructed to fly on the day he was briefed. The moment I agreed to go to Jaffna, they aired it over the radio and TV continuously. ‘General Janaka Perera appointed Overall Commander Jaffna’ etc., My telephone was ringing continuously. Everyone told me not to go. They said Jaffna cannot be saved. It’s too late. They said what the government was trying to do is send you there and say ‘look we sent Janaka Perera he screwed it up and Jaffna fell’. The fact that these people have screwed it up right along will be forgotten.
But, I said if I don’t go, 32,000 families will lose their lives and five times of that number of people will become destitute. I have to go and I am going with sincerity and genuineness with the sole purpose of saving these 32,000 lives and five times that number of families and preserving the country for future generations.
We were short of ammunition. There were days I cancelled ration flights and troops flights mainly to get ammunition. We had no food we had rice we had dhal, we had pol sambol and dry fish. The first question by the president was what we could do? She said she had already made a request through the Foreign Minister for the evacuation of these people to India and to be sent back to Sri Lanka.
The Air Force Commander, Jayalath Weerakkody said we should not start the battle from the Wanni. Then the President asked for my opinion and I strongly said that withdrawal was not a good option. I said it will be an absolute disaster — the moment you start withdrawing, LTTE will start shelling. I said our only choice is to fight and win. I said ‘Madam, all I am requesting is to make available ammunition and multi-barrel rockets. The only service commander who was with us from the April 20 until the multi-barrels came was General Lal Weerasuriya. But after the multi-barrels came and when we were turning the tide and LTTE was on the backfoot everyone came there-- the minister, service
commanders-- they all came. Everyone wanted to be part of that impending victory and lay claim to it. But if at that crucial moment the soldiers, sailors, airmen and policemen didn’t fight as a team we would have been gone. So it was a participatory battle of the army, navy, air force police the STF and the people. Eventually we won. In the process there were people who wanted to flee -- who wanted to abandon 32000 troops. I don’t want to mention the names at this stage but they wanted the dora be kept aside. One person said ‘we cant hold, we have to have dora ready’(door to escape). I asked why we need a dora, and at that point he asked for the command element to go to Colombo.
So I asked what about these 32000 soldiers, sailors aimen and policemen -- what will happen to them? This officer said, ‘no we are leaders we have to live to fight another battle and that’s the sacrifice we have to make.’ I said, ‘please listen I can’t do that, I gave the assurance to our troops personally when visiting their camps, that I will be with them ‘till the last.
If you want a dora I will give you a dora, but let me tell you one thing if you flee this battle even the dog on the street would not follow you. So my advise was, ‘you wait I will turn it around’ and that is what happened.
(http://www.lakbimanews.lk/special/spe2.htm)
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