The LTTE has accepted that they have lost the Eastern stronghold. Its media spokesman Ilanthiriyan said the government troops have taken control of Thoppigala.

He told the BBC that it was a severe setback to the outfit. Ilanthiriyan added that their power in the Eastern Province was centred at this site. Ilanthiriyan said their strength in the East was based on Thoppigala. LTTE internal sources said he had pointed out that it is proven their dream of a future Eelam will not become a reality with the entire loss suffered in the East. Meanwhile, it is the view of another strong faction of the LTTE that Prabhakaran should assume the full responsibility they had suffered in the East. The Anti-Prabha group is of the opinion that he should relinquish immediately from the leadership as he cannot further win the war that is dragging on for more than three decades. LTTE sources said that Thamil Selvam is giving the leadership to the group against Prabhakaran.