17.7.2008

Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka yesterday called the capture of Vidathalthivu was a remarkable victory for the Security Forces as the LTTE had lost its "biggest Sea Tiger base in the Western coast". Speaking to media, he said that the Terrorists must have never thought that they will lose Vidattaltivu as they developed strong defenses in Vidattaltivu while fighting in Mannar.

"They never thought that they will lose Vidathalthivu two weeks after we captured the 'Green Bowl' in Mannar", he added.

Speaking further , the Army Chief revealed that troops are now advancing towards Illuppakadavai, the next Sea Tiger base in the Western coast, in order to restrict Sea Tiger activities further in the Gulf of Mannar. The capture of Vidattaltivu and Illuppakadavai will be a great help to the Navy as operations from in the Mannar islands will be facilitated in a big way, he further said.

"Therefore, the loss of Vidattaltivu will be a great disadvantage to the LTTE", the Army Commander said. He added that once Illuppakadavai falls, troops can move towards Vellankulam, the Northern most boundary of the Mannar district.