19.7.2008

The Security Forces operating in the North are experiencing high morale due to their string of victories in recent days, while the LTTE has been defeated time and again. Some people once claimed that we would not be able to liberate the East or Mavil Aru and must therefore share water with the LTTE. We would like to tell them that the time for sharing things with the LTTE is now over," Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

"Following the success of ongoing humanitarian missions, the troops have been able to confine the LTTE to only Killinochchi, Mullaitivu and a small stretch of land in Vavuniya," he added.

Briefing on the current developments in the 'War Against Terrorism', the Minister said that the LTTE had experienced an unexpected and severe blow to their activities in the North with the fall of their Sea Tiger Base on the Western Coast to the Security Forces. He added that the Sea Tiger Base in Vidathalthivu was under the direct command of Sea Tiger Leader Soosai and had been used not only to store ammunition and station cadres but also as a hideout for LTTE cadres returning from carrying out attacks on the Navy.

He said that everything had been put in place to continue the battle until the Security Forces liberate Killinochchi from the clutches of the LTTE.

Mr. Rambukwella added that the Northern people are entitled to all of the benefits that are enjoyed by people in the rest of the country as in the recently liberated East.

"It is with this objective that the Government has stepped into wipe out terrorists from the North," the Minister added.
"We are fully committed to the policy of eradicating terrorism from our motherland and living in peace with all communities," he said.