Reports reaching Colombo from Batticaloa informs that by yesterday afternoon (19) Sri Lanka Army troops have almost reached the Thoppigala area, LTTE's last stronghold in the Eastern part of the island.

By yesterday, three LTTE camps located in Narakamulla area in the west of Thoppigala were completely destroyed by the troops where a large stock of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment were recovered, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) states. Troops are conducting on the process of clearing the area. During the clash it is reported 25 – 30 LTTE cardres were killed and two soldiers got wounded.

“When Thoppigala area is rescued the LTTE will not be able to establish camps and they will not have any access to forced recruitment,” Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said.

“We could have taken over Thoppigala much faster but due to the military intelligence reports received stating that child soldier brigades were used by the LTTE in this area, Army launched the rescue operation very systematically and strategically to minimize casualties. Before moving in closer we made announcement for the LTTE cardres to surrender to the SL troops and even now we are conveying the same message,” Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said addressing the media.  

These details were uncovered at the weekly media briefing on the current security situation held at the MCNS premises in Colombo today (20).

“The operation to liberate the East from the terrorist domination is nearing completion with success,” MCNS states.

In Thrikonamadu, Yakkuray and Kalkuda, fleeing terrorists confronted with troops and seven terrorists were killed while the Army were recovered their weapons.

Confessing that they can not tolerate the harassments in the LTTE camps, seven LTTE cardres have surrendered to the Polwatta Army camp in Batticaloa, bringing the total number of LTTE surrendees to 656.

A Tamil civilian, escaped from Tiger captivity, have disclosed to military personnel that 73 people are under LTTE detention which includes two soldiers, several members of Karuna faction and Muslim civilians. According to this person these people under go torture and harassment and are forced to perform hard labour continuously and some who tried to escape were killed.