Government has taken a decision to hold elections for local government bodies in the Eastern province following the successful liberation of the LTTE controlled areas in the province.

According to the President Secretariat, that the elections to the grassroots level local government bodies, the Pradeshiya Sabhas and Urban Councils will be held in the near future followed by elections to higher institutions afterwards.

The Government's decision to hold the elections in the East is based on the successful capture of the Thoppigala area. Defence Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella announced today that 99% of the area has been cleared.

He emphasized that the armed action is, in fact, aimed at restoring democracy in the East.

Minister Rambkwella addressing a media briefing in Colombo stated that the Government has been seriously considering of holding elections in East for a considerable time and the recent victory of the Security forces in Thoppigala is another fact which will help the holding of an election in East.

According to the Minister Rambukwella, the Security Forces have achieved major success in their operation to clear the Eastern province of terrorism; So far, they have consolidated their position in the area, and have almost captured Thoppigala, LTTE's last stronghold.