9/30/2007

The "Situation Report" in the above Newspaper titled " Heavy casualties as battles in north intensify" written by Iqbal Athas, not only contains many inaccuracies but may also be misleading to the general public who may not be familiar with the ground conditions or without first hand knowledge of the situation prevailing in the North and East.

At a time since humanitarian operations were undertaken to provide drinking and irrigation water to the people of Mavil aru to the liberation of Mutur, Sampur, Vakarai and finally the entire East including Thoppigala, the Security Forces have conducted operations professionally with minimal casualties to civilians. Thereafter, the Security forces liberated the coastal belt from Talaimannar down to Mullikulam and Puttalaam and adjacent areas of the interior so that the people can lead peaceful lives without harassment and fear of their children being forcibly conscripted by the LTTE.

This report due to factual errors and dependence on ill - informed "sources" would misrepresent actual ground conditions which could lead to the demoralizing of Troops and the public. A few disgruntled " sources" could manipulate reality to suit their own agendas which would be unfair to the sacrifices made by the Security Forces as well as tarnish the IMAGE" of Sri Lanka which could be used to advantage by supporters of the LTTE terrorists.

The MCNS has reiterated that any matters that need clarification could be checked out at any time convenient throughout the day. It is regretted that Mr. Athas has so far not done so.

Courtesy : MCNS