12.9.2008
Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksha said the Sri Lanka Navy could successfully cut off the weapons supply network of the LTTE .He said it is an important victory in the battle against the terrorists.

Launching of an Inshore Petrol Craft of the Sri Lanka Navy on Thursday he appreciated SLN's role and said Navy has succeeded in destroying floating weapon facilities of the LTTE.

Mr.Rajapaksha explained that the commitment and tactics of the Navy have resulted in changing the image of the Sea Tigers that was previously over estimated. Over the last three years the navy destroyed ten vessels believed to be floating weapons facilities of the terrorists.

Meanwhile the Defence Ministry said the

LTTE continues to interfere with the efforts of Tamils to flee LTTE territory. Adopting a leading International defence website the ministry said this is to keep potential military manpower handy and also for propaganda purposes.

Civilians controlled are a sign of political power, and they can also be used as human shields, to provide some protection from artillery or air attack. The website stated that if civilians are hurt by artillery or bombs, you can accuse the government of atrocities. According to the site, the LTTE was also using INGOs for political purposes. The site added that the LTTE are now staging counterattacks, but none strong enough to stop the army advance.