Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said today (June 30) that around 22,000 LTTE cadres had been killed in the entire Wanni humanitarian operation.

Speaking to the media in Colombo, he said that 10,000 more members of the outfit had surrendered or arrested by the armed forces.

The Wanni humanitarian operation also claimed the lives of around 4,000 armed force personnel, while another 22,000 were wounded, he said.

Also speaking here, defence spokesman minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the country still needed a strong military to protect around 16,000 sq. km. area that is once again under government control.

According to him, 50,000 personnel will be recruited to the three armed forces and the police.

He added that 22,130 recruits have been enrolled by the Army this year.

Navy spokesman Captain D.K.P. Dassanayake said the Navy had carried out a silent service during the humanitarian operation.

The Navy will now take measures to protect the entire coastal strip of the island, including two-thirds of the area that had once been under the LTTE.

Also speaking here was Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, who said the Air Force would continue to remain alert and undergo training to face any future requirement.