Two thousands Civil Vigilant Committee members will assist the Police during the Perahara period.

Two thousand Members of the Civil Vigilant Committee of the Kandy area will be deployed to protect the masses during the Perahara period.Additional Police personnel also deployed for the security of this Esala Pageant. Speaking to media in Friday evening , D.IG. of the Central Province Kingsly Ekanayake said all security arrangements are finalized and he seeks public vigilance and support to protect the masses

GOSL denies harassment of Indian fishermen

The Government of Sri Lanka strongly refutes allegations contained in certain foreign media reports that the Sri Lanka Navy had detained and harassed Indian fishermen aboard fishing trawlers which had been detected poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

In this regard, the Foreign Ministry wishes to state that the Sri Lanka Navy shore based radars at Talaimannar and Delft island detected approximately 300 Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters close to Talaimannar and Delft island, heading towards the uncleared area of Vedithalthivu around 11.30 hours on 02 July 2008. Following the receipt of credible information that the LTTE was attempting to the use the presence of the trawlers for terrorist activities, Sri Lanka Navy boats rushed to the area and checked 289 trawlers and after conducting inquiries, permitted the trawlers to leave with the crew back into the Indian waters. At no point were the fishermen harassed by the Navy personnel or subjected to any humiliation as alleged in certain media reports.

It may be recalled that Tamil Nadu fishermen themselves have on several occasions acknowledged the humanitarian assistance rendered by the Sri Lanka Navy to them at times of distress at sea. It is the consistent policy of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy to treat fishermen apprehended in Sri Lankan waters in a humanitarian manner.

19 illegal armed camps in Polonnaruwa - UNP

Nineteen illegal armed camps have been set up in Polonnaruwa with the intention of rigging votes at the upcoming North Central PC polls, said UNP General Secretary, Tissa Attanayake.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo the UNP General Secretary said that violence has been unleashed even before nominations are handed in.

Noting that the government hopes to gain victory through state terror and violence as in the East, Mr. Attanayake said that a complaint would be lodged with the Elections Commissioner on the matter.

The Elections Commissioner would also be notified of attempts to use state property by the government in its campaigning for the election, he added.

LTTE is weak - Karuna tells BBC Sandeshaya

The government forces are on the verge of defeating the Tamil Tigers, the former deputy commander of the LTTE has said.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sandeshaya, Vinayamurthi Muralitharan known as Karuna Amman said the Tamil Tigers are ‘very weak’ in the face of continuous military offensive.

Karuna Amman was deported from the UK, where he served a prison sentence for immigration offences, to Sri Lanka two days ago.

It was his first media interview since arriving in Colombo yesterday (July 03rd).

He appealed to all communities, Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil, to help the government to defeat the LTTE which he described as a ‘brutal terrorist group.’

LTTE is weak - Karuna tells BBC Sandeshaya

The government forces are on the verge of defeating the Tamil Tigers, the former deputy commander of the LTTE has said.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sandeshaya, Vinayamurthi Muralitharan known as Karuna Amman said the Tamil Tigers are ‘very weak’ in the face of continuous military offensive.

Karuna Amman was deported from the UK, where he served a prison sentence for immigration offences, to Sri Lanka two days ago.

It was his first media interview since arriving in Colombo yesterday (July 03rd).

He appealed to all communities, Sinhala, Muslim and Tamil, to help the government to defeat the LTTE which he described as a ‘brutal terrorist group.’

Wanni Liberation in progress: over 30 terrorists killed

Finalized military reports received from the Wanni battlefronts yesterday (July 3) indicate several significant gains to the armed forces engaged in counter terror offensives against the LTTE terrorists. According to the reports, over 30 terrorists were killed and at least 35 injured during these clashes. In addition, 2 soldiers were killed, 2 reported missing and 17 others were injured, the reports revealed.

On the Vavuniya- Mannar combined front troops attacked LTTE bunker defences located in the area West of Periyamadhu since last evening and destroyed 9 bunkers. According to the radio-monitoring figures, 17 terrorists were killed and 25 others were injured in this incident. Also, Army lost 2 soldiers, 2 others were reported missing and 10 others suffered injuries. Ground troops hold 7 of the captured bunkers at present.

In a similar incident reported from the Periyawalalayankaddu area last morning, ground troops confirmed that one LTTE cadre was killed.

In 3 separate confrontations occurred in the Naddankandal and Palamodai and Kovitkunchukulam areas during the course of the day, ground troops claimed 3 terrorists were killed. Also, 3 soldiers suffered injuries during these operations due to explosions of anti personal mines (AP) and improvised explosive devices (IED). Troops engaged in clearing operations in the area removed 27 AP mines.

Meanwhile on the Welioya front , troops had daylong clashes with the terrorists in the areas North of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa area and claimed 5 terrorists were killed , 8 others wounded and 4 more were wither killed or wounded . Also, 3 soldiers suffered injuries due to AP and IED explosions. Troops engaged in clearing operations removed 288 AP mines and 19 IEDs from areas North of Janakapura , Kiriibbanwewa and Kokkuthuduwai areas for the day.

Army captures LTTE bunker defence; 9 bunkers destroyed

Troops operating under Task Force 1 in the Mannar- Vavuniya combined battlefront attacked an LTTE bunker defence last evening (July 3) causing heavy casualties to the terrorists.

According to the defence sources at the front, army infantrymen and elites stormed the terror bunker defence located in the area West of Periyamadhu around 1pm with the close air support of air force MI 24 helicopters. The Soldiers continued fighting with the terrorists for about 5 hours and declared the area captured around 6 pm in the evening.

Ground troops claimed 9 LTTE bunkers were destroyed. Troops are holding 7 LTTE bunkers at present, said the sources.

According to the monitored radio transmissions among the LTTE units, 17 LTTE cadres were killed and more than 25 others were wounded in this incident. However, ground troops on their observations, claimed that the actual enemy deaths and casualties should be higher than the above number.

Two soldiers were killed, 2 reported missing and 10 others suffered injuries during this battle. Clearing operations are in progress.

Meanwhile, monitored radio transmission today revealed that 7 LTTE cadres were killed during the air raid carried out by air force MI 24 helicopters last evening. The raid was carried out targeting a truck carrying LTTE terrorists detected in the South of Vedithalthivu area.

39 civilians flee LTTE

Around 39 civilians fleeing from the grip of the LTTE in Mullaitivu sought protection with the Security Forces in Pulmodai on Wednesday evening, Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said.

He said 39 civilians from 13 families comprising 26 males and 13 females had arrived on a boat fleeing from the LTTE controlled areas in Mullaitivu and reached Pulmodai around 3.00 pm. seeking protection with the Security Forces.

"The civilians who had fled from the LTTE's clutches complained that they had been forced by the LTTE to carry out hard tasks such as digging bunkers and other field jobs. They were also intimidated and prevented by the outfit from fleeing their area," Brigadier Nanayakkara said. The Security Forces provided the civilians with essential needs and shelter.

JVP condemns police spokesman

The JVP yesterday condemned the Police spokesman saying that he speaks only on behalf of the Government and the SLFP instead of performing his duty by speaking on behalf of the Police.

JVP Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath said the Police spokesman should have been more duty conscious rather than ‘whitewashing’ for the Government when media personnel came under attack.

"People have a right to information and when the media is suppressed a fundamental right is violated. Police have a responsibility to ensure that people enjoy their fundamental rights. When media personnel were attacked by unidentified persons, the police spokesman went on record stating that media persons fabricate and stage manage these incidents with the intention of seeking asylum in foreign countries," Herath told a press conference at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo yesterday.

"Could you believe that media men would face attacks just to qualify to seek political asylum? We do not believe this. This statement made by the police spokesman is aimed at whitewashing the government’s inability to arrest the attackers. The police spokesman had done the job of the government spokesman or SLFP spokesman because he wanted to safeguard their interests," Herath said.

Police have a duty to arrest those who attack media personnel.
Every time journalists came under attack, the police came up with clumsy statements instead of investigating them. There had been several attacks on media men during the recent past but no one has been arrested so far, Herath said.

Blank page because Noyahr not there: Police

In the wake of an increasing number of attacks on the media, the new Police Chief Jayantha Wickremaratne hopes to take various steps to protect journalists, police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekara said yesterday.

He said investigations into the attack on The Nation newspaper’s associate editor Keith Noyahr were hampered due to Mr. Noyahr being away from the country.

DIG Gunasekara said the police were awaiting Mr. Noyahr’s return to continue the inquiry from where it stopped.

“We have a number of questions that Mr. Noyahr needs to answer. We have collected some evidence but are unable to proceed in his absence,” he said. The spokesman said investigations into the attack on Sri Lanka Press Institute’s media advocacy acting manager Namal Perera was continuing with three special police teams conducting the inquiries and some evidence collected from the scene of the attack.

He said the Police Chief had been updated with regard to the progress on the investigations into attacks on Mr. Noyahr and Mr. Perera and he said he would personally look into the matter and vowed to arrest those behind the assaults, abductions and killings of journalists.

“The Police Chief also feels that he has a special duty to protect the journalists. He has already taken a personal interest in the investigations into the attacks against journalists and vows that those responsible will be arrested,” DIG Gunasekara said.

Meanwhile the Foreign Correspondents Association of Sri Lanka (FCA) has urged the authorities in Sri Lanka to carry out a thorough investigation and to bring to justice the perpetrators behind the attack on Namal Perera and Mahendra Rathnaweera.

While condemning the attack, the Association said Mr. Rathnaweera was a long standing member of the FCA while Mr. Perera was well known to many of its members.

SLAF launches successive air strikes at identified LTTE positions

The SLAF launched 3 successive air raids at identified LTTE positions located in Vedithalthivu and Pooneryn areas this afternoon (July 3).
According to defence sources, an LTTE gathering point located North East of Vedithalthivu, Mannar was raided by the SLAF MI-24 helicopter gun-ships providing close in fire support to the advancing military units, at around 12.45p.m.
Separately, a truck transferring LTTE terrorists was also destroyed in a similar attack launched by MI-24 gun-ships, 2km South of Vedithalthivu, at 1.15p.m., sources said adding that LTTE casualty figures were yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, air force fighter jets launched precision air strikes at an LTTE sea tiger base in general area Vallaipadu, located 15km Southwest of Pooneryn in Kilinochchi District, at around 3.30p.m.

CEPA between India, Sri Lankan no threat to island nation

A leading Sri Lankan trade body has allayed fears that Indians would take over the jobs on offer in the island nation following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Sri Lanka.

Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) President Nawaz Rajabdeen said that signing the CEPA could be considered a graduation from the FTA with Sri Lanka standing to gain more than India.

He, however, said some short comings that existed in the FTA with India would be corrected before signing the CEPA.

The chamber President said the salary structure in Sri Lanka hardly made it attractive for the Indian job seekers to come to the island country and that they had several offers in Europe and other rich countries.

"There is no need to apprehend that Indians will come to Sri Lanka in search of jobs under the agreement to open the services sector under CEPA," Rajabdeen said.

Stating that the Marxist JVP party had no basis for apprehension on opening of the services sector under CEPA with India, the President of the Chambers said the task of handling business should be left to the businessmen.

"When the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed in 1998 everybody said that India was a giant and that Sri Lanka would end up as a dumping ground for Indian goods," he told reporters.

He pointed out that after the FTA was implemented in 2000, exports to India had grown 10 times over within four years.

He said the private sector will have a major role to play after the implementation of the CEPA between Sri Lanka and India.

Renegade S Lanka leader goes home

Former Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger renegade Col Karuna has arrived in Colombo after completing a prison sentence in the UK, British embassy officials say.
Embassy spokesman Dominic Williams said that Col Karuna had been removed from a UK detention centre and deported to Sri Lanka on 2 July. The embassy refused to give any more details about his arrival.
A spokesman for his Tamil Peoples' Liberation Tigers party said that the colonel was "delighted" to be home. But in an interview with the BBC, he said that the colonel would not be offered the position of chief minister of Eastern Province, which was won by an alliance led by the government - containing the Tamil Peoples' Liberation Tigers - in elections in May. Security concerns Col Karuna was the commander of rebel territory in eastern Sri Lanka and effectively number two in the Tiger military organisation.

But in 2004 Col Karuna defected and began fighting alongside government forces against the Tigers. Col Karuna was sent to jail in the UK in January for identity fraud after being arrested in London late last year. He said his forged diplomatic passport and visa were arranged for him by the Sri Lankan defence secretary. Human rights group Amnesty International expressed disappointment that despite six months of investigation the British authorities did not find enough evidence to charge him for war crimes.

Defence Secretary, CDS & Army commander evaluate Eastern concerns

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, in a bid to take stock of security concerns in the East had round of discussion with senior officers in the Security Force Headquarters, East in Minneriya this morning (3).
Defence Secretary and Military Chief spoke to a cross section of tri service personnel serving in the area and instructed them to take all necessary preventive measures in relation to Army resurgence of LTTE threats or violent acts.
Commander of the east Major General JJPST Liyanage welcomed the visiting military duo in Minneriya.

LTTE claymore explosion wounds 6 people in Eravur - Batticaloa

LTTE terrorists have carried out an indiscriminate claymore attack in front of Eravur Railway station around 8.10 pm today (July 03), says the defence sources. According to the sources, 3 civilians and 3 police officers have been injured in the explosion. The injured have been admitted to the General Hospital Eravur.
The bomb has been fixed onto a push bicycle parked near the station, the sources said. The police officers have been in the police jeep, which has been patrolling in the area, the sources added.

NCP closed ten schools

North-Central province educational office decided to close ten schools in Anuradhapura town on Friday.
Issuing a press release the office said the schools are closed Friday since transportation difficulties might be caused as Friday is the final day to hand in nominations for the provincial council elections.
The office said in order to make up for this day a Saturday will be declared a school day

US reiterates human rights concerns

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Evan Feigenbaum who visited Sri Lanka from June 30 and July 1 has reiterated concerns over the human rights situation in the country as well as the pressure being put on the media.

35 civilians seek military help in Pulmudai

Thirty five civilians from uncleared areas in Mullaitivu, arrived at military held Pulmudai by using a sea route, the military said.

14 LTTE terrorists killed, 12 injured in Wanni and Northern clashes

At least 14 terrorists were killed and 12 injured in fighting ensued between troops and LTTE at the Wanni and Northern battle theatres on Wednesday (July 2), according to finalized military reports received.

At the Northern battlefront in Nagarkovil, 2 terrorists were believed either killed or wounded when troops attacked an LTTE bunker defence using rocket propelled grenade fire and small arms fire at around 7.45p.m.

Meanwhile, security forces deployed at the Vavuniya front continued advances into non-liberated territory yesterday as troops claimed killing 7 terrorists while injuring 5 others during the confrontations. According to security sources confrontation between troops and LTTE were reported from Vedamakilam, Uluvaneri general areas. Also, during a search operation conducted in general area Panichchamadu, troops recovered 20 anti-personnel mines (AP) and 5 hand grenades, security sources said. Separately, in general area Palaimoddai troops have removed 88 AP mines, and uncovered a haul of slam arms ammunitions during a search operation conducted.

A soldier was killed and 3 others wounded in the clashes, military reports further stated.

In the Mannar battlefront, troops claimed that 5 LTTE terrorists were killed and 3 others wounded when troops clashed with a group of terrorists in general area Puthukkulama. Also, 2 soldiers were injured in the same area due to a bomb explosion, sources said.

On the Welioya theatre of battle, troops claimed that 2 LTTE terrorists killed, 5 wounded and another 22 either killed or severely injured in the confrontations yesterday North of Janakapura, Kiriibabanwewa, Andankulama and Kokkuthuduvai. According to reports, troops have also uncovered 68AP mines and 11 IEDs during a separate search operations conducted north of Janakapura and Kokkuthuduvai. 3 soldiers was also wounded in the clashes, security sources added.

Warrant issued on Keerthi Wijeratne

A warrant was issued yesterday for the arrest of a former North Central Provincial Council member who had evaded trial in a case of cheating.

Colombo Additional Magistrate Gian Ranawake issued a warrant yesterday for the arrest of Keerthi Wijeratne of No. 155/A, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7. The suspect was a lawyer and had been a member of the North Central Provincial Council. He had contested the elections on the UNP ticket and later crossed over to the PA. When the case was called yesterday, the Colombo Fraud Bureau filed further complaints made by several persons, by way of a “B” report. The report alleged that the suspect had run a travel agency called “Araliya Overseas” at Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo and collected moneys ranging from Rs 700,000 to Rs 1,000,000 from various persons by promising to send them for jobs in Japan. Later he had closed down the business and disappeared. However, he had later surrendered to the Colombo Fraud Bureau and been produced in court and released on bail.

The suspect was not present in court when the case was taken up for inquiry yesterday. Consequently, the magistrate had issued a warrant for his arrest.

The complainants, who were present in court, said that the suspect had left the country.

Modera Tamils searched and videoed

A massive search operation was conducted in Modera yesterday, with over ten Tamil civilians taken into custody, the police said.

Meanwhile Modera Police OIC C. Iriyadeniya denied allegations of shabby treatment and harassment of the civilians during the operation.

Civilians in the area had complained that they were dragged out of their beds in the early hours of the morning by Police and Army personnel, lined up on a nearby ground and videoed, all in the name of a search operation.

Women and children who were still dressed in their night gowns were not spared time to change into other clothes before leaving their homes and eyewitnesses alleged the civilians were treated shabbily by the security forces who had dragged them into the open area.

“We were not even given time to change. Some of us were still in our night garments as it was only 6 in the morning. Some children were half dressed as they were preparing to go to school,” one civilian told Daily Mirror, on condition of anonymity.

Civilians further alleged that while hundreds of Tamils nationals were being lined up, they were told to remain still while the security forces videoed them individually.

“We could not utter a word. We had to do exactly what they said. Some of our children were eating biscuits or holding plates of rice in their hands when they had been dragged out. We were completely harassed,” the civilians said.

However, Modera Police OIC Iriyadeniya denied all allegations of shabby treatment and harassment towards the civilians adding that the civilians had only ‘exaggerated’ the incident.

OIC Iriyadeniya said that while the police supervised the search operation, Army personnel videoed and questioned the civilians, adding this was the norm when conducting search operations.

“We started the search operation at 6 a.m. and ended it at 10 a.m. The civilians were all lined up on a nearby ground and questioned and after we finished checking them, they were released. Around 10 civilians were, however, arrested during the inquiry,” he said.

Meanwhile, condemning the alleged harassment of Tamil civilians in yesterday morning’s search operation, Western People’s Front Leader Mano Ganeshan said that Tamils had been once again been stripped off their rights as they were lined up like criminals and videoed on the pretext of a search operation.

Mr. Ganeshan said that he had warned the Tamils in the north and east against coming to Colombo, as they would be subjected to unlawful arrests and harassment by the security forces, as done in the past. “Yesterday morning, even the children were not spared. Is this what you call democracy? This is absurd and must be stopped immediately. It is sad that the Government is blind to these issues,” Mr. Ganeshan said.

Changi customs finds forged immigration stamp

A 29-year-old Sri Lankan woman was caught with pieces of forged immigration rubber stamp imprints in her luggage at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 yesterday (Tuesday 1 July).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority claims such items could be used by syndicates offering services to immigration offenders to prolong or legalise their stay.

The penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane.

Surrendered LTTE cadres joins their families after rehabilitation - Jaffna

Sri Lanka's war on terror is a process that goes beyond military operations. Though many LTTE sympathizers and their stooges in media try to give a wrong picture to the world that LTTE is as a representative of the Tamil citizens in Sri Lanka, there is ample evidence barred from the world that Tamils are nothing but the main victim of LTTE terrorism. This was evident when defence.lk covered the recent release of a group of rehabilitated LTTE cadres by Sri Lanka Army in Jaffna.

A batch of 15 former hardcore LTTE cadres who had been successfully rehabilitated at the Army Protective Accommodation and Rehabilitation Center at Thelippale were released on 29th and 30th June 2008. The rehabilitated men were received by their happy family members who had been invited to the Army establishment.

According to an official of the rehabilitation center, the group is a part of the 54 LTTE cadres who surrendered themselves to the Army in earl March this year. Apart from the re-socialization process, the center conducts short professional courses on building construction, plumbing , automobile technology , electric wiring , and also on English language for its inhabitants, he said. The professional courses has been conducted with the assistance of Technical College, Jaffna, he added.

According to the officials, most of the LTTE cadres undergoing rehabilitation had been forcibly recruited to the terror outfit in their childhood and had not received any formal education. It has been the long used strategy of the LTTE leadership to deprive education to the Tamil youth to make sure they would have no other option than to depend on the terror outfit.

"Some of the youth rehabilitated here had killed dozens of armed forces members in claymore attacks as LTTE terrorist " , told one of the councilor of the Rehabilitation center. "They are now astonished about the kindness they receive from Army whom they had been taught as enemies of their race", he added. He further said that they are no longer blinded by tribalism but undergoing the programs with great enthusiasm hoping to for better productive life.

families who received their rehabilitated relatives expressed their gratitude to the Army officials for creating a future for the them who once had been lost in a fanatic dream. The officials told them that the rehabilitation is just the first step and further guidance will be provided for their relatives when necessary.

Padmanadan Vignashwaran a student qualified for university education was also among the men released. Padmanadan said that he would continue his education without further destroying his future for a terror outfit.

LTTE use Refugee camp to store explosives - Vavuniya

Army during a cordon and search operation found over 4 Kg of C-4 high explosives hidden inside a barrel found in the Internally Displaced Persons' centre at Siddambarapuram , Vavuniya this morning (July 2). The search was launched after the arrest of a female resident of the IDP centre smuggling explosives inside coconut nuts last evening.

Defence authorities suspect that the terrorists have been using the place as a temporary store of explosives, before they transport the lethal material to South for civilian massacres.

ICRC withdraws from Omanthai

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has withdrawn from a crossing point between government and rebel held areas following an aerial bombardment, BBC Sandeshaya reports.


ICRC spokesperson from Geneva, Karla Haddad confirmed that the ICRC has temporary suspended its work at the Omanthai crossing point due to "explosion".


ICRC will resume work as soon as the security in the area for civilians is assured by the authorities, she said.

Air force fighter jets had carried out several rounds of bombardments in the Vanni area yesterday (July 01st) and one had fallen within the 500 metre free zone area in Omanthai, civil authorities in the area said.

Vehicular traffic and passenger movements will come to a halt without the presence of the ICRC, correspondents said.

ICRC officials withdrew from the Omanthai crossing point in May 2007 again as a result of threats to civilians and ICRC personnel.

Castle Street Hospital blood bank closed down

Another Doctor–Nurse dispute has sprung up in the health sector resulting in the closure of the blood bank at the Women’s Hospital at Castle Street as of this morning putting hundreds of lives of expectant mothers and children at risk.

Troops recover 8 claymore mines on civilian information - Vavuniya

Security forces personnel acting on civilian information have recovered 8 claymore mines along with a pressure mine and 6 hand grenades during a search operation conducted in general area Ambalangodella, Madukanda in Vavuniya yesterday (July 01) at 8.30a.m.

The recovery included 6 claymore mines each weighing 5kgs, 2 claymore mines each weighing 15kgs and a pressure mine weighing 15Kgs, security sources said. According to defence sources, the mines were found hidden in a house at Ambalangodella.

Woman arrested smuggling explosives inside coconuts - Vavuniya

A woman was arrested in Vavuniya yesterday (June 1) at a Police roadblock, while clandestinely transporting C-4 high explosives concealed in coconut nuts at around 5.15p.m.

According to the Vavuniya Police, the woman had been traveling in a bus plying towards Siddambarapuram, along the Vavuniya - Horowpotana main road when the bus was stopped at a Police roadblock at the Cemetery junction in Vavuniya.

The police searched the woman for her suspicious behavior and found the high explosive weighing 1kg separately stuffed in packets and concealed inside 4 coconut nuts.

Vavuniya Police is conducting further investigations.

Presidential escort chopper in emergency landing

An Air Force helicopter Bell 412 of the VIP Squadron was grounded by LTTE fire soon after it had participated in a flight carrying President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his party to the Arugam Bay bridge opening ceremony yesterday. At the time of the incident the only occupants in the helicopter were were the crew, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

Two helicopters had left for Arugam Bay from Colombo, transporting President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his entourage to the ceremonial opening of the reconstructed Arugam Bay bridge scheduled for yesterday afternoon.

Nanayakkara said the aircraft which developed mechanical problems was the helicopter which transported the Presidential aides.

Police said that the Bell 412 had been hit by gunfire from LTTE when it was returning over the Kanjikudichchhciaru jungles and made an emergency landing in Pottuvil.

According to eyewitnesses the gunfire had hit the under carriage of the aircraft and fuel was leaking from the tank.

"Prior to President’s arrival in Pottuvil, the Tigers had fired seven rounds of mortars at the Sengamuwa STF camp but no damage was caused," a senior Police office said.

A team of investigators and engineers had left Colombo for Pottuvil .

Pakistan has no fear about SAARC summit security

India may have some reservations in coming to Sri Lanka to attend the SAARC Summit but as far Pakistan was concerned it has no apprehensions about Sri Lanka’s security arrangements, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Shazad A. Chaudry said.

He said that the Sri Lankan security forces have the requisite expertise and ability to take care of security throughout the entire SAARC Summit. Sri Lanka can always depend on Pakistan as regards security or any other matter, he said.

Police arrest 92

In a search operation conducted by the Police at Thalikulam, on the Vavuniya-Mannar road, on Monday night 92 people were arrested, including three women. The arrested people were being questioned and some of them have already been released, the HQI said.

He said the search operation was conducted to look for hidden weapons and also to find out whether any unauthorized persons were being harboured. After the operation, nearly 300 people, all kith and kin of those arrested, gathered at the Vavuniya Police Station to seek their release.

Presidential copter convoy attacked?

The Presidential helicopter convoy, which was returning from Arugambay, came under suspected LTTE gunfire this afternoon, slightly damaging one of the backup security choppers. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing. However when contacted the military did not acknowledge the attack but blamed it on a technical failure.

5Kg claymore recovered from Grandpass

A 5Kg claymore mine was recovered a while backs from Sedawatte in Grandpass.

Do not give bribes to the Police Officials say NEW IGP

Newly appointed IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne asks the public not to give bribes to the Police Officials to attend their complaints or any other legal services rendered by the Police.
He said most of cases are reported about Police Officials and he said that he wanted to stop these illegal activities.
Assuming duties he pledges to provide efficient service for the public under the concept of prestigious police service. The IGP added that a systematic programme for promotion of police officers would be introduced immediately. He also said the opportunities will be provided to police officers to continue their higher education and post graduates. He pledged to give fullest support for the initiative taken by the forces to eliminate terrorism.

FCA correspondents met the Army commander

The FCA correspondents met the Army commander Leftinent General Sarath Fonseka to get more information of on-going humanitarian operations in Wanni.
The FCA consisted of Sri Lanka based Bureau chiefs, editors, special and chief correspondents during their near two-hour meeting with the Commander focused largely on ongoing humanitarian operations in Wanni and North, Counter operations against terrorists, Fast losing enemy capability as a conventional force, Main reasons for most recent successes against the enemy, Overall military strategies, etc.

Commander, in response to queries made by the journalists pointed out how his troops with high morale are forging ahead in Mannar and Welioya fronts striking humiliating defeats against the enemy. He praised the soldier’s bravery and the commander has given all necessary courage to launch offensives, defences, mobility methods while working to an overall plan. We have upgraded the Army and operations are going on smoothly. Army Commander further said that His Excellency, the President and the Defence Secretary are extending their maximum support for the operations.

Sri Lanka Army soldiers, perhaps now are the best jungle fighters in the world. This has been proved repeatedly since most of those clashes do take place in jungles. Earlier that capability was with the enemy but it is not the case any longer. He also in response to another query told them restrictions in place in the Jaffna peninsula are exclusively for the safety of ordinary civilians. “The Army is now conducting night operations in an effective manner but the LTTE has given up that practice also since all their strongholds are falling apart one by one. He also urged the media to act in a responsible manner verifying or cross-checking their facts and figures with the Army before reports are filed.

Sri Lanka Air Force raids terror training camp - Mankulam

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets pounded an LTTE training base located at Ampakaman area, 8 Km Northeast Mankulama junction around 6.15 this morning (July 1) .

According to Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the targeted location was a training base for the LTTE members of specialized bands such as "air tigers" and others. He said the target was engaged with 8 fighter jets and the raid was successful.

India to train Lankan troops

India is throwing open the doors of its different military institutions to train Sri Lankan soldiers. The Times of India says over 500 officers and other ranks will receive training in institutions ranging from Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare to specialised naval courses in gunnery, navigation, communication and anti-submarine warfare.

IAF choppers to guard PM in Colombo

Armed helicopters of the Indian Air Force, bullet-proof vehicles and members of the highly-trained special protection group (SPG) would accompany Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he reaches Colombo for the 15th SAARC summit in August.

Confirming this, chief of the Sri Lankan armed forces Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka said on Monday that Indian helicopters would be deployed during the meeting of the heads of states on August 2 and 3, the last two days of the summit. “Few of the Indian helicopters will come (to Colombo) to assist the air force (Sri Lankan) to provide protection during the summit. No chances can be taken,” Fonseka said.

The weeklong event begins on July 27. It was further learnt that bullet-proof vehicles would be flown in from India for the Prime Minister during his stay in Colombo. Fonseka, who was interacting with Colombo-based foreign correspondents on Monday, added that the Indian PM will bring his own security as per protocol.

Unconfirmed media reports added that the Indian Navy would have presence in Sri Lankan waters to avert any LTTE attack from the sea. And that India would position radars in Colombo to thwart any air attack.

“We know what the threat is. We are ready to face the threat,” Fonseka said referring to the possible attempts by the LTTE to jeopardise the summit. He added that there would be no shortage of troops during the summit and a large number of personnel from the army, air force and navy would be deployed to throw several layers of protection around the heads of states and delegates.

Answering a question about Sri Lanka purchasing weapons from India, Fonseka said India should be ready to sell in the first place. “If anybody is ready to sell, we will buy,” he said. Sri Lanka is currently purchasing a large chunk of its arms and ammunition from China and Pakistan. “India is our nearest neighbour. If we could buy from India, we don't need to buy from anywhere else,” Fonseka said. He added that India has its own political sensitivities. “The LTTE after all comprises Tamil terrorists. India has to take a realistic view,” he said.

At the same time, Fonseka added that India was helping Sri Lanka in many ways.

North governor Victor Perera

Outgoing IGP Victor Perera will be appointed as the governor of the Northern Province from Wednesday. The IGP retired from service today.

New IGP assumes duties tomorrow

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne will assume duties as the new Inspector General of Police on July 1, taking over the reins from IGP Victor Perera who retires tomorrow.

DIG Wickremaratne completed his education at Thurstan College and later obtained an Honours Degree in Public Administration from Sri Jayawardenepura University in 1973. He received his Post Graduate Diploma Certificate in Criminology from Sri Jayewardenepura University recently.

Mr. Wickremaratne joined the police Force in 1974 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police in 1983. He was promoted as a Senior SP in 1989 and Deputy Inspector General of Police in 1993.

Wickremaratne is a member of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board, Director National Child Protection Authority, Council Member of the International Police Organisation, Secretary and the President of the Police Savings Association.

He was also the President of the Sri Lanka Amateur Kabadi Federation in 2001 and Chairman of the Police Kabadi Tournament Committee since year 2000.

Troops consolidating their hold in Wanni; 22 terrorists killed in yesterday's clashes

Finalized military reports received yesterday (June 30) from the battlefronts indicate that 22 terrorists were killed and over 23 injured as troops further consolidated their new positions in the Wanni theater. Also, 2 soldiers were killed, one reported missing and 13 suffered injuries during these clashes.

On the Vavuniya front, troops further pushed forward their defence in the Periyamadhu area and confirmed 3 terrorists killed and 3 others injured in the effort. Also, troops removed 2 improvised bombs from the same area.

Elsewhere, troops had several clashes in the Naddankandal , Palamodai , Vilathikulama and Navvi areas during the course of the day.

At Naddankandal troops confronted with a group of terrorist last evening . Two soldiers suffered injuries in this incident. Terror casualties were not known. In a similar incident, reported from the Palamodai area in the afternoon troops claimed 2 terrorists were either killed or wounded.

In the general area West of Navvi , troops successfully repulsed an attack launched by the terrorists during the evening hours and confirmed 6 terrorists were killed and 8 others were either killed or wounded. Also, one soldier was killed, another reported missing and 3 suffered injuries in this incident.

In the general area Vilathikulama , a soldier suffered injuries in an anti personal (AP) mine explosion last morning.

On the Welioya front , troops engaged terror defences in the Mulaithiuvu jungle , North of Janakapura and Kiribbanwawa areas throughout the day and claimed 12 terrorists were killed, 21 others injured and 11more were either killed or wounded. One soldier was killed and 7 others were injured during these operations. Also, troops removed 115 AP mines and 5 improvised bombs during the clearing operations.

Meanwhile on the Jaffna theatre, one terrorist was reportedly killed in a confrontation occurred in the Muhamalai area last morning.

Air Force fighter jets raid LTTE's special weapon maintenance facility- Kilinochchi

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets raided an LTTE special weapon maintenance and training facility located in the Cheddikulam jungle area this afternoon.
According to the Air Force sources, the air raid was carried out around 2.45 pm at the weapon maintenance workshop and the training facility situated in the Kariyalivayal area, 3km Southwest of Chundikulam. The target was taken effectively though the exact damage caused is yet to be known, the sources added.

Army sponsored free medical clinic conducted for Jaffna civilians

The Sri Lankan Army Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna organized a free medical clinic for the civilians in Jaffna peninsula on Friday (June 28). According to the military sources in Jaffna, over 400 civilians residing in Kuddaththanai, Nadakuddathanai, Pothapadi and Manalkadu villages were given treatments by military medics and nursing staff at the clinic held at Kuddathanai Government School.
Elderly people, women and children were the majority among the patients, the sources said. Army provided dry rations and snacks for all who attended the clinic, the sources added.
According to the military medics the large number residents of remote Jaffna villages are suffering from dental, skin, respiratory, and worm diseases and from malnutrition. Also, they noted that nearly three decades of terror war has deprived the residents of remote villages of quality health service and extreme poverty has held them from going to towns where large health facilities are available. However, army conducts regular health clinics for the civilians with its resources, they added.
The clinic was organized under the guidance of Major General GA Chandasiri , the Security Forces Commander Jaffna and with the full cooperation of government administrative officials in the area.

US embassy to resume its normal operation

The suspicious powder found at the US embassy in Colombo last week did not pose any threat, investigation revealed and the Embassy has now decided to resume normal operation from tomorrow.