Special Edition

May 19, 2009


OPERATION LIBERATION

Liberation of the East

Mavil Aru – July 21, 2006

A new crisis leading to the first large-scale fighting since signing of the ceasefire occurred when the LTTE closed the sluice gates of the Mavil Aru (Mavil Oya) reservoir on July 21 and cut the water supply to 15,000 villages in government controlled areas.
After the initial negotiations by the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) to open the gates failed, the Air Force attacked the LTTE positions on the July 26, and ground troops began an operation to open the gates. The government spokesman stated that the government remained committed to the ceasefire. Likewise, the LTTE also claimed that they were committed to the ceasefire.

The sluice gates were eventually reopened on the August 8, with conflicting reports as to who actually opened them. Initially, the SLMM claimed that they managed to persuade the LTTE to lift the waterway blockade conditionally. However, a government spokesman said that “utilities cannot be used as bargaining tools” by the rebels and the government forces launched fresh attacks on the LTTE positions around the reservoir. These attacks prompted condemnation from SLMM Chief of Staff, who stated “The government does have the information that the LTTE has made this offer.” “It is quite obvious they are not interested in water. They are interested in something else.”

As the battle warmed up, the LTTE claimed that they opened the sluice gates “on humanitarian grounds” although this was disputed by military correspondents, who stated that the water began flowing immediately after the security forces carried out a precise bombing of the Mavil Oya anicut. Eventually, following heavy fighting with the rebels, government troops gained full control of the Mavil Oya reservoir the on August 15.

Battle of Muttur and Sampur
September 4, 2006

The Sri Lankan military gained control of the Sampur town of eastern Trincomalee District on September 4, 2006, where the area used by the LTTE as an artillery launching pad to attack Trincomalee Port. The SLA military offensive began in August 2006 and the area was under the LTTE control for years. President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced capturing of Sampur as he addressed the 55th annual conference of the ruling SLFP.
The battle of Sampur, close to Muttur, lasted nearly a month. The SLA gained control of the area on the September 4, 2006 after heavy fighting.

Next

HOPE FOR ALL

President addresses Parliament today

As the Sri Lankan Armed Forces triumphantly conclude the final phase of its operation for liberation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Commander in Chief, President Mahinda Rajapaksa is set to address the country’s 225-member legislature this morning to officially announce the victory. As the Sri Lankan Armed Forces triumphantly conclude the final phase of its operation for liberation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Commander in Chief, President Mahinda Rajapaksa is set to address the country’s 225-member legislature this morning to officially announce the victory.

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PRABHA KILLED

World’s most ruthless terror outfit finally laid to rest

The once-thought invincible, the world’s number one terrorist and LTTE supremo- Vellupillai Prabhakaran (54) was confirmed killed yesterday.
Velupillai Prabhakaran- wanted by Sri Lanka, India and the Interpol for atrocities committed, is now no more.

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Forces Commanders promoted

President Mahinda Rajapaksa last night promoted the Army Commander Lt.Gen. Sarath Fonseka to the rank of General, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda as Admiral and the Air Force Commander, Air Marshall Roshan Goonetileke to the rank of Air Chief Marshall with immediate effect. These promotions were effected in recognition of their services to liberate the nation from the menace of terrorism and ending the war on a successful note.

“Regaining of dignity and pride is important”

As the security forces delivered the final blow to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), capturing the last bit of land held by them, the entire nation celebrated with jubilance. None would be more relieved of the conclusion than the security forces...

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Wickremesinghe congratulates

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa via telephone from Europe.
According to a communique issued by the Office of the Leader of the Opposition Wickremesinghe during an exchange of views thanked the security forces, the president and the Cabinet of Ministers for defeating the LTTE militarily.

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Tamils too helped defeat LTTE

The incessant fighting for nearly 30 long years came to an end at around 3.30 pm on Sunday, May 17, with the announcement by the LTTE’s Head of International Relations Selvarasa Pathmanathan that the Tigers have finally decided to silence their guns.

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THE EASTERN OPERATION

The nearly three-decade war has now ended in a resounding victory for Sri Lanka’s heroic armed forces. Taking advantage of the Ceasefire Agreement, LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran set up a Tiger Air Wing, a naval force, and a military wing to fight the government forces. They also established a Police force, courts and banks to run their so called civil administration.

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Air Force SOARS ABOVE

From the beginning to the end of the fourth Eelam War, the services rendered by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) were immense.
They were able to give invaluable support to ground troops, by destroying the enemy supply bases, underground armouries, heavy weaponry stations and underground...

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Today we celebrate tomorrow we must work

It is all over now. That which was deemed impossible has been proved to be possible. The cry for negotiation, based on the premise that the LTTE cannot be defeated militarily, will not be heard again. Those who predicted a bloodbath where thousands of civilians would perish as the security forces launched...

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Planning the Wanni Battle

Editorial - Be magnanimous in this hour of glory

Liquidating LTTE First step towards political solution

Stock Market buoyed by victory

The Economic Peace Dividend

 

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PICTURE GALARY

Comments

Religious leaders hail ending of hostilities; call for reconciliation

Gratitude goes out to forces - Ranil

TULF Leader V. Anandasangaree

Constitutional Affairs Minister D.E.W. Gunesekare

JVP Propaganda Secretary Vijitha Herath

LSSP sees victory as foundation for political solution

Few countries have faced terrorism so severely as Lanka – Lord Naseby

 


Invaluable role played by Navy

“It is a daydream to think that the LTTE leaders can flee by sea. There is absolutely no way this can happen.”
“Not even a fish can slip by unnoticed by us in the Mullaitivu sea. So how can Prabhakaran escape?”

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Civil Defence Force - Unsung heroes

The credit for the historic military victories is spread evenly between all three armed forces of Sri Lanka. However, even as three forces troops made slow and steady advances into LTTE held territory

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Sunday Edition (17-05-2009)