As ground battles raged on the eastern flank with troops
making slow but steady progress, the military yesterday asserted that the
final outcome of the Eelam war IV would be decided within this week.
A senior officer directing operations said that the next
72 hours would be crucial as the LTTE, struggling to stall the army, would
mount counter attacks whatever the losses that would entail in terms of
both men and material.
With the area under its control now down to about 45 sq.
km with direct access to the north-east sea restricted to about ten km,
the LTTE was likely even to launch...
President Mahinda Rajapaksa participating at yesterday’s Presentation of President’s Colours to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) formations at China Bay in Trincomalee. Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, SLAF Commander Roshan Gunathilake and President’s Secreatry Lalith Weeratunga also graced the occasion. (Pic by Sudath Silva)
Prasanna Ranatunga throws
his hat into the ring
With elections to the WPC set for April 25, former WPC
Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has launched a poster campaign seeking the
chief ministerial post. Although newcomer Thilanga Sumathipala and former
WPC Chief Minister Reginald Cooray have both indicated their desire for
the top post, Ranatunga had asserted his right to take over the province.
TMVP hands over weapons
TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan
yesterday handed over the weapons of his outfit to the Army Eastern
Command.
