Sri Lanka: Government reports heavy LTTE losses and calls for UK and France to ban White Pigeon

Sri Lankan security forces further advanced into LTTE defences in multi fronts from Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya killing a total of 40 terrorists, including 22 alone in clashes North West of Parappakandal, yesterday (January 14).

According to SLA Jaffna sources, at least 10 terrorists were killed and two LTTE bunkers destroyed in clashes escalated along the defences at Averikadu, Muhamalai and Nagarkovil in Jaffna. Six soldiers were also wounded in separate incidents at the Northern defences including four, due to an IED explosion at Muhamalai, sources said.

Meanwhile, troops removed 7 anti-personnel (AP) mines laid in general area Ponnar, Jaffna security sources said. During clearing operations conducted in general area Marakayarkulama, Vavuniya troops defused 10 AP mines, Wanni sources said.

Military sources in Vavuniya front said that, eight more terrorists were killed yesterday (14) in clashes erupted at defences of Periyapantdivirichchan, Vilathikulama, Kattikkulama, Palaikkulai and Kokkuthuduvai. SLA said that, three soldiers received injuries due to an AP mine explosion at Kurisuddakulama, and were rushed to the general hospital at Vavuniya.

Intercepted LTTE communication revealed that many terrorists were badly wounded in the fighting, though exact figures were not available.

Meanwhile, during a search operation conducted at general area Palaikkuli, troops recovered 23 AP mines, 05 'Arul' type mortar shells, 08 hand grenades, a hoard of Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) ammunitions and 550x T-56 assault riffle rounds. Separately, in a search operation at Palaikkuli, yesterday evening, troops recovered 18 more AP mines, security sources added.
According to military, two soldiers laid their lives in confrontations yesterday (14), while 24 others were wounded.

In related news, the Sri Lanka government has called upon Britain and France to ban the UK-based Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ‘charity’ White Pigeon. The government alleges the organisation is supported by several southern Indian film stars and that millions of dollars are still being raised in the UK and mainland Europe by thinly-disguised front organisations for the LTTE.

A spokesman for the Sri Lankan High Commission said that shows held in London and Paris over the weekend were promoted by White Pigeon as mega-star events featuring South Indian stars.