Updates

The LTTE has accused the Army's Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol of killing a Catholic Priest attached to the Jesuit Refugee Service on the Mannar-Pooneryn road. The Sri Lanka Army has denied involvement in the incident, which occurred around 45kms ahead of the Army's FDL in Mannar. DefenceWire sources reveal that the priest Nicholaspillai Pakiyaranjith had had a long-standing relationship with the rebels and had received aid from numerous countries, including Norway, for relief work in LTTE areas. During the now concluded Thoppigala battle, the Sri Lanka Army saw first-hand how such relief items can end up in the hands of the LTTE.

Meanwhile pro-LTTE media claimed that Sea Tiger Leader 'Col. Soosei' had addressed a gathering in Puthukidiiruppu to commemorate the 20th Death Anniversary of 'Lt. Col. ' Thileepan and 'Col.' Shankar yesterday. DefenceWire sources claim that Soosei has partially recovered from an accidental blast that occurred during a training operation several months ago. Soosei has limited his movements as he is still suffering from damages caused to his rib-cage. A smoldering conflict between him and Pottu Amman had arisen after the latter started inspecting Sea Tiger Bases without informing Soosei and reporting back to Pripaharan about their status.

In a separate incident on Monday, troops along the FDL in Kilali moved ahead of their positions and attacked an LTTE bunker-line killing around 20 LTTE. Troops managed to torch the bunker-line before returning to their original locations.

According to inside information, the Sri Lanka Navy has been unsettled by a revelation made by a Sunday Weekly Defence Column detailing the naval operation that destroyed three LTTE ships recently. Senior analysts have also warned the Security Forces to be humble in their victories and not to be complacent in the crucial period ahead.