Military and Political Diversions

A Group of LTTE cadres disguised as fishermen launched a diversionary attack on the Pesalai Police Station last morning (23). The Navy was not deceived by the diversion and successfully defended Mannar Island. Top Navy Officers confirmed to DefenceWire that the LTTE had attempted to seize a Navy Water Jet through the diversionary tactic. Government sources claimed 17 LTTE were killed, although the confrontation was not that fierce. No harm was caused to own troops. DefenceWire believes the attack was not a tactic but part of a much larger strategic objective of the Tigers in the area.

Meanwhile the Presidential Office has issued a statement objecting to the suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth of Nations yesterday. This statement was issued after a select committee of the Commonwealth took a unanimous decision to suspend Pakistan from the Commonwealth. Sri Lanka was also part of this group. Diplomatic sources indicated that Sri Lanka's statement in support of Pakistan had come when neighboring India was also working towards the suspension of Pakistan from SAARC at a forthcoming meeting of delegates.