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A 'SaferWorld' for Terrorists

When a Non-state actor with a clear history of terrorism procures and smuggles in deadly weapons it is a heroic deed, even an accomplishment to be proud of. But when a democratically elected government arms itself, it is an 'unethical violation' of international rules.

Who Monitors These?

Original version of the Russian Strela-3 or 9M36 (NATO GREMLIN) MANPAD captured from Thoppigala

Chinese (NORINCO) T-63 12 barrel 107mm multiple-rocket launcher recovered from Thoppigala

Story behind the Army's new rockets

A 122mm JROF rocket fired from SLA's Czech-built RM-70 MBRL whizzing towards a target

Some international organizations have charged that the Sri Lanka Army bought 10,000 missiles from Slovakia against European Union laws. This is completely false. The procurement and storage of these weapons occurred outside of Slovakia, in a non EU country.

The weapons procured were 122mm Rockets for the Army's RM-70 (RaketoMet 1970) Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers bought at $180 a piece. They are military surplus and are not missiles in the sense that they are unguided rockets.

The country formerly known as Czechoslovakia split into two countries in 1993. One country is now known as the Czech Republic while the other is known as Slovakia.

With the breakdown of the Warsaw Pact, armies of the former Communist Block were downsized. These countries had to conform to NATO regulations in order to join the European Union, hence they commenced what is called a 'Liquidation program'. In order to reduce their arsenals and to generate revenue, some of these countries frequently sell portions of that arsenal as surplus military hardware.

The Sri Lanka Army has purchased 10,000 rockets from a surplus of such weapons at a very reasonable price. Anticipating these bottlenecks, some very smart officers in the Army made plans to purchase them at a different location than the location of the original vendor. Hence these weapons are presently at an entirely different location awaiting transfer to Colombo.

Bunkerline overrun north of Giant's Tank

The Sri Lanka Army has details indicating the death of 56 Tigers within the first week of April alone. These tigers were killed in Mannar north, Vavuniya, Weli Oya (Kiriibbanwewa and Janakapura), Muhamalai and Nagarkovil.

Meanwhile troops from the 58 Division overran two bunker lines of the Tigers situated North of Giant's Tank in Mannar. The exact number of Tigers killed in the attack is unclear. However, Army sources claimed 4 SLA were injured in the fighting.