Fighting intensifies as rain disrupt logistics

Over 70 LTTE cadres are confirmed killed and another 50 wounded in action when the Sri Lanka Army led a coordinated attack on a series of LTTE bunkers in the general area North of Giant's Tank in Uthayadi, Kathankulam and North West of Adampan.

The Sri Lanka Army lost 12 soldiers while 34 others were wounded in action. The LTTE claims it lost only three and killed 30 SLA. Since attack was preplanned and engaged by the SLA, LTTE figures are not even logically possible. The Army estimates it has killed close to 2000 cadres in fighting this year alone.

The situation in Madhu has raised great interest over the last few weeks as the Army originally planned to capture the 4 km2 area of the Madhu church before the New Year. The plans have since then been changed and the Army is now engaged in a maneuver known as Skirting and Isolation in military terms, which means the cutting off of a particular area to drain out enemy troops gradually without endangering persons or material contained in a particular space in a potential crossfire.

The move has also been influenced by administrative and logistical problems due to incessant rains. The further the Army moves the more difficult it becomes to travel on freshly bulldozed and muddied roads.

The logistics, including removal of casualties, supply of ordinance, reinforcements etc have become difficult. The incessant rains have also shifted mines and booby traps. A large number of men from several forward operating battalions, including their COs are down with a viral fever.

Meanwhile Lt. Colonel Jagath Ratnayake, the CO of 4 GR (Battalion Commander 4 Gemunu Watch) was injured at Muhamalai while performing what is called a Line Instruction. Ratnayake was recently promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel after a series of successful operations as a Major. He was hit on the stomach in what was considered at the time to be a sniper fire and what is now thought to be a regular daytime fire. He is now recovering.

Saferworld Clarifies

Saferworld INGO, in a communication to DefenceWire has made the following clarification regarding a statement issued by them to BBC over the purchase of 10,000 RM-70 Rockets by the Sri Lanka Army recently.

Dear Defencewire


Saferworld was recently quoted in a BBC online article regarding the transfer of military rockets from Slovakia to Sri Lanka. We believe the original article was not a fair or accurate representation of the discussions between Saferworld and the BBC.

Saferworld contacted the BBC with its concerns, and the article has since been changed with all references to Saferworld removed.


Kind regards

Sonia Rai
Advocacy and Communications Coordinator