Veduthalthivu in sight as 61 Div. comes in

The Sri Lanka Army is now 5kms from Veduthalthivu sea Tiger base. Tigers are putting up a last ditch effort to prevent the advance into this strategic base. Fighting is concentrated currently in Nedunkandaal North where a 40X30 foot bunker, the largest discovered in recent history was captured.

Currently there are around 40,000 troops converging on the LTTE in Vanni from Mannar, Vavuniya and Weli Oya. These include the 58 from Mannar, 57 from Vavuniya converging on Mannar and the 59 from Weli Oya. Army Commander Lt. Gen Sarath Fonseka was in the Vanni today on a tour of inspection and instruction.

The 61 Division joined the fray a few weeks ago. It too will concentrate mainly on Mannar. Sources indicated to this site that neighboring India has expressed an interest in oil explorations off the coast of Mannar.

In the Weli Oya front, the fighting is just beginning. Troops have advanced 8-10 kilometers at certain areas north of Janakapura and Kiriibbanwewa. They recently breached a line of bunkers leading upto the LTTE's famous 1-4 base (more like a jungle hideout).

The Army is not pushing very hard through Weli Oya. LTTE troop concentration (defence in-depth) is also very high in this area. It is estimated that this operation will last many months. In the meantime, operations will continue in Mannar and Vavuniya, thus surrounding Mullaithivu by land from the south and the west. More details on this operation will continue in the days to come.

Meanwhile the newly formed 3 Sinha Regiment (3SR) passed out today after a grueling training. A team of 120 Engineer Troops also passed out yesterday. Over 300 Special Forces are also preparing to pass-out end of this month.