The East being secured shut

Special security measures have been taken to protect the Eastern Province after sources indicated the region's vulnerability to small-group attacks as the Army advances northwards. Around two weeks ago, a small group of Tigers crossed the Thambalagamuwa junction. With that a total of around 150 Tigers maybe in hiding from Kokilai to Kataragama.

Two Special Task Force camps vacated from the Maha Oya- Ampara road will be relocated to their original locations. These were the Thirukkovil and Arantalawa STF Camps. The STF camps at Piyangala and Pulukunawa will remain the same.

The Sri Lanka Army, following its victory in the East, moved parts of its Brigade, including a platoon of the Special Forces stationed at Monkey-Bridge (on the Kantale-Trincomalee road) further north to Morawewa. This has further limited large LTTE movements. In any case, the LTTE is currently not in a position to move large numbers of cadres due to a shortage of men.

A new SLA Brigade will be established at Sithandy, along the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa main road. This is in addition to two more Brigades established at Thoppigala and Vakarai/Vaharai. The establishment of these new Brigades is made possible by the availability of large numbers of fresh troops.

A large, 4-lane road is under construction along the Trincomalee harbour area connecting Sampur, Mutur, Kinniya, China Bay, Nilaveli, Kuchchaveli and the City. This road, once constructed, will be useful in mobilizing large numbers of troops in short notice to any strategic point in the Trincomalee bay area. Another large road is under construction from Seruvila to the Habarana-Polonnaruwa road. These roads are all being constructed by Army Engineers.

Due to constant raids by the military, Tigers hiding in the Trincomalee North area are facing a severe food shortage, captured Tigers have revealed. Currently, a military operation is being conducted in Kokilai, Kumburupiddi and Thiriyaya areas. Troops have so far uncovered 2 small habours used by LTTE to replenish cadres and stocks.

Meanwhile the number of LTTE corpses recovered from Vaunikulam went upto 38 over the weekend. 30 bodies have been accepted by the Tigers so far. At least a dozen more corpses have been collected in pieces and buried.