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Northern Province
Statement:2009
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Date
Incidents
January - 2 
Acknowledging the loss, the pro-LTTE TamilNet website in a report said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) “has entered a virtual ghost town as the whole civilian infrastructure as well as the centre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had shifted further northeast.” TamilNet claimed that the LTTE, wh
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Acknowledging the loss, the pro-LTTE TamilNet website in a report said that the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) “has entered a virtual ghost town as the whole civilian infrastructure as well as the centre of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had shifted further northeast.” TamilNet claimed that the LTTE, who had put up heavy resistance, kept their casualties low in the defensive fighting, according to The Hindu. "It is the first time after a decade the Sri Lankan forces have been able to take control of the town after several months of fierce fighting that has claimed hundreds of combatants on both sides of the war," Tamil Net reported.
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January - 2 
In a special address to the nation on state television hours after the troops captured Kilinochchi, President Mahinda Rajapaksa described the action as a “major victory in the world’s battle against terrorism.” He reiterated the resolve of his Government to continue the fight till the LTTE was “full
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In a special address to the nation on state television hours after the troops captured Kilinochchi, President Mahinda Rajapaksa described the action as a “major victory in the world’s battle against terrorism.” He reiterated the resolve of his Government to continue the fight till the LTTE was “fully and finally defeated,” and asserted it was “the final message to the LTTE, to lay down their arms and surrender.” Stating that the capture of Kilinochchi should not be viewed as the victory of one community or region over the other, Rajapaksa maintained that it was a dream of all Sri Lankans who are opposed to separatism, racism and terrorism and strived for peace, freedom and democracy. He said his Government would continue the fight against the LTTE until the “final act of this false Eelam struggle is played to its finish” in the small territory of jungle in Mullaithivu it is confined to today. The LTTE took control of Kilinochchi in 1990 when the SLA withdrew its garrisons after the departure of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. The SLA gained control of the town following operations Sathjaya I, II, and III in September 1996. The town was again captured by the LTTE in September 1998, and ever since it has been designated as the LTTE’s “administrative and political headquarters.”
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January - 2 
On January 2, the Sri Lanka Army captured Kilinochchi, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) political and administrative headquarters, reports Sri Lanka Army. The troops are reported to have launched simultaneous attacks from three directions in Paranthan, Iranamadu and Adampan before captu
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On January 2, the Sri Lanka Army captured Kilinochchi, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) political and administrative headquarters, reports Sri Lanka Army. The troops are reported to have launched simultaneous attacks from three directions in Paranthan, Iranamadu and Adampan before capturing the town in the early hours of January 2. Kilinochchi town, which lies about 334 kilometres (255 miles) north of capital Colombo, remained the LTTE’s most strategic logistic base, from which almost all the decisions were made upon by the exclusive command of the outfit’s leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran and his top-rung leadership. The LTTE kangaroo courts, ‘Police’ Headquarters, ‘Eelam’ banks, luxurious LTTE peace secretariat complex, all operated from Kilinochchi, their de-facto capital of ‘Eelam’ lying on the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) main supply route. The Defence Ministry in a statement said troops of 57 Division entered the highly defended stronghold from the southern and south-western boundaries while Task Force 1 troops marched in from the north and the northwest, The Hindu reported. The Army had taken the Jaffna-Kandy A-9 highway on the Omanthai-Paranthan stretch. The military had crossed into Kilinochchi District on August 4 and has since been engaged in clashes with the LTTE.
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January - 4 
The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamil Net claimed that at least 53 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 80 sustained injuries during heavy fighting that erupted on January 4 when the SLA launched an offensive push through 2nd Mile Post on the Paranthan-Mull
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The pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) website Tamil Net claimed that at least 53 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed and more than 80 sustained injuries during heavy fighting that erupted on January 4 when the SLA launched an offensive push through 2nd Mile Post on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu Road on two fronts.
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January - 5 
Security Forces on January 5 reached Elephant Pass with the 58 Division troops capturing the entire southern part of it and further advancing towards the North to capture it the entirely, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said, according to Daily News. The troops captured Thamilamadam, the
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Security Forces on January 5 reached Elephant Pass with the 58 Division troops capturing the entire southern part of it and further advancing towards the North to capture it the entirely, Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said, according to Daily News. The troops captured Thamilamadam, the causeway to the south of the Elephant Pass, adds Sri Lanka Army (SLA). “They are in the process of advancing further north to take full control of the Elephant Pass area soon,” a senior military official told Daily News, adding, “With the capture of Elephant Pass South the troops are now in control of the entire Jaffna lagoon. They are in full control of the lagoon front from Pooneryn to Paranthan and Paranthan to Elephant Pass on the A-9 road. They have been left with only the coastal road from Cheminpiyanpattu to Mullaitivu which gets flooded most of the time.” Heavy fighting erupted in the East of Paranthan and Elephant Pass South for the past two days as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) made their maximum effort to stop the advance of the troops towards Elephant Pass and Murusamudai, East of Paranthan. According to military sources, 10 soldiers were killed and 23 others injured in the fierce battle in Elephant Pass and Murusamudai areas.
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January - 6 
Troops of the 53rd and 55th Divisions operating on the Jaffna front captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) FDLs (Forward Defence Lines) in Kilali and Muhamalai, some 600 metres ahead of the Security Force’s FDLs on January 6, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, accor
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Troops of the 53rd and 55th Divisions operating on the Jaffna front captured the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) FDLs (Forward Defence Lines) in Kilali and Muhamalai, some 600 metres ahead of the Security Force’s FDLs on January 6, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, according to Daily News. “There was less resistance from the LTTE compared to earlier occasions and they are in the verge of withdrawing from the area as troops captured Tiger defences”, the spokesman added. According to Brigadier Nanayakkara, the troops in the Muhamalai front could advance some 20 kilometres to the south along the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) Road to link up with the 58th Division troops operating in the south of Elephant Pass. The 58th Division was in reportedly consolidating their positions in the south of Elephant Pass as of January 6 after they captured the area a day earlier. Another military official told Daily News, “troops are advancing towards the LTTE’s third line located in Palali area which is a kilometre away from the present position.” LTTE militants operating in Jaffna are reportedly entrapped between two fronts, Muhamalai from the North and Elephant Pass in the south, and have links with the southern part only through the road leading through the Eastern coast of Jaffna peninsula. According to military sources, the LTTE had shifted many of their military assets in Jaffna. “The LTTE artillery threat to the advancing troops have reduced drastically by yesterday’s operation and they are resisting the advancing troops with their mortars”, military officials added.
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January - 7 
The Sri Lankan military on January 7 claimed to have captured Murasumoddai town on the way to Mullaitivu amid stiff resistance from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, reports The Hindu. A statement from the Defence Ministry said, “gaining control over the Murasumoddai junction, l
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The Sri Lankan military on January 7 claimed to have captured Murasumoddai town on the way to Mullaitivu amid stiff resistance from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, reports The Hindu. A statement from the Defence Ministry said, “gaining control over the Murasumoddai junction, located along the Paranthan-Mullaitivu main road, 5 km east of Paranthan, would be strategically vital for the troops as it creates new escaping routes for the Tamil civilians under LTTE hold.” The Ministry said that the Murasumoddai junction had direct access routes to Kilinochchi, Vaddakkachchi and Uriyan. Many civilians from Murasumoddai and its surrounding areas had reached the Security Forces “escaping LTTE’s grip,” it added.
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January - 7 
Troops advancing both from the north and south of Elephant Pass have trapped the LTTE militants on the thin strip of land connecting the mainland to Jaffna peninsula inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, the military said, according to Colombo Page. Troops of the 53 and 55 Divisions amid h
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Troops advancing both from the north and south of Elephant Pass have trapped the LTTE militants on the thin strip of land connecting the mainland to Jaffna peninsula inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, the military said, according to Colombo Page. Troops of the 53 and 55 Divisions amid heavy LTTE gunfire advanced about two kilometers further south from the LTTE frontline, which was captured on January 6, closer to the strategic Palali town centre, about 5.5 kilometers south of Muhamalai, on January 7, defence reports said. Defence Ministry said troops destroyed several key LTTE command centres, including the Kilaly’s ECHO-9 Base, Muhamalai area command bases GOLF-7, ECHO-3 and DELTA-2 and set ablaze a huge LTTE ammunition dump. A large cache of weapons and LTTE armaments kept hidden and sealed inside concrete-made underground hideouts were also recovered by the troops, the Ministry added. Reports said that the LTTE have used the Palali area and recently captured Pooneryn to position heavy guns to repeatedly attack targets in Jaffna.
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January - 9 
Colombo Page reports that following the capture of Elephant Pass, the Government has restored the access through the A-9 highway, the main land route to Jaffna from the mainland. At a special news briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silv
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Colombo Page reports that following the capture of Elephant Pass, the Government has restored the access through the A-9 highway, the main land route to Jaffna from the mainland. At a special news briefing held at the Presidential Secretariat, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said now the citizens of Sri Lanka can move freely from southernmost point of Devundara Thuduwa (Dondra Point) to the northernmost Point Pedro. Minister de Silva said the opening of the A-9 main route will facilitate the free and quick movement of people and goods among all parts of the island which will result in an increase in commerce and reduction of prices of essential items in the Jaffna peninsula. He also said this is the first time in many years people can travel through A-9 without paying “taxes” to the LTTE. Even when the A-9 was opened during the cease-fire period, the LTTE was collecting illegal taxes and ransom from the people, he said.
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January - 9 
Security Forces (SFs) captured the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway connecting the south with the Jaffna peninsula after 23 years, reported Daily News. Troops of the 53rd, 55th, and 58th Divisions captured the strategically important Elephant Pass by the afternoon of January 9, President Mahinda Rajapakse
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Security Forces (SFs) captured the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) highway connecting the south with the Jaffna peninsula after 23 years, reported Daily News. Troops of the 53rd, 55th, and 58th Divisions captured the strategically important Elephant Pass by the afternoon of January 9, President Mahinda Rajapakse announced. The President said the SFs are now able to connect people in Dondra Head with people in Point Pedro after 23 years in an environment sans terrorism making a bridge of peace between the South and North. The 53rd and 55th Division advancing from Muhamalai and Kilali linked up with troops of the 58th Division who had taken control of the Elephant Pass south by January 6. The 58th Division cleared the path for the 53rd and 55th Division to move towards the south of Jaffna peninsula compelling the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants to vacate many of the areas they held in the southern part of the Jaffna peninsula. With the capture of Elephant Pass, the troops were able to clear a 96 kilometre stretch of the A-9 road between Omanthai and Muhamalai after two years of military operations in Wanni and in the north. Military officials said this is the first time the A-9 road is open till Jaffna under military control after the SFs lost control of it after the departure of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in the late 1980s. The SFs lost control of Elephant Pass in April 2000 when 353 soldiers were killed and over 2,500 injured. “It is after nine years troops are taking control of Elephant Pass from the clutches of the LTTE,” the President stated.
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January - 10 
Colombo Page reports that the troops of the 59th Division, now advancing towards Mullaitivu, captured another LTTE airstrip located five kilometres west of the Mullaitivu lagoon in the afternoon of January 10, the military said. The Defence Ministry said the airstrip was about 2.5 kilometres long an
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Colombo Page reports that the troops of the 59th Division, now advancing towards Mullaitivu, captured another LTTE airstrip located five kilometres west of the Mullaitivu lagoon in the afternoon of January 10, the military said. The Defence Ministry said the airstrip was about 2.5 kilometres long and 100 metres wide. This is the fourth LTTE airstrip captured by troops in the recent past, military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said. Troops operating in the Mullaitivu area captured this airstrip together with two empty hangars, he added.
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January - 12 
News.lk reports that the Government is venturing on a crash development programme in Kilinochchi town in the wake of recent military victories with the objective of getting civilians to return and begin a new life. The immediate priorities would be improving schools, hospitals and developing roads a
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News.lk reports that the Government is venturing on a crash development programme in Kilinochchi town in the wake of recent military victories with the objective of getting civilians to return and begin a new life. The immediate priorities would be improving schools, hospitals and developing roads and the transport sector. SLR 30 million was allocated to improve facilities for the displaced persons, Government officials said.
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January - 13 
Civilians started converging into the cleared areas (area under Government control) in Kilinochchi and Jaffna as troops took full control of the Jaffna peninsula, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Daily News. 655 civilians reached the Security Forces (SFs) controlled areas of Kevil
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Civilians started converging into the cleared areas (area under Government control) in Kilinochchi and Jaffna as troops took full control of the Jaffna peninsula, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Daily News. 655 civilians reached the Security Forces (SFs) controlled areas of Kevil and Murusamoddai from the midnight of January 13, the Brigadier added. "Many of these civilians walked into Security Forces controlled areas after escaping from the LTTE’s grip whilst a group of 47 people reaching Murusamoddai area in a boat from the lagoon in the East of Elephant Pass", Nanayakkara informed. "There will be a sharp increase in the number of civilians arriving in the Security Forces controlled areas as troops are fast moving into Dharmapuram and Vaddakkachchi areas where the LTTE is holding a large number of civilians", he added.
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January - 15 
An airstrip around 1,100 metres long and 40 metres wide inside the dense Iranamadu jungle was captured by the SFs following intensive fighting. Brigadier Nanayakkara said the LTTE runway was surrounded by massive bunker lines and trenches, as well as laid with landmines and booby traps, adding, “A h
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An airstrip around 1,100 metres long and 40 metres wide inside the dense Iranamadu jungle was captured by the SFs following intensive fighting. Brigadier Nanayakkara said the LTTE runway was surrounded by massive bunker lines and trenches, as well as laid with landmines and booby traps, adding, “A hanger was also found in the vicinity which was damaged by fleeing LTTE cadres.”
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January - 18 
Officials said the morgue in Vavuniya hospital is packed with bodies of slain LTTE militants, reports Colombo Page. 31 unclaimed dead bodies are lying at the hospital morgue currently. Security Forces (SFs) have handed over another 12 LTTE dead bodies, including five of female cadres, to the hospita
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Officials said the morgue in Vavuniya hospital is packed with bodies of slain LTTE militants, reports Colombo Page. 31 unclaimed dead bodies are lying at the hospital morgue currently. Security Forces (SFs) have handed over another 12 LTTE dead bodies, including five of female cadres, to the hospital in the evening of January 18. Dead bodies of LTTE militants are also reportedly piling up in other hospitals in the region, including Trincomalee, Mannar and Anuradhapura. More than 75 dead bodies of militants have so far been buried with the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) last week in cemeteries of Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Mannar and Anuradhapura Districts. The ICRC resumed its transport duties on January 16 after a brief interruption due to the unavailability of security guarantee from both sides.
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January - 20 
An unnamed senior military official said on January 20 that speedy moves by the Security Forces from all fronts have confined the LTTE into an area North of Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road between Dharmapuram and Mullaitivu, further shrinking the areas under the outfit’s control to less than 400 sq
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An unnamed senior military official said on January 20 that speedy moves by the Security Forces from all fronts have confined the LTTE into an area North of Paranthan–Mullaitivu (A-35) road between Dharmapuram and Mullaitivu, further shrinking the areas under the outfit’s control to less than 400 square kilometres, according to Daily News. ”The LTTE has also come under immense pressure as troops of the 58 and 57 Divisions are also poised to enter into a decisive phase of the battle in Vishvamadu with these two Divisions entering into LTTE nerve centre in Vishvamadu where LTTE is keeping innocent Tamil civilians by force”, the sources added.
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January - 20 
Government said that not a single civilian was killed in the conflict between Government forces and the LTTE in Mullaitivu District, according to BBC. The Minister in charge of Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, accused the BBC of carrying out 'false information' on civilian casualties in the battl
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Government said that not a single civilian was killed in the conflict between Government forces and the LTTE in Mullaitivu District, according to BBC. The Minister in charge of Human Rights, Mahinda Samarasinghe, accused the BBC of carrying out 'false information' on civilian casualties in the battlefield in northern Sri Lanka. Samarasinghe told journalists in Colombo that the media should verify information they receive from hospitals in Wanni with health ministry officials in Colombo. Athula Kahandaliyanage, secretary to the ministry of health, pointed out that although the BBC usually contacts him, there was no call from the BBC on this particular incident. An International Committee of the Red Cross official also confirmed that not a single patient was killed in attacks, he added. Earlier on January 18, BBC quoting Paddikkudiyiruppu Hospital Medical staffs had reported that at least 18 civilians were killed during the weekend as the military continues its offensive on the northern bases of the LTTE. Hospital officials had said the number killed in fighting around Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu could be much higher.
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January - 21 
The Sri Lanka Army on January 21 assigned new un-cleared area (area not under Government Control) in the Mullaitivu District as a Safe Zone and urged civilians to move into the area as soon as possible, reports Colombo Page. The Media Centre for National Security said the Army has immediately demarc
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The Sri Lanka Army on January 21 assigned new un-cleared area (area not under Government Control) in the Mullaitivu District as a Safe Zone and urged civilians to move into the area as soon as possible, reports Colombo Page. The Media Centre for National Security said the Army has immediately demarcated an expanded Safe Zone within areas yet to be liberated and appeals those besieged civilians to move into those areas. The Safe Zone borders a four kilometers stretch of the Puthukkudiyiruppu–Paranthan (A-35) main road from Udayankattu junction to the Yellow Bridge on the south and extends northwards to Iruthumadu and Thevipuram. The demarcated area touches the A-35 road giving civilians access for easy movement. The Army has formally requested the International Committee of the Red Cross officials in Vavuniya to enlighten the trapped civilians in Wanni about the demarcation of the new Safe Zone and encourage them to seek protection within that Zone.
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January - 22 
At least 100 persons were killed in artillery exchanges between military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the last one week, an unnamed Government official working in the area controlled by the LTTE said on January 22. "Around 30 people died in the morning today. Personally I saw t
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At least 100 persons were killed in artillery exchanges between military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the last one week, an unnamed Government official working in the area controlled by the LTTE said on January 22. "Around 30 people died in the morning today. Personally I saw that nearly 100 people have died from Saturday [January 17] up to today. More than 300 have been injured," Mullaitivu District Government Agent Emelda Sukumar told Reuters. Sukumar, who spoke from Mullaitivu, is in charge of Government services in the LTTE-held area, said, "When people occupy particular places, the LTTE send shells from that area, and then army also targets the same area. So people cannot escape from the shelling." As reported earlier, the pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net on January 22 claimed that 66 civilians were killed and more than 200 wounded in Sri Lanka Army’s artillery fire within the last three days in Mullaitivu District. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara denying this said, "Today we stopped firing and took 46 patients from that hospital through the Red Cross, so that kind of humanitarian operation is underway. We didn't fire into the safe zone because we wanted civilians to come." Earlier, on January 21, the military had announced a 32 square kilometers Safe Zone near Mullaitivu and dropped leaflets urging civilians to go there.
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January - 25 
The Security Forces (SFs) now engaged in the final battle against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Mullaitivu District achieved one of the major victories in the afternoon of January 25 after 59th Division troops captured the Mullaitivu Town, the LTTE’s most prestigious military st
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The Security Forces (SFs) now engaged in the final battle against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the Mullaitivu District achieved one of the major victories in the afternoon of January 25 after 59th Division troops captured the Mullaitivu Town, the LTTE’s most prestigious military stronghold in the Eastern coast, military officials told Daily News. The troops entered Mullaitivu by 1 pm (SLST). Earlier, on January 23, the 59th Division made a major breakthrough in their battle to capture Mullaitivu with the capture of the earth bund located four kilometres south of Mullaitivu centre. “The LTTE strongly held this defence line in the North of Alampil even after 59 Division troops captured Mulliyavalai and Thanniattu towns located on the Mullaitivu-Oddusudan A-35 road”, military officials added. The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) fighter jets and MI 24 helicopter gun ships gave strong support for the ground troops to capture this earth bund to open the gateway of Mullaitivu. Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka announced this victory to the nation in the evening in a special message telecast live. “The Tiger stronghold of Mullaitivu fell under Security Forces control after 13 years with the 59 Division troops under the command of Brigadier Nandana Udawatta entering this strategic stronghold last afternoon”, military officials said. Mullaitivu was among the most prestigious and strategically important townships such as Kilinochchi, Paranthan, Pooneryn and Elephant Pass, the LTTE had controlled during the two and half decades long conflict. The LTTE has lost all these strongholds within the past two months with the fall of Pooneryn on November 15, 2008. The Army last controlled this isolated Army camp located in Mullaitivu in 1996 and it was overrun by the LTTE on July 18, 1996 which went down in military history as one of the major debacles losing a large haul of weapons including long range artillery and mortars and more than 1,000 soldiers. The SFs which commenced military operations to liberate the Wanni in February 2007 launched the 59th offensive Division under the command of Brigadier Nandana Udawatta in January 2008 from Welioya with the objective of liberating Mullaitivu from the LTTE. It achieved this major victory after capturing the entire Mullaitivu jungle, including the Nitthikaikulam, Thanimurkkuulam, LTTE’s 14 Base complex, Nayaru, Kumulamunai, Alampil and Mulliyavalai areas. With the capture of Mullaitivu which was famous as one of the strongest Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) bases, the LTTE has now been confined to 280 square Kilometres of territory in the Puthukuduiruppu and Visuamadu areas. The LTTE is also on the verge of losing Puthukuduiruppu junction and the road stretch of the A-35 between Visuamadu and Puthukuduiruppu as troops attached to Task Force II, Task Force III and Task Force IV were poised to capture the road further confining the LTTE to North of the Puthukuduiruppu and Vishvamadu areas with six offensive Divisions surrounding this territory from the West, South and East as of January 25-evening.
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January - 26 
United Nations (UN) said that dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in fighting between troops and the LTTE in the north-east in the past few days. UN spokesman Gordon Weiss told BBC that shells exploded very close to civilian areas in Mullaitivu District, adding, "The shells landed on the
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United Nations (UN) said that dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in fighting between troops and the LTTE in the north-east in the past few days. UN spokesman Gordon Weiss told BBC that shells exploded very close to civilian areas in Mullaitivu District, adding, "The shells landed on the A35 road inside the no-fire zone declared by the army. Some shells landed close to a local UN office. Many civilians have been killed or injured. Our staff members witnessed the death of civilians. But we cannot determine where the fire came from." Another UN spokesman, the resident coordinator Neil Buhne, told Associated Press, "There have been many civilians killed over the last two days. It's really a crisis now." However, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told BBC that the Army had no need to fire at civilian areas and strongly denied allegations that the military was responsible for the attacks.
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January - 27 
Commander of the 59th Division, Brigadier Nandana Udawatta, said on January 27 that troops advancing from the north of Mullaitivu town succeeded in capturing a stretch of two kilometres amidst stiff resistance by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to Daily News. He added that the
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Commander of the 59th Division, Brigadier Nandana Udawatta, said on January 27 that troops advancing from the north of Mullaitivu town succeeded in capturing a stretch of two kilometres amidst stiff resistance by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), according to Daily News. He added that the Security Forces (SFs) are advancing towards Puthukuduiruppu. Troops operating in Mullaitivu town also recovered a LTTE defence line which consisted of a massive earth bund and a ditch.
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January - 28 
Sri Lankan Government, responding to an "appeal" for medical supplies in the media and diplomatic circles claiming that 300 Tamil civilians were killed and 1,000 injured in Suthanthirapuram Udaiyaarkaddu and Vallipuram areas of Mullaitivu, in a statement released on January 28, termed the "appeal" a
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Sri Lankan Government, responding to an "appeal" for medical supplies in the media and diplomatic circles claiming that 300 Tamil civilians were killed and 1,000 injured in Suthanthirapuram Udaiyaarkaddu and Vallipuram areas of Mullaitivu, in a statement released on January 28, termed the "appeal" as a "hoax" and "a total fabrication", according to PTI. It said Dr. Thurairajah Varatharaja, the Regional Director of Health Services Mullaitivu, who is purported to be the originator of this "appeal" has denied any association with it and stated that its contents are false and exaggerated. "It has not originated from him or his office, and that he does not agree with its contents," the statement said. Athula Kahandliyanage, Secretary in the Health Ministry, said "the 2009 first quarter of drugs to Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi has been sent. The Mullaitivu supplies are awaiting road clearance and will be delivered soon."
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February - 1 
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that troops advancing further into the LTTE-held areas in Mullaitivu made steady progress within the past two days with the 59th Division and 55th Division destroying heavily fortified LTTE defence lines in Puthukuduiruppu south and Chundikulam sou
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Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that troops advancing further into the LTTE-held areas in Mullaitivu made steady progress within the past two days with the 59th Division and 55th Division destroying heavily fortified LTTE defence lines in Puthukuduiruppu south and Chundikulam south, reported Daily News. Security Forces (SFs) operating in the West of Nanthikadal lagoon stormed the LTTE’s heavily fortified defence south of Puthukkudiyiruppu on January 31, while 55th division troops stormed LTTE’s heavily fortified defence line in Chundikulam on February 1. However, he did not give casualty figure on either side.
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February - 1 February - 6
More than 1000 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed in the intense fighting in the Mullaittivu District since February 1, the pro—LTTE Website Tamil Net quoted LTTE sources as saying on February 6. Hundreds of SLA crack commandos were drawn into Mannakandal and Keappaapulavu 'boxes' and were cu
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More than 1000 Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers were killed in the intense fighting in the Mullaittivu District since February 1, the pro—LTTE Website Tamil Net quoted LTTE sources as saying on February 6. Hundreds of SLA crack commandos were drawn into Mannakandal and Keappaapulavu 'boxes' and were cut off from their rear supplies during a pre-emptive strike by the LTTE, resulting in the death of these soldiers. An arms storage, which was full of weapons as the SLA was in full preparation to launch its 'final assault' on Puthukkudyiruppu was also seized by the LTTE commandos engaged in the pre-emptive strike, the report added. The sources further revealed that there were at least 20 mortars, thousands of shells, several hundreds of assault rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), RPG launchers and a conservative estimate of one million rounds were among the arms and ammunitions seized. The LTTE had emptied the store of stockpiled arms and ammunitions by the time the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) bombed the location of its own arsenal, sources added further.
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February - 3 
At least 52 civilians were killed when the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District was shelled in the evening of February 3 for the fourth consecutive day, this time by a cluster bomb, forcing authorities to evacuate patients from one of the last functioning medical facilities in the war z
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At least 52 civilians were killed when the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital in Mullaitivu District was shelled in the evening of February 3 for the fourth consecutive day, this time by a cluster bomb, forcing authorities to evacuate patients from one of the last functioning medical facilities in the war zone, said United Nations (UN), according to Rediff.com. "We have a confirmed report that 52 civilians have been killed in a shell attack at Suranthapuram (in Wanni region) on Tuesday evening," UN spokesman Gordon Weiss said, adding that it was not known who was responsible for the attack.
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February - 3 
Colombo Page reports that the Government has taken measures to establish four more welfare villages in Vavuniya and Adampan areas for the IDPs coming from Wanni and Mannar. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rizard Bathiyutheen said the
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Colombo Page reports that the Government has taken measures to establish four more welfare villages in Vavuniya and Adampan areas for the IDPs coming from Wanni and Mannar. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, the Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rizard Bathiyutheen said the Government has already commenced basic activities of the four villages. According to Government statistics, 113,731 civilians are still under LTTE control in Mullaitivu District although aid agencies claim a higher number.
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February - 3 
The Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, United States and the European Union) have reportedly admitted to their failure to persuade the LTTE to allow civilians freedom of movement. In a press release issued on February 3, the Co-Chairs called on the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL
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The Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, United States and the European Union) have reportedly admitted to their failure to persuade the LTTE to allow civilians freedom of movement. In a press release issued on February 3, the Co-Chairs called on the LTTE to discuss with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of the Government of Sri Lanka’s offer of amnesty; and participating as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution; and call on the GoSL and the LTTE to declare a temporary no-fire period to allow for evacuation of sick and wounded, and provision of aid to civilians. “International efforts to persuade the LTTE to allow the civilians freedom of movement have failed. There remains probably only a short period of time before the LTTE loses control of all areas in the North. The LTTE and the GoSL should recognise that further loss of life-of civilians and combatants - will serve no cause, the release said. The Co-Chairs, India, the United Nations and others will work with the GoSL, to ensure the internally displaced people from the North are transferred to temporary camps where UN agencies, the ICRC, and humanitarian organisations will have full access and the IDPs will be treated according to international, standards and re-settled in their original homes as soon as possible; and an inclusive dialogue to agree on a political settlement so that lasting peace and reconciliation can be achieved”, the release said.
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February - 4 February - 5
Colombo Page reports that the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital which was closed on February 4 due to shelling has been relocated to Puthumalan, a location closer to the coastal area in Mullaitivu District, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said. The ICRC spokesperson, Sarasi Wijeratne, said
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Colombo Page reports that the Puthukkudiyiruppu hospital which was closed on February 4 due to shelling has been relocated to Puthumalan, a location closer to the coastal area in Mullaitivu District, the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) said. The ICRC spokesperson, Sarasi Wijeratne, said the hospital was relocated to the new place with some 300 patients and the medical staff by February 4-evening.
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February - 6 
Troops overran the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) ‘Radha Regiment’ headquarters at Visuamadu in the morning of February 6, reports Sri Lanka Army. Addressing the media at the Media Centre for National Security, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the ‘Radha Regiment’ was i
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Troops overran the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) ‘Radha Regiment’ headquarters at Visuamadu in the morning of February 6, reports Sri Lanka Army. Addressing the media at the Media Centre for National Security, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the ‘Radha Regiment’ was in Theravilkulam, along the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) main road. “This base was considered to be a main training and operational facility of the LTTE. Training had been conducted especially for the LTTE’s ‘Victor Anti Tank unit’, a sub unit of the ‘Radha Regiment’. They were responsible for providing security to LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran and its Air Force wing,” he added. Brigadier Nanayakkara noted that facing heavy fire from troops, LTTE cadres fled the area without even taking their flag and equipment. “The LTTE’s so called ‘elite regiment’ had fled leaving the dead and a haul of weapons. The ‘Radha Regiment’ is led by a senior LTTE cadre identified as Ratnam,” he further added.
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February - 6 
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told Daily News that it is unfortunate that spokesmen for INGOs, UN Agencies and other organizations hide most important facts when commenting on the plight of civilians in the Wanni. “The Government has demarcated an area equal to half the total area still to b
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Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told Daily News that it is unfortunate that spokesmen for INGOs, UN Agencies and other organizations hide most important facts when commenting on the plight of civilians in the Wanni. “The Government has demarcated an area equal to half the total area still to be cleared as a No fire zone and it is the LTTE that is keeping the civilians by force without allowing them to enter that zone. This is the main factor which these spokesperson hide,” added the Defence Secretary. “There is a well orchestrated campaign to discredit the Government and the Security Forces and bring pressure on it to declare a ceasefire by LTTE agents who have infiltrated international organizations and media institutions over a period of time. Referring to a statement made by these spokesmen alleging the Security Forces of using cluster bombs on civilian targets, he said that Sri Lanka does not have cluster bombs and questioned who is producing such weapons. The blame should go to those who produce and use such weapons and not to Sri Lanka who has not acquired them,” he added. Those who are in the pay books of the LTTE are fabricating stories to invent a scenario of a human catastrophe and are disseminating false information. For example, exaggerated figures of the number of civilians are given when the actual figures are much lower, he said. According to the Census of 2002 there was only a population of 208,000 in the Mullaittivu District and over 60,000 of them are now living in Colombo. A similar number resides in other areas such as Vavuniya, Anuradhapura and the Central Province. The actual number of civilians trapped in the Wanni is less than 100,000. A recent estimate provided by the Government Agent confirms this, the Defence Secretary explained. The Defence Secretary appealed to the media and to all who are interested in the plight of civilians to tell the whole truth and not hide the main fact of the LTTE keeping them hostage.
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February - 6 
Sri Lanka Army said that the LTTE is now restricted to only 172 square kilometres of land in the Mullaittivu District. Speaking at a press briefing held in Colombo military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that all the Army divisions are now carrying out their operations based on one map.
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Sri Lanka Army said that the LTTE is now restricted to only 172 square kilometres of land in the Mullaittivu District. Speaking at a press briefing held in Colombo military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that all the Army divisions are now carrying out their operations based on one map. The forces are pounding the LTTE to limited areas day by day, the military spokesman further said. Following the capture of 17 Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) camps from Selawathura on the Western coast to Pooneryn and nine Sea Tiger camps from Nagerkowil and Kokakuthudu on the Eastern coast, the entire Sea Tiger power has been destroyed, military spokesman said. Brigadier Nanayakkara said that 6,590 civilians have safely reached the Government controlled areas since January 1. According to the spokesman, 3,848 persons in January 2009 and 2,472 in February, including 1,637 on February 5 and 600 on February 6, have arrived in the cleared areas (area under Government control) of Dharmapuram and Visuamadu areas and sought refuge.
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February - 11 
The Government on February 11 said that over 32,500 civilians out of the total population of 113, 832 in the Mullaitivu District have fled the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) and sought protection with the Security Forces, reported Daily News. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywa
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The Government on February 11 said that over 32,500 civilians out of the total population of 113, 832 in the Mullaitivu District have fled the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) and sought protection with the Security Forces, reported Daily News. Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said 6,000 civilians have arrived per day in cleared areas (area under Government control) since last week and the Government has launched a comprehensive programme to ensure their safety and welfare. The Minister said the number of civilians coming to cleared areas have seen a drastic rise since last week despite a series of attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). These civilians, initially accommodated at temporary camps, are taken to welfare villages where all facilities have been made available for them within two days, the Minister said. Meanwhile, the Government has allocated another SLR 50 million to provide necessary facilities to fleeing civilians in the Northern part of the country, Colombo Page adds. The LTTE, which has been disappointed with the way the exodus of civilians fleeing from the LTTE-held area, have forced the civilians to go further North East of Puthukuduiruppu and South of Chalai in their bid to keep them under their control for a long period, military sources told Daily News. "The LTTE had pushed the civilians towards the Putumatalan area North East of Puthukuduyiruppu", military officials said.
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February - 11 February - 12
The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Mullaitivu District killing at least 28 militants, the Defence ministry said on February 12, reports IANS. “Snipers deployed in the forward areas confirmed shooting down 23 terrorists at various locat
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The Security Forces (SFs) clashed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants in the Mullaitivu District killing at least 28 militants, the Defence ministry said on February 12, reports IANS. “Snipers deployed in the forward areas confirmed shooting down 23 terrorists at various locations during daytime,” the ministry said, adding, five militants were killed in separate clashes. It said the troops captured a 'highly fortified' camp of the LTTE at Sinnavillu area on February 11 and recovered a large cache of weapons, including four 120-mm mortar guns and two 81-mm mortar guns, along with a couple of vehicles believed to have been used by the top LTTE leaders. It further said the 58th Division troops operating in the north of Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) have made 'significant gains' on the battleground since last week.
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February - 12 
Security Forces in Wanni on February 12 declared a new Safe Zone demarcating 12 kilometers along on the western boundary of the Mullaitivu lagoon on humanitarian grounds to rescue civilians trapped by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Mullaitivu, said military spokesman Brigadier Udaya
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Security Forces in Wanni on February 12 declared a new Safe Zone demarcating 12 kilometers along on the western boundary of the Mullaitivu lagoon on humanitarian grounds to rescue civilians trapped by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Mullaitivu, said military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara, according to Daily News. The 12 kilometers long strip, beginning from the northwest of Vadduvakal to the west, and north of Vadduvakal to the eastern coastal boundary, runs up to south of Palamattalan on the western side. On the coastal belt up to the extreme north, the eastern strip ends at the southeast of Palamattalan. The area between the northwest of Vadduvakal to the north of Vaddukal that touches the eastern sea boundary is about two kilometers in width and the extent at the northern end of the strip, touching Palamattalan area is about one kilometer in breadth. The entire un-cleared (area not under Government control) coastal area from the north of Vadduvakal in the demarcated zone includes villages, Vellaimullavaikkal, Karayamullivaikkal, Velayanmadam, Ampelavanpokkanai and Putumattalan in the 12 kilometers long strip. He said the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has already been informed of the new Safe Zone. In a response to the ICRC appealing to the Government and the LTTE to meet their obligation under international humanitarian law to spare the wounded, the sick, medical personnel, and medical facilities at all times, Defence Affairs spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Government is fully respecting and adhering to the international humanitarian law. “We do our fullest and every single effort to safeguard stranded civilians in the Wanni and bring them down to the safe zone amidst indiscriminate LTTE fire on civilians seeking protection with the Security Forces… The ICRC must go to the LTTE held areas and pressure the Tigers to release civilians to reach the Safe Zone,” he added.
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February - 15 
The Government on February 15 claimed that only about 65,000 civilians remain in Mullaitivu and not 450,000 as stated by the LTTE. The Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister Rishard Baduideen, addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department, said that the LTTE inflated the numb
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The Government on February 15 claimed that only about 65,000 civilians remain in Mullaitivu and not 450,000 as stated by the LTTE. The Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister Rishard Baduideen, addressing the Cabinet press briefing at the Information Department, said that the LTTE inflated the number of civilians under its control to 450,000 to obtain more supplies of food and medicine from the Government. "In future we will send supplies for about 100,000 people." Those who came over from Mullaitivu on February 14 included 10 LTTE militants, he added.
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February - 15 
The LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in Wanni and will continue to hold the innocent civilians until the military captures him, revealed two Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) to the Army. In an interview with Sunday Observer, they said that Prabhakaran’s son Charles Ant
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The LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in Wanni and will continue to hold the innocent civilians until the military captures him, revealed two Black Tigers (cadres of the suicide wing of the LTTE) to the Army. In an interview with Sunday Observer, they said that Prabhakaran’s son Charles Anthony was commanding their forces with other prominent LTTE leaders like Banu and Lakshman. The two Black Tigers, in their twenties, had surrendered to the troops at Therumurukandy on January 28 after they failed to bomb the bund at Iranamadu Tank. Anthony and Soosai had briefed them on the mission for an underwater demolition on January 20, but they decided to surrender citing dissatisfaction with the ‘behaviour’ of the LTTE leadership. “The LTTE is abducting lots of children who are in their teens. They want to sacrifice civilians as common fodder. Sons and daughters of the LTTE leaders are living luxury lives,” said the duo.
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February - 16 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is planning to commit suicide along with hundreds of his hardcore followers at a beach in Mullaitivu District if the Sri Lankan armed forces close in on his last hideout, says Basil Rajapakse, Senior Advisor to the Sri Lankan
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is planning to commit suicide along with hundreds of his hardcore followers at a beach in Mullaitivu District if the Sri Lankan armed forces close in on his last hideout, says Basil Rajapakse, Senior Advisor to the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, according to Express Buzz. Basil Rajapakse told The Sunday Times that there was “substantive” intelligence regarding a mass suicide bid by the LTTE leader and his followers. Prabhakaran was confident that many would join the mass sacrifice and it would be a public event to be video taped and shown to the Tamil Diaspora across the globe as the last heroic act of the only man who pledged his all to secure an independent state of ‘Eelam’ for the Tamils of Sri Lanka. Reports said that Prabhakaran had directed civilians to gather at an undisclosed beach in Mullaitivu District for this act of supreme sacrifice.
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February - 17 
The pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party said on February 17 that the Government should go for a cease-fire with the LTTE. Speaking at a special press briefing, TNA leader and Member of Parliament, R. Sampanthan, said if the Government wants to get the civilians released from the LTTE-held a
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The pro-LTTE Tamil National Alliance (TNA) party said on February 17 that the Government should go for a cease-fire with the LTTE. Speaking at a special press briefing, TNA leader and Member of Parliament, R. Sampanthan, said if the Government wants to get the civilians released from the LTTE-held areas then they should go for a cease-fire. He claimed that nearly 350,000 civilians are still trapped in the outfit held areas of Mullaitivu. The Government estimates the number to be about 100,000 while the aid agencies put the figure at 250,000. The parliamentarian also claimed that nearly 2,000 innocent civilians have been killed and another 4,500 injured since December 2008.
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February - 20 
The newly formed Task Force-VIII operating under the troops of 58th division found a LTTE underground three storeyed complex which was covered by camouflage nets in the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. “The underground complex had been surrounded by steel plated posts. The Tiger cadres also kept watc
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The newly formed Task Force-VIII operating under the troops of 58th division found a LTTE underground three storeyed complex which was covered by camouflage nets in the area west of Puthukkudiyiruppu. “The underground complex had been surrounded by steel plated posts. The Tiger cadres also kept watch dogs to guard the area. Troops found three secret roads leading to the deep underground complex”, Brigadier Nanayakkara told Daily News.
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February - 23 
Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told Daily Mirror that around 250 LTTE cadres have so far arrived in the cleared areas (area under Government control) during the past few weeks and surrendered to the military. He said that these cadres had owned up themselves as LT
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Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe told Daily Mirror that around 250 LTTE cadres have so far arrived in the cleared areas (area under Government control) during the past few weeks and surrendered to the military. He said that these cadres had owned up themselves as LTTE cadres. Meanwhile, Army Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that 20 of them identified as hardcore fighters were referred to the rehabilitation centres after a screening process. The Brigadier said the existing ones were at the welfare centres with the other internally displaced persons. “We are giving prominence to the hardcore fighters when rehabilitating. There are young men and women among these surrendered members. They have admitted that they served the organisation for a long time,” he added.
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February - 23 
Government officials said that the LTTE's air power has almost collapsed after two outfit’s aircraft, which entered the Colombo sky to carry out a suicide mission, were destroyed by the SFs, officials said. "I do not think the LTTE has any more aircraft left. The two planes took off from a restricte
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Government officials said that the LTTE's air power has almost collapsed after two outfit’s aircraft, which entered the Colombo sky to carry out a suicide mission, were destroyed by the SFs, officials said. "I do not think the LTTE has any more aircraft left. The two planes took off from a restricted air strip in Puthukudirippu and came to Colombo through Mankulam and Mannar," the officials said, adding they were detected on time failing which the damage to Colombo could have been quite high. Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said defence authorities had estimated the LTTE to have three aircraft of which one was destroyed a few months ago and the other two on February 20. The defence authorities had claimed that the Sri Lanka Air Force destroyed the first aircraft on September 9, 2008 when the LTTE carried out an air and ground attack on the air force base in Vavuniya.
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February - 25 February - 27
At least 135 civilians were killed and several others wounded in continued military offensive in the Mullaitivu District during the past three days, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net reported. While 60 civilians reportedly died in the bombing and artillery and mortar
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At least 135 civilians were killed and several others wounded in continued military offensive in the Mullaitivu District during the past three days, the pro-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Website Tamil Net reported. While 60 civilians reportedly died in the bombing and artillery and mortar attack on February 27, the number of civilians killed on February 25 and February 26 totalled 75. 18 of the victims on February 25 and two on February 26 were killed within the 'safety zone' in artillery shelling. The Website also claimed that a Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jet engaged in bombing civilian pockets at Aananthapuram and Chempankundu exploded on February 27. On February 26, the troops clashed with LTTE militants in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area of Mullaitivu District killing 14 of them, reports Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, “LTTE transmissions confirmed that 14 Tigers were killed and over 30 wounded during the clash. An LTTE ground commander known as Shankar who led the confrontation in Puthukkudiyiruppu area was killed.” In addition, an unspecified number of militants were killed during clashes between the two sides in Ampalavanpokkanai, Mulliyavalai, east Puthukkudiyiruppu, Chalai and Terumurikandi areas. Following the clashes at Ampalavanpokkanai, troops recovered the dead bodies of two militants along with eight 81-mm mortars, booby traps, 35 hand grenades, a T-56 assault riffle and an I-Com set, Nanayakkara added.
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February - 26 
Daily News reports that following fierce clashes, the SFs captured a suicide bomb factory and the hideout of Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) leader Soosai and also detected a swimming pool used by the LTTE leadership on February 25. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops in we
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Daily News reports that following fierce clashes, the SFs captured a suicide bomb factory and the hideout of Sea Tiger (sea wing of the LTTE) leader Soosai and also detected a swimming pool used by the LTTE leadership on February 25. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops in west Puthukkudiyiruppu captured a suicide bomb factory, adding, “It is believed that the Tigers used the location as a manufacturing yard for suicide bombs, claymore mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).” He said adjoining to the bomb manufacturing yard troops captured the Soosai’s hideout. “The bunker was severely damaged due to aerial bombing earlier. Out Boat Motors and many other equipment used by the Sea Tiger cadres were also found in the vicinity,” he added. In addition, the SFs detected a swimming pool, 50 feet long and 30 feet wide with its deep end over 7 feet in depth, and its surrounding fortifications following intense fighting.
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March - 1 
At least 10 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded on March 1 when artillery shells fell inside a Government-designated "safe zone" in the Mullaitivu District, said Dr. Thurairaja Varatharajah, a health official, according to Associated Press. Varatharajah said six people died at a makeshift
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At least 10 civilians were killed and dozens more wounded on March 1 when artillery shells fell inside a Government-designated "safe zone" in the Mullaitivu District, said Dr. Thurairaja Varatharajah, a health official, according to Associated Press. Varatharajah said six people died at a makeshift hospital and he saw four more bodies scattered among the huts of displaced people. He said 48 wounded civilians, mostly suffering burns from the exploding shells, were also admitted to the hospital. It was unclear who fired the shells, Varatharajah said, however, adding that they appeared to have come from an area where Government forces are stationed.
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March - 8 
Troops on March 8 foiled a few infiltration attempts by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants who are currently restricted to a small area between Puthukkudiyiruppu and Chalai in Mullaitivu District, according to the Sri Lanka Army. While the Army stated that nearly 100 LTTE milita
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Troops on March 8 foiled a few infiltration attempts by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants who are currently restricted to a small area between Puthukkudiyiruppu and Chalai in Mullaitivu District, according to the Sri Lanka Army. While the Army stated that nearly 100 LTTE militants have died and an unspecified number of them were wounded in the clashes, the Security Forces (SFs) subsequently recovered dead bodies of 50 militants, 111 T-56 weapons and some military hardware belonging to the LTTE.
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March - 15 
The Army reiterated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still very much in the last remaining LTTE held areas in Puthukkudiyiruppu area of the Mullaitivu District. Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Prabhakaran has not fled the country, but he is leading LT
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The Army reiterated that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still very much in the last remaining LTTE held areas in Puthukkudiyiruppu area of the Mullaitivu District. Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Prabhakaran has not fled the country, but he is leading LTTE activities from his hideout. The spokesman also said that the LTTE chief could be in an underground bunker, similar to bunkers discovered by the troops earlier. Earlier reports said that LTTE chief may have escaped from the country and other senior leaders are leading the battles.
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March - 15 
The Government has commenced its resettlement process in the recently liberated areas of the Northern region, P. S. M. Charles, District Secretary of Vavuniya, said on March 15, according to Colombo Page. During a special discussion held in Vavuniya, Charles confirmed they have received some request
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The Government has commenced its resettlement process in the recently liberated areas of the Northern region, P. S. M. Charles, District Secretary of Vavuniya, said on March 15, according to Colombo Page. During a special discussion held in Vavuniya, Charles confirmed they have received some requests from relatives of the elderly persons living in welfare centres to take them back to their homes. According to him, there are nearly 1,500 elderly persons, especially over 60 years of age, currently living with the fleeing civilians in welfare centres. Out of the total, 63 people have been given permission to return home along with their relatives. The District Secretary pointed out that this was the first phase of resettlement in the Northern region and the rest of the elderly persons are to be resettled gradually in the near future. A few weeks ago, the Government had announced that they hope to finalize the resettlement process in the North as soon as the area is cleared of land mines before the end of 2009.
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March - 16 
The total number of civilians in the Government declared ‘Safe Zone’ in the North is around 70,000 to 100,000 according to the statistics compiled by the Security Operations Information Centre comprising United Nations Department of Safety and Security, United Nations Office for the Coordination of
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The total number of civilians in the Government declared ‘Safe Zone’ in the North is around 70,000 to 100,000 according to the statistics compiled by the Security Operations Information Centre comprising United Nations Department of Safety and Security, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, SOLIDAR, an European network of NGOs, and United Nations Office for Project Services, said Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, Secretary General, Peace Secretariat and Secretary Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights on March 16, according to Daily News. Prof. Wijesinha said these figures are compiled through an analysis of satellite imaging and other information.
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March - 18 
An aid worker of the CARE International, an NGO, was killed on in the no-fire zone in Mullaitivu, the NGO said, according to Colombo Page. It said the victim, identified as R. Sabesan, 24, had been working for CARE as a caretaker in the Mullaitivu District office. "Hundreds of people have been repor
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An aid worker of the CARE International, an NGO, was killed on in the no-fire zone in Mullaitivu, the NGO said, according to Colombo Page. It said the victim, identified as R. Sabesan, 24, had been working for CARE as a caretaker in the Mullaitivu District office. "Hundreds of people have been reportedly killed or injured in the conflict zone. Food and supplies have almost run out. Civilians who try to leave are unable to do so, and are instead forced to shelter in rain-filled trenches in a desperate attempt to escape the fighting. Many of those attempting to flee are being prevented by the LTTE," it noted.
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March - 21 March - 22
Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said 10 militants were killed by the SFs in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area on March 21 while 28 more were killed on March 22, according to Hindustan Times.
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Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said 10 militants were killed by the SFs in the Puthukkudiyiruppu area on March 21 while 28 more were killed on March 22, according to Hindustan Times.
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March - 26 
More than 2,100 civilians fled the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) in Mullaitivu during a single day, on March 26, the Defence Ministry said, reports Colombo Page. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said it was the largest number of civilians to flee in a single day
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More than 2,100 civilians fled the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control) in Mullaitivu during a single day, on March 26, the Defence Ministry said, reports Colombo Page. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said it was the largest number of civilians to flee in a single day in several weeks. He said that among the civilians there were over 900 children arrived in military-held areas in Puthukkudiyiruppu. A total of 2,108 civilians escaped the LTTE-held area and reached Government-controlled Puthukkudiyiruppu.
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March - 26 
Reuters quoted the military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara as saying on March 26 that at least 30 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed by the Security Forces (SFs) during a counterattack in the Mullaitivu District on March 25.
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Reuters quoted the military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara as saying on March 26 that at least 30 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed by the Security Forces (SFs) during a counterattack in the Mullaitivu District on March 25.
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March - 28 
The President met with Tamil and Muslim party leaders in Colombo, according to Colombo Page. During the meeting he said that local Government elections for the Jaffna District will be held soon. However, the President did not mention a specific timeframe for the polls, sources said. The last local G
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The President met with Tamil and Muslim party leaders in Colombo, according to Colombo Page. During the meeting he said that local Government elections for the Jaffna District will be held soon. However, the President did not mention a specific timeframe for the polls, sources said. The last local Government election was held in Jaffna in 1998. The parties present at the meeting, include the Democratic Tamil National Alliance (DTNA), the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC).
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March - 29 
Heavy fighting erupted between the two sides in the Puthukkudiyiruppu East, Iranapalai East and Palamattalam areas as troops attached to the 53rd, 58th and 55th Divisions further close in on the ‘Safe Zone’ from three directions. “The Safe Zone has now been surrounded from all three directions and t
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Heavy fighting erupted between the two sides in the Puthukkudiyiruppu East, Iranapalai East and Palamattalam areas as troops attached to the 53rd, 58th and 55th Divisions further close in on the ‘Safe Zone’ from three directions. “The Safe Zone has now been surrounded from all three directions and troops are poised to liberate the civilians trapped inside the Safe Zone clearing paths for them to reach Security Forces controlled areas,” a senior military official told Daily News on March 29. The LTTE is now fighting within a one square kilometre stretch in the Iranapalai East, the last build up area under LTTE control at present, he said, adding, “Heavy fighting erupted in this terrain as 58 Division and 53 Division troops launched simultaneous attacks on Tiger controlled areas cutting off their last available Supply Routes East of Iranapalai from the A-35 road.” The official said that the LTTE is continuing their battle in this narrow stretch constructing earth bunds on a daily basis and troops have to overrun each earth bund to capture the area. ”With the capture of this last build up area the troops have to cross water filled paddy lands and the lagoon to reach the Safe Zone which is now within sight from all battlefronts,” the official added.
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March - 30 
SFs operating in the north of Puttumatalan thwarted a LTTE boat attack, most probably aiming at an amphibious attack, a senior military official said, reported Daily News on March 30. According to the ground information LTTE had used 20-30 boats for the attack. The LTTE sustained heavy losses during
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SFs operating in the north of Puttumatalan thwarted a LTTE boat attack, most probably aiming at an amphibious attack, a senior military official said, reported Daily News on March 30. According to the ground information LTTE had used 20-30 boats for the attack. The LTTE sustained heavy losses during their failed infiltration effort, which lasted from March 27 till the early hours of March 28.
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April - 9 
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian for the Wanni District, S. Kanagaratnam, is reportedly trapped in NFZ. A local newspaper quoting the TNA General Secretary and Member of Parliament (MP), Mavai Senathirajah, said the party has no communication from Kangaratnam, who went to Mullaitivu
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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Parliamentarian for the Wanni District, S. Kanagaratnam, is reportedly trapped in NFZ. A local newspaper quoting the TNA General Secretary and Member of Parliament (MP), Mavai Senathirajah, said the party has no communication from Kangaratnam, who went to Mullaitivu at the end of 2008. "This MP has been there for several months now. We have not had any communication with him since then. He is hailing from the Mullaitivu area. His family members are there," the paper said quoting the MP.
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April - 13 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) disregarding the Government's pause in fighting attacked the troops and killed a soldier by sniper fire at Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District in the morning of April 13, reports Colombo Page. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the LT
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) disregarding the Government's pause in fighting attacked the troops and killed a soldier by sniper fire at Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District in the morning of April 13, reports Colombo Page. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the LTTE also fired mortars in the direction of the Security Forces (SFs) wounding a soldier in the same area. Apart from these two, there were no other incidents in the war zone, the spokesman confirmed. The Army began observing a two-day cease-fire in the war zone against the outfit and used loudspeakers to urge thousands of trapped civilians to escape the war zone, adds Associated Press. By the end of the day just 18 people took advantage of the lull. The Director of the Media Centre for National Security, Lakshman Hullugale, however, said they expected the LTTE to release the innocent civilians, but there is no indication of that happening yet, Colombo Page added further. As reported earlier, the Government on April 12 declared a 48-hour cease-fire starting from April 12 midnight during the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season on April 13 and 14 in order to allow trapped civilians to move from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) in the northeast.
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April - 14 
The Government has planned to open the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) main road by next month for civilian traffic, Government sources said on April 14, according to Colombo Page. "In order to open the road a new programme has been launched including the opening of an office of the Road Development Authority in
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The Government has planned to open the Jaffna-Kandy (A-9) main road by next month for civilian traffic, Government sources said on April 14, according to Colombo Page. "In order to open the road a new programme has been launched including the opening of an office of the Road Development Authority in Kilinochchi," a spokesman for the Ministry of Highways said. He said defence authorities will hand over the security assessment report in this regard to the Ministry of Highways by the second week of May soon after the completion of de-mining activities on the A-9 highway. Last month, the A-9 was opened for military purposes and supply of essential items to the Jaffna peninsula.
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April - 14 
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has once again commenced its normal civil passenger transportation between Jaffna and Colombo. Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry headed by the Minister Douglas Devananda has revealed that the civil passenger transportation between Jaffna and Colombo had been
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has once again commenced its normal civil passenger transportation between Jaffna and Colombo. Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry headed by the Minister Douglas Devananda has revealed that the civil passenger transportation between Jaffna and Colombo had been started by the Air Force following the request made by the Ministry. Confirming this SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said that they have commenced its services once again with effect from last week. The civilians who wish to travel to Jaffna by air have to forward their requests to the Social Services and Social Welfare Ministry, its press release instructed. Civil passenger transportation between Jaffna and Colombo was temporarily suspended earlier during the liberation of North for security reasons.
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April - 15 
The Government on April 15 accused the LTTE of “taking away” large amount of food supplies from the consignment meant for displaced Tamil civilians in the north, PTI reported. The Essential Services Commissioner S. B. Divaratne said, "It is an extremely difficult task to as there are no port facilit
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The Government on April 15 accused the LTTE of “taking away” large amount of food supplies from the consignment meant for displaced Tamil civilians in the north, PTI reported. The Essential Services Commissioner S. B. Divaratne said, "It is an extremely difficult task to as there are no port facilities in Mullaitivu to unload the goods. It is also unfortunate that the food so delivered is taken away by the LTTE."
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April - 17 
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the Security Forces (SFs) are monitoring LTTE activities in the NFZ surrounding from three directions and waiting to rescue trapped civilians, adds Daily News.
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Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that the Security Forces (SFs) are monitoring LTTE activities in the NFZ surrounding from three directions and waiting to rescue trapped civilians, adds Daily News.
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April - 18 
The Defence Ministry said that troops continuing with hostage-rescue operations made further advances towards Vellamullivaikkal from the east of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District amidst heavy firing by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the No Fire Zone (NFZ), The Hindu reported
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The Defence Ministry said that troops continuing with hostage-rescue operations made further advances towards Vellamullivaikkal from the east of Puthukkudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu District amidst heavy firing by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from the No Fire Zone (NFZ), The Hindu reported on April 18. “LTTE terrorists have constructed steep earth bunds to restrict both advances of security forces and movement of civilians across open land terrain. They have also cluttered the area with anti-personnel mines and land mines severely restricting civilians from flee LTTE hostage,” it said.
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April - 19 
At least 17 civilians were killed and over 200 injured when three LTTE suicide bombers rammed into civilian gatherings and blew themselves up inside the NFZ in the Puttumatalan area between 9.00a.-1.00pm (SLST) on April 20. The Defence Ministry said the militants initially fired at civilians on the
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At least 17 civilians were killed and over 200 injured when three LTTE suicide bombers rammed into civilian gatherings and blew themselves up inside the NFZ in the Puttumatalan area between 9.00a.-1.00pm (SLST) on April 20. The Defence Ministry said the militants initially fired at civilians on the causeway using heavy machine guns, adds The Hindu. "When they stepped into the lagoon to avoid LTTE machine gunfire, three LTTE cadres ran on to them and exploded themselves," the ministry added. In addition, a large group of people attacked the militants who attempted to stop them and crossed over to the army-line amid LTTE small arms fire. The Navy said its sea units deployed in the north-eastern coastal waters rescued 92 boats with over 1,500 civilians. Navy spokesperson D.K.P. Dassanayake said, "The Sri Lanka Navy detected a cluster of small boats coming out of the NFZ early this morning with LTTE attack boats firing at them. Having identified that refugees were being attacked by the LTTE, Navy Sea units have separated the terrorist boats from refugee boats by tactically manoeuvring in between them." Government sources said that Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicles spotted more civilians being shot by LTTE cadres as they attempted to leave the NFZ, PTI reported.
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April - 19 
The Security Forces (SFs) killed 17 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants and injured 22 others during clashes while the troops attempted to clear a road that would give the military access to remaining territory in Mullaitivu District held by the outfit, the Defence Ministry said on Apr
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The Security Forces (SFs) killed 17 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants and injured 22 others during clashes while the troops attempted to clear a road that would give the military access to remaining territory in Mullaitivu District held by the outfit, the Defence Ministry said on April 19, according to Associated Press. The troops were 700 metres to 800 metres short of the bridge on the Paranthan-Mullaitivu (A-35) road at Vellamullivaikkal in the night of April 18, adds Times of India. Troops after a daylong march along the A-35 axis readjusted their forward boundary that extends across A-35 to the northern bank of the Nanthikandal lagoon. The manoeuvre is aimed at opening up a main road access to the No Fire Zone (NFZ), where nearly 70,000 civilians have been held hostage by the LTTE.
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April - 20 
Following the exodus of civilians from the No Fire Zone in Mullaitivu District, the defence ministry has set a 24-hour deadline for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to surrender, reports CNN-IBN. "With the influx of people, we have given a final warning to Prabhakaran and his terrorist gr
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Following the exodus of civilians from the No Fire Zone in Mullaitivu District, the defence ministry has set a 24-hour deadline for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to surrender, reports CNN-IBN. "With the influx of people, we have given a final warning to Prabhakaran and his terrorist group to surrender to the government forces within 24-hours from 12 noon," defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters at the Air Force battle management centre in Colombo on April 20. "Thereafter will be a military course of action. That is the best option," he added.
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April - 21 
24-hour period given by the Government to the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and his group to surrender concluded on April 21-noon with no response from the outfit. "The LTTE terrorists have not surrendered during the ultimatum. But the people who were held hostage by the LTTE in a small strip of
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24-hour period given by the Government to the LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and his group to surrender concluded on April 21-noon with no response from the outfit. "The LTTE terrorists have not surrendered during the ultimatum. But the people who were held hostage by the LTTE in a small strip of coastal land in the Mullaitivu district continue to arrive in the government-held areas in large numbers since Monday," military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told IANS.
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April - 22 
Colombo Page on April 22, meanwhile, quoted the Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka as saying that with the arrival of a large civilian group on April 21 the total number now stands at 150,232. He said the total number of IDPs who have reached the cleared areas (area under Government co
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Colombo Page on April 22, meanwhile, quoted the Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka as saying that with the arrival of a large civilian group on April 21 the total number now stands at 150,232. He said the total number of IDPs who have reached the cleared areas (area under Government control) north of Puttumatalan rose to 77,793. According to the Army chief, only 10,000 to 15,000 civilians are currently trapped in the LTTE-held areas.
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April - 22 
Government said on April 22 that the LTTE is now restricted to only eight square kilometres in the NFZ at Puttumatalan in Mullaitivu District, according to Colombo Page. Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the SFs captured six square kilometres of the northern part of NFZ in the mor
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Government said on April 22 that the LTTE is now restricted to only eight square kilometres in the NFZ at Puttumatalan in Mullaitivu District, according to Colombo Page. Defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the SFs captured six square kilometres of the northern part of NFZ in the morning of April 22. With this, the SFs have captured one-third of the NFZ.
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April - 24 
There is no evidence that India is supporting violence in Pakistan, the US Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said on April 24, Daily Times reported. “If the Indians were supporting those miscreants in Pakistan that would be extraordinarily bad, really dangerous, bu
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There is no evidence that India is supporting violence in Pakistan, the US Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said on April 24, Daily Times reported. “If the Indians were supporting those miscreants in Pakistan that would be extraordinarily bad, really dangerous, but they are not doing so. There is no evidence that Indians are support miscreants in western parts of Pakistan or in Balochistan,” he said in an interview with a private TV channel. He also said India was the second largest country in the world and one of the most important. “If we are interested in helping Pakistan, we will have to talk to its neighbours, which include China, India and Afghanistan,” he added. He said India had given about $1 billion assistance to Afghanistan, and it should not be a cause of concern for Pakistan. “Pakistan does not need to worry about India in Afghanistan, but it has to be worried about miscreants and militants in its western parts,” he added.
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April - 24 
Troops moving towards Ampelavanpokkanai-Velayanmadam areas are faced with the challenge of distinguishing genuine residents from scores of LTTE militants who might be confined to temporary tents, being used by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) surrounded civilians. “As a result troops have bee
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Troops moving towards Ampelavanpokkanai-Velayanmadam areas are faced with the challenge of distinguishing genuine residents from scores of LTTE militants who might be confined to temporary tents, being used by Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) surrounded civilians. “As a result troops have been compelled to trudge taking all precautionary measures to avoid any casualty on civilians. This is another trick Tigers were using for media propaganda. On two occasions, Tigers hiding among those civilians under tents directed fire towards approaching troops but the troops showed restraint despite injuries received by a few of them,” a senior military officer told the Army Website. “It is quite clear that remaining Tigers, probably disguised as civilians in the NFZ were holding their weapons covered among the belongings of those civilians. They might be by now after mingling with the remaining few thousands trying their last gimmicks”, he added.
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April - 26 
At least 40 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and 35 others wounded as the troops captured Valayarmadam area of No Fire Zone (NFZ) in Mullaitivu District on April 26. The 58th Division troops rescued nearly 2,000 civilians bringing the total number of civilians rescued by
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At least 40 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were killed and 35 others wounded as the troops captured Valayarmadam area of No Fire Zone (NFZ) in Mullaitivu District on April 26. The 58th Division troops rescued nearly 2,000 civilians bringing the total number of civilians rescued by the troops to 111,000, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Daily News. The troops took full control of Valayarmadam, located six km north of Vellamullivaikkal, the last terrain held by the LTTE inside the NFZ. With the capture of Valayarmadam, the LTTE has been restricted to a narrow six km stretch in Karaiyamullivaikal and Vellamullivaikkal where the outfit continues to keep thousands of civilians under its detention. According to Nanayakkara, 23 militants also surrendered to the Army as troops advanced into Valayarmadam. The Security Forces (SFs) have now commenced advancing further south of the NFZ amidst stiff resistance from the LTTE, said a senior military official. The number of civilians rescued by the Army since April 20 from LTTE grip in Puttumatalan NFZ by the evening of April 26 rose to 111,512, according to a Sri Lanka Army report (SLA).
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April - 26 
Commenting on the US request that the LTTE surrender to a third party, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told Sunday Observer that the outfit should be made to surrender only to the Government of Sri Lanka. “Sri Lankan people had suffered from terrorism and it is our people who were killed by th
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Commenting on the US request that the LTTE surrender to a third party, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told Sunday Observer that the outfit should be made to surrender only to the Government of Sri Lanka. “Sri Lankan people had suffered from terrorism and it is our people who were killed by the LTTE. It is not fair for a foreign country to request that the LTTE be allowed to surrender to an outside party,” he said, adding, “This is an internal matter and we, as the Government, can assure that the problem can be settled internally.” Assuring the evacuation of each and every person trapped inside the NFZ, Rajapakse said the ongoing military operations will continue until Prabhakaran is caught and till the Army completely captures the land. “Almost 98% of the civilians trapped inside the `No Fire Zone’ have reached the cleared areas and the humanitarian operations of the Sri Lanka Army will be to liberate these people as their first priority,” Rajapakse added. The Defence Secretary confirmed that irrespective of LTTE propaganda, the mission to rescue people trapped in the NFZ will continue. Denying allegations of mass scale civilian casualties by the Government, Gotabhaya Rajapakse said, “With the visuals we received from the UAVs of the Sri Lanka Air Force it was proved beyond doubt that it is the LTTE who have killed and injured innocent civilians who were trying to escape.”
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April - 27 
The LTTE described the Government statement as an “attempt by Sri Lanka to deceive” the world. The pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net quoted outfit’s Director of Peace Secretariat, S. Puleedevan, as saying that the Sri Lanka Air Force bombers were attacking civilian targets at Mullivaaykkaal despite the ann
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The LTTE described the Government statement as an “attempt by Sri Lanka to deceive” the world. The pro-LTTE Website Tamil Net quoted outfit’s Director of Peace Secretariat, S. Puleedevan, as saying that the Sri Lanka Air Force bombers were attacking civilian targets at Mullivaaykkaal despite the announcement to cease such attacks. He blamed Colombo for "attempting to deceive the International Community, including the people of Tamil Nadu," with the announcement. The Sri Lanka Army was also continuing to fire shells into the civilian zone while engaging the troops to continue to mount ground operations at Valaignardam-madam, he blamed. He told AFP by telephone the LTTE will "never surrender" and will fight on until their "legitimate demands" are met. "We made our position very clear to the international community. We will never surrender till our legitimate demands are met," Puleethevan said.
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April - 28 
Referring to the seven suicide attempts within 24 hours using human bombs, explosive laden truck, motorbikes and a double cab against the troops operating in Rektavaikkal area of the No Fire Zone (NFZ) in Mullaitivu District to recapture the Rektavaikkal earth bund captured by the troops on April 28
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Referring to the seven suicide attempts within 24 hours using human bombs, explosive laden truck, motorbikes and a double cab against the troops operating in Rektavaikkal area of the No Fire Zone (NFZ) in Mullaitivu District to recapture the Rektavaikkal earth bund captured by the troops on April 28, defence spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the unilateral cease-fire declared by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is a total bluff, Daily News reports. On the contrary, he said the capture of the earth bund by the troops was a clear indication that the Government has not ceased its humanitarian operation to rescue the remaining civilians trapped inside the NFZ. “Our primary target is to rescue civilians and the Government will continue with that process. We have not offered any ceasefire,” the he added. Rambukwella also said the Government took a decision to stop using heavy calibre guns and air raids, considering ground realities first as the use of heavy calibre weapons does not arise since troops are operating in a small area and secondly it was not practical to use those weapons at present. The Minister said the Government believes that there are about 10,000 to 15,000 civilians trapped inside the NFZ.
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April - 28 
Resettlement in the Northern Province has begun as the first batch of 125 families would be resettled on April 30. The Government has provided funds for the people coming back to their villages to repair and renovate some of the homes that were damaged, the Nation Building Ministry Secretary W. K. K
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Resettlement in the Northern Province has begun as the first batch of 125 families would be resettled on April 30. The Government has provided funds for the people coming back to their villages to repair and renovate some of the homes that were damaged, the Nation Building Ministry Secretary W. K. Kumarasiri told Daily News on April 28. The delay of resettlement of displaced families was due to de-mining. Mannar District, liberated from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) some months back, and now being cleared of landmines was the first region of the north where civilians were being resettled. De-mining was going in 15 Divisional Secretariat areas and mines in six divisions had already been cleared. Progressively all displaced civilians would be resettled in their original villages or towns, he added. The same pattern of resettlement of people in the Eastern Province was being followed in the Northern Province, he noted.
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April - 29 
Despite claims that LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran might attempt to use a submarine to escape from the country, the Sri Lanka Navy claimed that the outfit did not possess any submarine capable of ferrying anyone, including Prabhakaran, to another location by sea. “I can assure that the LTTE does
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Despite claims that LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran might attempt to use a submarine to escape from the country, the Sri Lanka Navy claimed that the outfit did not possess any submarine capable of ferrying anyone, including Prabhakaran, to another location by sea. “I can assure that the LTTE does not possess that kind of submarine which can be used by anyone to travel safely,” Eastern Navy Commander Rear Admiral Susith Weerasekera told Daily Mirror on April 28. “If he (Prabhakaran) can escape from the country through the sea, we are ready to face it, that would be the final journey for him,” Weerasekera stated.
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April - 29 
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops are continuing their mission of rescuing the remaining civilians after capturing the 700 metre long and 10 feet high ditch cum earth bund in Rektavaikkal, according to Daily News. “The LTTE had made seven suicide attempts to recapture the ea
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Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops are continuing their mission of rescuing the remaining civilians after capturing the 700 metre long and 10 feet high ditch cum earth bund in Rektavaikkal, according to Daily News. “The LTTE had made seven suicide attempts to recapture the earth bund using three human bombs, one explosive laden truck, three motorbikes and a double cab during 24 hours ending Wednesday morning,” the Brigadier said, adding, “Our troops also suffered casualties but managed to foil those suicide attempts.” The Brigadier said SFs so far have been able to rescue 113,270 civilians after launching the humanitarian operation on April 20 bringing the total number of civilians rescued by the troops to 185,831. “These civilians are sheltered in 30 welfare centres in Mannar, Vavuniya and Pulmoddai and 11 welfare centres in Jaffna,” he informed. The SLA report put the rescued number of civilians since April 20 at 114,520.
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April - 29 
On April 29, Naval troops patrolling the North Eastern seas foiled a LTTE attempt to breach its first defence line killing 28 Sea Tigers (cadres of the sea wing of the LTTE), including three female Sea Tiger leaders, identified as Manparithi, Ariyu and Manmadhi, in the sea off Mullaitivu, Navy spoke
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On April 29, Naval troops patrolling the North Eastern seas foiled a LTTE attempt to breach its first defence line killing 28 Sea Tigers (cadres of the sea wing of the LTTE), including three female Sea Tiger leaders, identified as Manparithi, Ariyu and Manmadhi, in the sea off Mullaitivu, Navy spokesman Captain D.K.P. Dassanayake told Daily News. The Navy Special Boat Squadron confronted with six boats, including four suicide craft, launched from Vellamullivaikkal in the southern part of the No Fire Zone (NFZ) for hours from 4.30am. All the boats were destroyed in the operation.
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April - 29 
The LTTE has six large boats equipped with anti-aircraft weapons, high fidelity communication equipment, global positioning systems and other sophisticated instruments at their disposal for any eventual escape as the last resort, according to a SLA report. Similarly, five more LTTE boats packed with
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The LTTE has six large boats equipped with anti-aircraft weapons, high fidelity communication equipment, global positioning systems and other sophisticated instruments at their disposal for any eventual escape as the last resort, according to a SLA report. Similarly, five more LTTE boats packed with food items and dry rations have been reportedly kept stand-by to be used for an emergency mission by the outfit in the remaining patch of land adjacent to the seas. Meanwhile, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said militants trapped inside the remaining part of the NFZ have ordered people to burn all fishing boats in Vellamullivaikkal to prevent the remaining civilians trapped inside the NFZ from fleeing the area, adds Daily News.
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May - 4 
The Government said the second phase of resettling the displaced would commence on May 11 with 2100 people belonging to 520 families in the Mannar District. The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement said steps were being taken to resettle more displaced in the Arippu area of Mannar D
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The Government said the second phase of resettling the displaced would commence on May 11 with 2100 people belonging to 520 families in the Mannar District. The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement said steps were being taken to resettle more displaced in the Arippu area of Mannar District.
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May - 5 
National Post reports that the Sri Lankan Government estimates that it has captured Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) armaments worth almost $20-million so far from the Northern Province. The troops have seized an array of arms, including assault rifles, artillery guns and a battle tank. Alm
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National Post reports that the Sri Lankan Government estimates that it has captured Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam’s (LTTE) armaments worth almost $20-million so far from the Northern Province. The troops have seized an array of arms, including assault rifles, artillery guns and a battle tank. Almost 100,000 small arms have also been seized along with approximately one million rounds of ammunition and nearly 30,000 land mines. At two military bases in Kilinochchi, the National Post was shown weapons the Army said it had found in the country's northern jungles. There were 2,700 improvised explosive devices, 6,300 hand grenades and 4,000 bombs, in addition to anti-aircraft guns, artillery guns, mortars, 33 GPS devices and a half-dozen satellite phones.
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May - 9 
The Security Forces (SFs) attacked LTTE camps in the Karaiyamullivaikal area inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants on May 9. During subsequent search operations, the SFs recovered two dead bodies of militants along with two T-56 weapons and one range finder. The Defence Ministry said that m
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The Security Forces (SFs) attacked LTTE camps in the Karaiyamullivaikal area inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants on May 9. During subsequent search operations, the SFs recovered two dead bodies of militants along with two T-56 weapons and one range finder. The Defence Ministry said that militants have laid landmines in the area to obstruct the advance of the troops, adds The Hindu.
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May - 11 
A new transit camp for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been set up in the Pulmoddai area of Vavuniya District in order to increase facilities to those people arriving from the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control). A Government official said a special team has been dispatc
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A new transit camp for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been set up in the Pulmoddai area of Vavuniya District in order to increase facilities to those people arriving from the un-cleared areas (area not under Government control). A Government official said a special team has been dispatched from Colombo to look into possibilities to provide more facilities in the future. He said that IDPs who are coming through the sea route would be given accommodation in this camp until they are ready to be taken to the Vavuniya IDP centres.
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May - 11 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were reportedly directing fire towards fleeing civilians from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) in Mullaitivu District, reports Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara reiterated that militants were firing towards civilians on the instruc
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants were reportedly directing fire towards fleeing civilians from the No Fire Zone (NFZ) in Mullaitivu District, reports Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara reiterated that militants were firing towards civilians on the instructions from their ground commanders or when they cannot control fleeing civilians. He said latest attack by the militants was revealed through intercepts of LTTE communication among ground commanders.
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May - 12 
The pro-LTTE party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has pointed out that 3000 Tamils have been killed and more than 1000 have been wounded in the last three days in Wanni region, according to Tamil Net. In a press conference held in Colombo on May 12, TNA parliamentarians also said more than 10,000 Tam
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The pro-LTTE party Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has pointed out that 3000 Tamils have been killed and more than 1000 have been wounded in the last three days in Wanni region, according to Tamil Net. In a press conference held in Colombo on May 12, TNA parliamentarians also said more than 10,000 Tamil civilians have been killed while more than 20,000 wounded within the last three months.
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May - 12 
Troops of the 58th Division moving from the north entered the new No Fire Zone (NFZ) in the Mullaitivu District countering the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacks on May 12, reports Daily News. Addressing the press at the Media Centre for National Security, military spokesman Brigadier U
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Troops of the 58th Division moving from the north entered the new No Fire Zone (NFZ) in the Mullaitivu District countering the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacks on May 12, reports Daily News. Addressing the press at the Media Centre for National Security, military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said, “Three LTTE suicide bombers hiding inside underground bunkers have blown themselves as advancing 58 division troops closed-in on them. In a subsequent search operation, troops recovered 25 bodies of Tiger cadres, 20 T56 assault rifles and other warlike items.”
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May - 13 
The SFs recovered an LTTE Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) from the Karaiyamullivaikal area following an encounter with the militants. “This is the first time the security forces in the Wanni liberation offensive uncovered an MBRL,” a senior military official said. Troops also recovered 70 T-56 w
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The SFs recovered an LTTE Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) from the Karaiyamullivaikal area following an encounter with the militants. “This is the first time the security forces in the Wanni liberation offensive uncovered an MBRL,” a senior military official said. Troops also recovered 70 T-56 weapons, six light machine guns, two 60-mm mortars and many other LTTE items from the area, adds SLA.
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May - 14 
The 59th Division troops on May 14 captured Vadduvakal Bridge that link the Paranthan- Mullaitivu (A-35) road into the Mullaitivu town through Nanthikandal lagoon. “With the capture of this bridge, 59 Division troops have opened up a land route to facilitate the civilians reach the south of the Safe
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The 59th Division troops on May 14 captured Vadduvakal Bridge that link the Paranthan- Mullaitivu (A-35) road into the Mullaitivu town through Nanthikandal lagoon. “With the capture of this bridge, 59 Division troops have opened up a land route to facilitate the civilians reach the south of the Safe Zone,” military officials told Daily News. According to the officials more than 3,000 civilians reached the 59th Division area after crossing the Nanthikandal lagoon using tubes and floating equipment. “Hundreds of civilians were still flowing into military controlled areas by yesterday evening and thousands are waiting to flee towards the military controlled areas,” the officials added. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that at least four civilians were killed and 14 others injured when the militants opened indiscriminate fire at fleeing civilians from Vellamullivaikkal in the No Fire Zone (NFZ). Troops engaged in the final rescue act are now marching ahead to liberate the trapped civilians from the LTTE confined to its last remaining territory in Vellamullivaikkal. “Troops are now manoeuvring further southwards along the coast,” he added. Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said 12 injured civilians were airlifted from Mullayaweli to Anuradhapura hospital. “We have kept stand-by helicopters to airlift the injured civilians fleeing from the NFZ,” he added.
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May - 14 
Troops engaged in their final push against LTTE are poised to completely seal off the Eastern coast within the next 24 hours as 58th Division troops advancing towards Mullaitivu from the northern direction reached closer to Mullaitivu front after capturing the grounded Jordanian ship Farah III in th
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Troops engaged in their final push against LTTE are poised to completely seal off the Eastern coast within the next 24 hours as 58th Division troops advancing towards Mullaitivu from the northern direction reached closer to Mullaitivu front after capturing the grounded Jordanian ship Farah III in the Mullaitivu seas by the evening of May 14, military officials said. “By yesterday evening, less than two kilo metres stretch of beach front was under the LTTE control and it would soon be captured by the troops once 58 and 59 Division troops marry up in the North of Mullaitivu completely denying the beach front to the LTTE,” the official added. The Security Forces captured the Jordanian ship Farah III which was used by the LTTE to fire upon the ground troops of both 58th and 59th Divisions advancing on the ground and also towards Navy boats patrolling in the sea off Mullaitivu. The ship which was reportedly being used by the Sea Tigers (sea wing of the LTTE) as their operational centre was seized by the LTTE in December 2006 after it had engine trouble and was awaiting rescue from Colombo. Though the crew and its captain to Mullaitivu were also abducted they were later released to the International Red Cross. According to military officials the advance on the beach front would be much easy with the capture of this ship. Reports also indicate that as troops are closing in on the last terrain of the LTTE, many explosions were heard inside the NFZ and from LTTE camps as the militants blew off their ammunition dumps and other weapons before being captured by the advancing troops.
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May - 18 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed on May 18, the Sri Lankan military has said, according to BBC. The announcement on state television came shortly after the military said it had surrounded Prabhakaran in a tiny patch of jungle in the north-east. The
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed on May 18, the Sri Lankan military has said, according to BBC. The announcement on state television came shortly after the military said it had surrounded Prabhakaran in a tiny patch of jungle in the north-east. The head of the Sri Lankan army Lt Gen Sarath Fonseka said the military had defeated the rebels and "liberated the entire country". "Today we finished the work handed to us by the president to liberate the country from the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)," Gen Fonseka said in the broadcast. The broadcast quoted military officials as saying Prabhakaran was killed along with two of his deputies. It said Prabhakaran, his intelligence chief Pottu Amman and Soosai, the head of the LTTE naval wing, were shot dead in an ambush in the Mullivaikal District while trying to escape the war zone in an ambulance.
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May - 20 
The Police Department had set up 37 Police stations in the Eastern Province and seven in the Northern Province, including in Madhu and Omanthai, Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramaratne said on May 20.
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The Police Department had set up 37 Police stations in the Eastern Province and seven in the Northern Province, including in Madhu and Omanthai, Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramaratne said on May 20.
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May - 21 
The dead body of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and other leaders will be buried in Wanni, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said on May 21, reported Colombo Page. The bodies would be buried as soon as possible after the initial investigations are o
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The dead body of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran and other leaders will be buried in Wanni, Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said on May 21, reported Colombo Page. The bodies would be buried as soon as possible after the initial investigations are over, he said. The military has collected over 350 bodies of militants after the final battle in Mullaitivu. Most of the bodies of the outfit’s leaders, including that of Prabhakaran, his son Charles Anthony and Sea Tiger leader Soosai, were already identified by the military.
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May - 24 
Vavuniya District Secretary P.M.S. Charles said that although the international community wants to increase the facilities for IDPs the Sri Lanka Government is providing for their needs at the moment, according to Colombo Page. Speaking to the media, she said that currently there are no shortages of
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Vavuniya District Secretary P.M.S. Charles said that although the international community wants to increase the facilities for IDPs the Sri Lanka Government is providing for their needs at the moment, according to Colombo Page. Speaking to the media, she said that currently there are no shortages of any requirements for the IDPs, adding, "We are providing every requirement including food, clothes, sanitary items and even education too to the displaced children. Living conditions are at a high standard and IDPs are living more happily compared with their past in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)-held areas, Charles stated. According to the statistics, there are 262,000 IDPs living in welfare centers at Vavuniya. Of them, 220,000 are living at the Menik Farm Welfare Center and others are living at selected schools and temples in the area, she further added. The IDPs are being facilitated in Government welfare centres in 29 locations, including Government schools in the districts of Vavuniya, Mannar and Jaffna.
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May - 26 
Colombo Page reports that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional aid worth US$ 1.4 million for de-mining in northern Sri Lanka. The Japanese Embassy in Colombo announced on May 26 that they expect to provide these funds through the Danish De-mining Group and the HALO Trust. The fu
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Colombo Page reports that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional aid worth US$ 1.4 million for de-mining in northern Sri Lanka. The Japanese Embassy in Colombo announced on May 26 that they expect to provide these funds through the Danish De-mining Group and the HALO Trust. The funds are allocated for de-mining in recently liberated areas in Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Vavuniya. This will be the second time this year that the Japanese Government assists Sri Lanka with de-mining. Earlier the Japanese government provided a grant of US$ 700,000 for humanitarian de-mining in Mannar through Swiss Foundation for Mine Action. The total contribution from Japan for de-mining activities in the North therefore reaches US$ 2.1 million, the Embassy said.
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May - 26 
Colombo Page reports that the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is to use two of the captured LTTE air strips for their activities, SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said. According to the spokesman, they would convert the captured Iranamadu runway east of the Jaffna-Kandy (A9) road in Kilin
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Colombo Page reports that the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is to use two of the captured LTTE air strips for their activities, SLAF spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said. According to the spokesman, they would convert the captured Iranamadu runway east of the Jaffna-Kandy (A9) road in Kilinochchi into a small air base. The larger airstrip taken from the LTTE close to Mullaitivu would be developed for the use of SLAF in the near future. During the two and half years of military operations in the North, Sri Lanka Army has captured seven air strips used by the LTTE.
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May - 26 
The Government has initiated the de-mining process to expedite resettlement of displaced people in their original habitats under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program, according to Daily News. De-mining and removing of booby traps along the A-32 highways is in progress, Presidential Advisor and former Inspe
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The Government has initiated the de-mining process to expedite resettlement of displaced people in their original habitats under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program, according to Daily News. De-mining and removing of booby traps along the A-32 highways is in progress, Presidential Advisor and former Inspector General of Police Chandra Fernando said. According to Fernando, troops have recovered over 527 anti-personnel mines (APMs), two anti-tank mines and 29 other bombs from the area. Over 16 APMs and nine other bombs were found from the area where the famous rice bowl is situated. The objective of the Uthuru Wasanthaya program is to ensure welfare, security and the development of people in the North. This program is conducted by the Government under the directive and close supervision of Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapakse who is also the Chairman of Presidential Task on Resettlement, Security and Development in the North. Fernando said the Security Forces are engaged in mine clearance soon after the humanitarian mission to free civilians from the Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was completed.
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May - 28 
The Government has relaxed restrictions on motor vehicles in centres for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Vavuniya, where the country's largest IDP centre, Manik Farm, is located, according to Colombo Page. “An interim measure has been agreed whereby aid agency vehicles including trucks ca
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The Government has relaxed restrictions on motor vehicles in centres for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Vavuniya, where the country's largest IDP centre, Manik Farm, is located, according to Colombo Page. “An interim measure has been agreed whereby aid agency vehicles including trucks can now travel in and out of Manik Farm zones, only not in convoy and without agency flags,” the United Nations (UN) spokesperson Marie Okabe said. She said the Sri Lankan military had announced it was leaving the camps and would hand over control to civilian authorities.
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May - 28 
The Sri Lankan Army announced that Veraswami Thiruwengadam Velupillai (79) and Velupillai Parvathi Pillai, father and mother of Prabhakaran, are in one of the Government temporary welfare camps at Manik Farm in Vavuniya District. “Late Prabakaran’s mother and father who had sought refuge with others
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The Sri Lankan Army announced that Veraswami Thiruwengadam Velupillai (79) and Velupillai Parvathi Pillai, father and mother of Prabhakaran, are in one of the Government temporary welfare camps at Manik Farm in Vavuniya District. “Late Prabakaran’s mother and father who had sought refuge with others after exiting from Puthumanthalam area were identified on Thursday by military authorities,” said a Defence Ministry statement. Military spokesperson Udaya Nayanakkara told The Hindu, “The Army learnt about the presence of parents of Prabhakaran in one of the IDP camps in Manik Farm Complex from other displaced sheltered there on Wednesday. On being approached by authorities, parents of Prabhakaran confirmed their identity.“
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May - 31 
Implementing its troop deployment plan for the fully liberated Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts, the Sri Lanka Army has established two Security Forces (SFs) Headquarters in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi to oversee the overall security plan of the two Districts, Army Commander General Sarath Fonsek
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Implementing its troop deployment plan for the fully liberated Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts, the Sri Lanka Army has established two Security Forces (SFs) Headquarters in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi to oversee the overall security plan of the two Districts, Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka said, reports Daily News. These two SFs Headquarters will be established in addition to the SFs Headquarters in Wanni.
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June - 2 
The Government has planned to implement the 13th Amendment to Constitution speedily in the North after the Local Council elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya, the Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said on June 2, Daily News reported. “We took this decision at a correct time and it was not taken i
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The Government has planned to implement the 13th Amendment to Constitution speedily in the North after the Local Council elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya, the Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana said on June 2, Daily News reported. “We took this decision at a correct time and it was not taken in a hurry as the JVP said. This is mainly due to protecting the democratic rights of the people in the North enabling them to elect their representatives to the local bodies according to their wishes,” he said. The Minister also said there are no Internally Displaced People in Jaffna and Vavuniya now. He also said the resettlement process has already begun in Silavathura in the North.
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June - 3 
The military has found SLR 13 million in the possession of the manager of ‘Eelam Bank’ run by the LTTE in Kilinochchi and is now looking for the depositors to hand over these monies to them. Quoting military officers based in Vavuniya overlooking the welfare of the displaced civilians, Construction
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The military has found SLR 13 million in the possession of the manager of ‘Eelam Bank’ run by the LTTE in Kilinochchi and is now looking for the depositors to hand over these monies to them. Quoting military officers based in Vavuniya overlooking the welfare of the displaced civilians, Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne told Daily Mirror on June 3 that this manager had arrived in Vavuniya along with other people. The Minister said that all these monies had been obtained from people through fraudulent means. He said the mobile branches of the State banks had now been set up in the welfare villages, and the displaced persons had already deposited much money in them. “There is a person who has deposited SLR 40 million alone,” Senaratne added.
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June - 7 
The Government is to rehabilitate another batch of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) child soldiers who lived at several welfare centres in Vavuniya. The chairman of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Jagath Wellawaththa said on June 6 that they have found nearly 400 child soldier
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The Government is to rehabilitate another batch of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) child soldiers who lived at several welfare centres in Vavuniya. The chairman of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), Jagath Wellawaththa said on June 6 that they have found nearly 400 child soldiers from those welfare centres in Vavuniya. According to the chairman of NCPA there are several female child soldiers in the batch. This batch of LTTE child soldiers who were found from welfare centres in Vavuniya are to be sent to the selected rehabilitation centres after they are produced in the Courts. The Government is currently rehabilitating another several groups of LTTE child soldiers at four rehabilitation centres throughout the country.
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June - 7 
The Sri Lankan Government is beginning the third step of its resettlement process in Mannar next week, according to Colombo Page. The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement says they have scheduled the third step of the resettlement process to begin on June 9 at Silawathura area in Ma
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The Sri Lankan Government is beginning the third step of its resettlement process in Mannar next week, according to Colombo Page. The Ministry of Disaster Relief Services and Resettlement says they have scheduled the third step of the resettlement process to begin on June 9 at Silawathura area in Mannar District, where they hope to resettle 2120 displaced persons from 591 families.
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June - 9 
As part of establishing civil administration in the North after eradicating terrorism, the Police Department would set up 21 Police Stations in the North and a Tamil language training centre for Police personnel in Kilinochchi, reports Daily News. Addressing the media at the Police Headquarters on J
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As part of establishing civil administration in the North after eradicating terrorism, the Police Department would set up 21 Police Stations in the North and a Tamil language training centre for Police personnel in Kilinochchi, reports Daily News. Addressing the media at the Police Headquarters on June 9, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayantha Wickramaratne said after eliminating terrorism after three decades, particularly in the North, it is important to establish civil administration in the liberated areas. A Tamil Language Training Centre (TLTC) will be established in Kilinochchi District in addition to the existing one in Kalladi. “We will need nearly 200 acres to build the TLTC for Police personnel in Kilinochchi. The trained Tamil language Police personnel will be appointed to serve in the North and the East,” the IGP said. “We are planning to establish 21 new Police Stations in Mannar, Mullaitivu and Mankulam divisions in the North. Seven Police Stations have already been set up in these areas. These police stations will function under a Deputy Inspector General and SSPs for each division,” he added.
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June - 9 
He said that there was a belief that since the LTTE were defeated and the country free of terrorism, the road blocks and checkpoints should be removed. “The obvious reason for that is some LTTE cadres have infiltrated into different parts of the country during the last lap of the humanitarian operat
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He said that there was a belief that since the LTTE were defeated and the country free of terrorism, the road blocks and checkpoints should be removed. “The obvious reason for that is some LTTE cadres have infiltrated into different parts of the country during the last lap of the humanitarian operation in the North. These Tiger cadres without their leadership can carry out any desperate attempts to civilian life. They are still a threat to the country,” he added. “We have obtained precise information about these hiding Tigers from people living in the IDP centres in Vavuniya. We will continue our roadblocks and checkpoints until the last LTTE cadre is arrested,” he mentioned.
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June - 9 
The resettlement of over 2120 people belonging to 551 families in their original homes will begin in the Musali division in Mannar on June 9 (today) under the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) Phase II in the Northern Province, reports Daily News. According to the Resettlement and
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The resettlement of over 2120 people belonging to 551 families in their original homes will begin in the Musali division in Mannar on June 9 (today) under the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) Phase II in the Northern Province, reports Daily News. According to the Resettlement and Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, these families from seven Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Musali DS division will be provided dry rations and kitchen utensils by the Government. In addition, the Government has launched a series of programs to uplift their livelihood specially agriculture, fishing industry and self employment. “These families can resume their fishing and agricultural activities from today,” the Minister said. The Government was able to begin the resettlement process early due to the Security Forces sacrifice. “We will reconstruct the Haththimurippu tank under which over 7,000 acres in the Musali DS division could be brought under the plough,” he said adding, “The Government has upgraded infrastructure facilities in the area. The road network in the DS division was rehabilitated and electricity supply was provided to the villages in which these families are resettled”.
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June - 9 
Wickramaratne said that around 2995 Police and STF personnel were killed and 3571 injured by the Liberation Tgers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacks since 1974. Around 500 Police and STF personnel were killed and 485 injured in LTTE attacks after the Mavilaru operation to the last leg of humanitarian ope
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Wickramaratne said that around 2995 Police and STF personnel were killed and 3571 injured by the Liberation Tgers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) attacks since 1974. Around 500 Police and STF personnel were killed and 485 injured in LTTE attacks after the Mavilaru operation to the last leg of humanitarian operation.
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June - 19 
The completion of the de-mining process and the strengthening of the Army to hold the entire North and East to avoid any type of terror raising its head are pre-requisites for the resettlement of displaced civilians in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts, said Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka
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The completion of the de-mining process and the strengthening of the Army to hold the entire North and East to avoid any type of terror raising its head are pre-requisites for the resettlement of displaced civilians in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts, said Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka on June 19, reports Daily News. The Commander said the strength of the Army has to be increased to hold the entire area captured by the Army during the past three years. “The number required is very much higher than that at the time of offensive operations against the LTTE,” the Commander said. The Commander said the Army had a strength of 116,000 at the time they started offensive operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and it has been increased up to 200,000 with 84,000 youth being recruited to the Army during the past two and half years. The Army Commander said that according to his assessment the strength of the Army has to be increased to at least to 300,000 to cater to all requirements in the post conflict scenario to hold the entire areas liberated from the LTTE, and for the Army to have a proper deployment plan with a decent leave period for soldiers.
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June - 28 
The parents of the late Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, who were taken into custody from an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp in Vavuniya a few weeks ago, were transferred to capital Colombo for further investigation on June 28, reports Colombo Page. "The t
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The parents of the late Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Velupillai Prabhakaran, who were taken into custody from an Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp in Vavuniya a few weeks ago, were transferred to capital Colombo for further investigation on June 28, reports Colombo Page. "The two of them were being detained at a safer location and will be taken for legal action accordingly," an unnamed Police official said.
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July - 19 
Security Forces continuing search and clearing operations in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts recovered a large stock of fuel and cache of arms and weapons on July 19, reports Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops in the Iranamadu and Puthukuddiyiruppu areas
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Security Forces continuing search and clearing operations in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts recovered a large stock of fuel and cache of arms and weapons on July 19, reports Daily News. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said troops in the Iranamadu and Puthukuddiyiruppu areas unearthed 20,000 litres of petrol buried by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). “The fuel stock was buried in a large fuel tank in the dense jungle. We suspect that the LTTE had wrenched the fuel dispatched by the Government for public and kept it for military purposes”, he added. Troops also recovered 12 anti-personnel mines, a micro pistol with two magazines, a recoilless weapon, a recoilless weapon sight and two recoilless bombs. They also recovered eight T-56 weapons, 3122 rounds of T-56 ammunition, two empty missile cases, five shotguns, one shotgun barrel, five pistols, 40700 electric detonators, one silencer weapon, 22 rounds of 8.3-mm ammunition, six unidentified magazines, 37 rounds of 12.7-mm ammunition, nine Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), 16 hand grenades, one booby trap, six 120-mm mortar bombs, 127 Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) links, one barrel of a 12.7-mm gun, five hand paras, three Arul bombs, one locally-made gun, one 60-mm mortar bomb, 250 rounds of MPMG ammunition, 200 rounds of unidentified ammunition, two 60-mm mortar launchers, one base plate, one weapon sight, nine RPG chargers, three slabs of TNT explosives, 50 grams of high explosives, 400 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, four .22 rifles, a stock of packets containing LTTE documents, 15 pouches, one body armour and one flack jacket, adds a Sri Lanka Army report.
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July - 21 
Sri Lanka Government announced that they have taken steps to resettle more Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), sheltered in the welfare villages in Wanni at the beginning of next month under the Government's 180-day resettlement program. Addressing a special meeting at Vavuniya District Secretariat
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Sri Lanka Government announced that they have taken steps to resettle more Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), sheltered in the welfare villages in Wanni at the beginning of next month under the Government's 180-day resettlement program. Addressing a special meeting at Vavuniya District Secretariat, the senior advisor to the President, parliamentarian Basil Rajapakse said that all the arrangements are now in place to resettle the displaced persons. According to Rajapakse, the Government plans to resettle 3,000 persons in 35 cleared villages in Wanni region beginning August 7. The Government has completed the de-mining activities of these villages with the assistance of international de-mining groups and the United Nations.
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July - 24 
Daily News reports that the Government is scheduled to start resettlement process in the Vavuniya District on August 7. According to Resettlement and Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, the resettlement of people in 35 Grama Niladhari (village-level official) divisions in the Vavuniya Distri
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Daily News reports that the Government is scheduled to start resettlement process in the Vavuniya District on August 7. According to Resettlement and Relief Services Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, the resettlement of people in 35 Grama Niladhari (village-level official) divisions in the Vavuniya District is expected to begin on August 7. The Minister said these villages are being cleared of mines and all infrastructure facilities are provided to these villages before the displaced people are resettled in their original houses. "The Government has decided to set up examinations centres for the students who are sitting for the G.C.E. (A\L) examination within the welfare camps”, he added. The Minister refuted recent media reports that over 100 people die in the welfare centers a week. He said one or two persons die in camps per week due to natural causes.
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August - 3 
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP), Sivanathan Kishore, has said that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the northern part of Sri Lanka are being smuggled out from their camps by organised groups, according to BBC. He stated that “smuggling of people from these camps is
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Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Member of Parliament (MP), Sivanathan Kishore, has said that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the northern part of Sri Lanka are being smuggled out from their camps by organised groups, according to BBC. He stated that “smuggling of people from these camps is going on for some time.” People in the camps have been paying huge money to get themselves out of the camps and some of them have even been escorted till the airport and have gone abroad, according to the MP. The modus operandi, according the Sivanathan Kishore, includes people being brought out of the camps under the guise of sick patients and then taken to other locations. Meanwhile, Rajapakse told BBC the Government has evidence that some people, mostly LTTE suspects, had escaped recently from the tightly guarded camps in the north. The Defence Secretary said: "We have evidence that some people have gone to India, Singapore, Malaysia and to Europe”. The Government has taken action against a "very small minority" of security service personnel who were involved in the racket, he said.
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August - 3 
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) could be attempting to revive the organisation amid efforts by the outfit to rescue hardcore cadres housed in Government-run refugees camps for Tamil civilians in the Vavuniya District, said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, according to Hindustan Tim
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The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) could be attempting to revive the organisation amid efforts by the outfit to rescue hardcore cadres housed in Government-run refugees camps for Tamil civilians in the Vavuniya District, said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, according to Hindustan Times. In an interview with Sunday Island, he said an organised campaign had been launched to free terrorists from refugee camps before Army and Police investigators, now engaged in a systematic screening process, closed in on them. Gotabhaya stated that the Government would not allow the LTTE to reverse the military victory achieved at a huge cost to the nation. He pointed out that ordinary civilians would never make an attempt to flee refugee camps as the Government, with the support of some international agencies, had provided adequate facilities for them.
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August - 3 
Vavuniya District Secretary P.S.M. Charles told Daily News that the Government’s 180 day resettlement programme is in progress with another batch of 1,500 civilians from the Manik Farm relief village being re-settled in the Omanthai, Nochchimotai, Piramanalamkulam, Pirappumadu areas on August 5.
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Vavuniya District Secretary P.S.M. Charles told Daily News that the Government’s 180 day resettlement programme is in progress with another batch of 1,500 civilians from the Manik Farm relief village being re-settled in the Omanthai, Nochchimotai, Piramanalamkulam, Pirappumadu areas on August 5.
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August - 17 
Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka said that displaced persons in welfare centres cannot be haphazardly resettled in their former villages on outside pressures or compulsions because terrorist remnants hiding behind displaced civilians may take the opportunity to resort to terrorism once
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Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka said that displaced persons in welfare centres cannot be haphazardly resettled in their former villages on outside pressures or compulsions because terrorist remnants hiding behind displaced civilians may take the opportunity to resort to terrorism once again. He said five to six Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres were falling into Security Forces custody every week from welfare camps and those pressuring the Government to expedite re-settlement process should understand this reality. He also said that de-mining had not been fully completed for the re-settlement process to begin.
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August - 17 
The Government said on August 17 that over 15,000 Internally Displaced Families (IDFs) from the Jaffna District will be resettled in their original homes soon, Daily News reports. According to the Resettlement and Relief Services Minister Rishad Badiudeen, authorities have already identified over 15
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The Government said on August 17 that over 15,000 Internally Displaced Families (IDFs) from the Jaffna District will be resettled in their original homes soon, Daily News reports. According to the Resettlement and Relief Services Minister Rishad Badiudeen, authorities have already identified over 15,000 IDFs who claim to be residents of Jaffna and their details have been forwarded to authorities in the Jaffna District. The Minister stressed that they would be resettled in their original homes in Jaffna District after the Government officials gave an assurance that they are permanent residents of the Jaffna. These families are now living in welfare centres in the Vavuniya and Mannar Districts. The Minister added, “The Presidential Task Force on Northern Development under the chairmanship of Senior Presidential Advisor MP Basil Rajapakse is working tirelessly to expedite the de-mining process to facilitate the resettlement drive and it is committed to resettled as much displaced civilians as possible within the time frame of 180 days.”
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August - 24 
Police found a trawler and a lorry used by the LTTE to attack the Galle harbour October 18, 2006. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG) Nimal Mediwake, said a special team from the Central Provincial Investigation Unit arrested an LTTE suspect in Vavuniya on July 24. "The LTTE suspect who is
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Police found a trawler and a lorry used by the LTTE to attack the Galle harbour October 18, 2006. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG) Nimal Mediwake, said a special team from the Central Provincial Investigation Unit arrested an LTTE suspect in Vavuniya on July 24. "The LTTE suspect who is under detention order had divulged vital information during interrogation," he added. Pursuing the LTTE cadre’s information, Police found the 32 feet length trawler equipped with GPR radar in Hambantota while the lorry was recovered in Akkaraipaththu. "It was revealed that the trawler and the lorry had been used by the LTTE during the suicide mission to the Galle harbour in 2006. The recoveries were made on Sunday (August 23) afternoon," the DIG said.
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August - 25 
President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the displaced people in the North will be resettled in their original homes soon after the mines were cleared in the respective areas to integrate them into the national development process, according to Daily News.
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President Mahinda Rajapakse said that the displaced people in the North will be resettled in their original homes soon after the mines were cleared in the respective areas to integrate them into the national development process, according to Daily News.
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August - 30 
Xinhua reports that Sri Lankan Police recovered a dozen of claymore mines. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nimal Mediwaka said on August 30 that the bombs were found on August 29 in the Mannar and Vavuniya Districts. Mediwaka also said the Police's Terrorism Investigation Division had made
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Xinhua reports that Sri Lankan Police recovered a dozen of claymore mines. Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nimal Mediwaka said on August 30 that the bombs were found on August 29 in the Mannar and Vavuniya Districts. Mediwaka also said the Police's Terrorism Investigation Division had made the discovery of the 12 bombs in Mannar's Silawatura area while another bomb weighing 50 kilograms was found in Vavuniya along with C4 explosives and other equipments.
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August - 31 
A survey conducted by the Government Agent (GA) of Vavuniya District has revealed that at least 10,000 refugees have escaped from the camps located there, according to Express Buzz. “The results of the survey have been forwarded to the security forces stationed in Vavuniya to conduct an investigatio
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A survey conducted by the Government Agent (GA) of Vavuniya District has revealed that at least 10,000 refugees have escaped from the camps located there, according to Express Buzz. “The results of the survey have been forwarded to the security forces stationed in Vavuniya to conduct an investigation into the matter,” P. S. M. Charles, the GA of Vavuniya District, told The Nation. According to the official, many refugees who had left the camps, purportedly for medical treatment at various hospitals, had failed to return.
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August - 31 
Intelligence sources have told the Defence Ministry that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, including women cadres, masquerading as civilians are making an attempt to control civilians held at welfare camps in the Vavuniya region, especially the Manik camp, and have suggested tha
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Intelligence sources have told the Defence Ministry that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) militants, including women cadres, masquerading as civilians are making an attempt to control civilians held at welfare camps in the Vavuniya region, especially the Manik camp, and have suggested that the internally displaced persons of the camp should be re-located to smaller camps. An unnamed senior Government official told The Island that authorities in charge of camps had been unable to run overcrowded camps effectively. He said that there could be hundreds of LTTE cadres, including members of suicide squads and intelligence wing cadres among the civilian population. The official added that the military and the Police could not effectively manage camps nor identify the wanted men and women as camps hold far too many people. Responding to queries, he said it would be ideal if only a few thousand could be held at one camp. He said that setting up of additional camps would be a heavy burden on the Government but it could greatly help their efforts to identify militants taking cover among ordinary civilians. "Don’t forget Prabhakaran’s parents, too, took refuge among ordinary people," he said, adding that there could be many militants operating within camps though the top leadership was wiped out.
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September - 4 
The SLA said that the news report published by The Island on September 4 has no whatever proof or any other evidence to affirm any involvement of Japanese experts for clandestine LTTE operations, said to have occurred during and after the Tsunami disaster in 2004. The Army categorically denied havin
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The SLA said that the news report published by The Island on September 4 has no whatever proof or any other evidence to affirm any involvement of Japanese experts for clandestine LTTE operations, said to have occurred during and after the Tsunami disaster in 2004. The Army categorically denied having any knowledge on such Japanese involvement in the said report titled “Japanese experts helped LTTE launch submersibles”. Neither the 58 Division has had found any evidence to ascertain launch of such submersibles with Japanese help, the SLA said.
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September - 8 
A former employee of a Sri Lankan NGO has brought to the notice of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse the alleged involvement of the group in smuggling Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operatives to Colombo over a period of time, The Island reports. According to him, the LTTE suspects
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A former employee of a Sri Lankan NGO has brought to the notice of the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse the alleged involvement of the group in smuggling Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operatives to Colombo over a period of time, The Island reports. According to him, the LTTE suspects held at welfare centres in the Vavuniya District, too, have reached Colombo with the help of the NGO. He said that a key LTTE operative had functioned as their Anuradhapura-based chief representative in charge of the North Central Province. The Defence Secretary said that an explosives packed suicide jacket recovered following the arrest of a Colonel of the Sri Lanka Army for his alleged involvement with the LTTE, too, had been found at the residence of another senior employee of the NGO residing in Battaramulla. But the NGO operative had fled to Chennai (India), he said, adding that their man in charge of the Anuradhapura operation along with his driver, too, had fled the country.
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September - 24 
The Defence Ministry accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels of violating for a second time their own offer of unilateral cease-fire that commenced at midnight on December 24. The Defence Ministry said LTTE rebels fired at forward defence lines in the general area of Eluthumadduva
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The Defence Ministry accused the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels of violating for a second time their own offer of unilateral cease-fire that commenced at midnight on December 24. The Defence Ministry said LTTE rebels fired at forward defence lines in the general area of Eluthumadduval killing two soldiers and wounding another.
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September - 28 
At least 20,000 of the nearly 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Vavuniya camps had escaped, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kandy, Ranjith Kasturiratna, at the Kandy District coordinating committee meeting, chaired by Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, on
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At least 20,000 of the nearly 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Vavuniya camps had escaped, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kandy, Ranjith Kasturiratna, at the Kandy District coordinating committee meeting, chaired by Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, on September 28, The Island reports. The SSP Kasturiratna said special Police teams from Kandy had been dispatched to the IDP camps in the North to conduct investigations. Police investigations had revealed that about 20,000 had escaped from the camps. They were believed to be LTTE cadres. The SSP said that followers of the terrorist organisation were still moving around though the leadership of the movement had been destroyed. He said explosives and arms had been recovered from Pudikudiiruppu and other locations in the North and East on information provided by the LTTE suspects in custody.
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October - 12 
Government sources on October 12 said that there was absolutely no truth in the allegation that it planned to settle Sinhalese in the post-war Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts. This was nothing but a barefaced lie, ministerial sources told The Island. In fact, the ruling United People's Freedom
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Government sources on October 12 said that there was absolutely no truth in the allegation that it planned to settle Sinhalese in the post-war Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts. This was nothing but a barefaced lie, ministerial sources told The Island. In fact, the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Minister Dallas Alahapperuma told a recent press conference at the Mahaweli Centre that the Government would not in anyway try to change the ethnic ratio in the northern and eastern provinces. Alahapperuma had said that not a single outsider had been allowed to settle in the East where re-settlement process was nearing completion. The Government’s strategy in the north, too, would be the same. Sources said that there was nothing clandestine about Sri Lanka’s resettlement and rehabilitation process. The allegation had been made by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) at a meeting with a visiting delegation of Indian Parliamentarians from the southern Indian State of Tamil Nadu at India House in Colombo on October 10. The TNA Parliamentarians alleged that the Sri Lankan Government wants to change the Wanni’s demography by settling at least 30 percent Sinhalese in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts. The TNA delegation also charged that Buddhist stupas (heap) being built in Wanni with an intention to change the predominantly Tamil region’s culture and ethnicity. "There is a plan to change the demographic pattern in the Wanni area so that there is no such thing as a Tamil province," Suresh Premachandran, the TNA Member of Parliament for Jaffna, was quoted by The Hindu on October 12.
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October - 18 
Foiling an escape bid, Police arrested a former Sea Tiger [cadre of the sea wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)] cadre in Vavuniya, the Police said, according to Colombo Page. According to Police, the suspect had fled the welfare camp and was arrested in the area by a special Police
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Foiling an escape bid, Police arrested a former Sea Tiger [cadre of the sea wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)] cadre in Vavuniya, the Police said, according to Colombo Page. According to Police, the suspect had fled the welfare camp and was arrested in the area by a special Police team sent from capital Colombo.
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October - 20 
Under the Government's process of re-establishing peace and harmony in the country, 45 new police stations have been established in Northern and Eastern provinces after the two provinces were liberated from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayantha Wickr
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Under the Government's process of re-establishing peace and harmony in the country, 45 new police stations have been established in Northern and Eastern provinces after the two provinces were liberated from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jayantha Wickramarathna said, according to Colombo Page. Speaking at a special function held in Colombo in the morning of October 20 the IGP said new police stations will be set up to cover the entire two provinces within the next few months. According to the IGP, the police department has established 37 new police stations in the East and eight stations in the North after the regions were liberated from the LTTE. Another four police stations are to be established in Kilinochchi District, he added. He further said that nearly 500 new police personnel who could properly speak the Tamil language are to be deployed in the Northern and Eastern provinces to grant a better service to the people in those areas. The new batch of Policemen is currently receiving special training at the Kaladi training school in Batticaloa, he informed.
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November - 5 
Sri Lanka Government snubbed moves by the LTTE remnants to hold a ‘poll’ in April 2010 to elect members to its so-called transitional Government, saying this was another futile attempt to revive the terror organisation. The Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told Sunday Observer that their (LTTE)
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Sri Lanka Government snubbed moves by the LTTE remnants to hold a ‘poll’ in April 2010 to elect members to its so-called transitional Government, saying this was another futile attempt to revive the terror organisation. The Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama told Sunday Observer that their (LTTE) declared Government-in-exile was a myth and so is the move to hold a poll as announced on November 5 by the US based LTTE proxy Visuvanathan Rudrakumaran. “If they try to perpetuate LTTE terrorism in the guise of various other front movements, this will also be countered by us,” he said commenting on Rudrakumaran’s claim. The LTTE is banned in countries, including the US, where Rudrakumaran who is said to have taken over the Diaspora activities of the LTTE, is based. The Minister said, “No country should be allowed to host any groupings or meetings that serve a separatist cause in Sri Lanka.” Earlier, Rudrakumaran said the poll will be conducted among the Diaspora community to elect members for what they called the Provisional Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (PTGTE). Further, International terrorism expert and Professor of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore, Rohan Gunaratna said the LTTE international wing has three factions with Rudrakumaran heading its political affairs part and Oslo (Norway) based Nediyawan who strives to continue the LTTE armed struggle, leading another. “The more significant threat to Sri Lanka will come from the Nediyawan factor.” Gunaratna warned adding that Norway held a huge responsibility to ensure that the LTTE is dismantled on their soil since the country has emerged as a key centre for LTTE activities. According to Gunaratna the most secretive faction of the LTTE is headed by Ponnaiah Anandarajah alias Ayyar who is a US citizen and a double Accountant. He was responsible for procuring weaponry from North Korea that was used to kill tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel. “Ayyar’s right hand man Ravi Shankar Kanagarajah alias Sangili is now under investigation in Canada over the recently intercepted LTTE ship MV Princess Easwary smuggling LTTE cadres,” he further said.
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November - 27 
A senior Police officer said that around 350 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, who had taken refuge among ordinary Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps, have been arrested by the Police, among which were around 50 female cadres, Daily Mirror reported. He said that among those a
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A senior Police officer said that around 350 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres, who had taken refuge among ordinary Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps, have been arrested by the Police, among which were around 50 female cadres, Daily Mirror reported. He said that among those arrested were those who had been trained in handling explosives, guerrilla warfare and in handling heavy weapons. In order to detain terror suspects, a special camp has been set up at Pampemadu in Vavuniya District to accommodate the increased numbers, the security sources said.
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November - 29 
The Government despite having given a pledge to resettle all the displaced people by the end of January 2010 said on December 29 that there was no deadline for the resettlement of the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who were in the camps in Vavuniya. Disaster Management and Resettlement Minister
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The Government despite having given a pledge to resettle all the displaced people by the end of January 2010 said on December 29 that there was no deadline for the resettlement of the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who were in the camps in Vavuniya. Disaster Management and Resettlement Minister Samarasinghe told Daily Mirror Online that no such assurances were given earlier. “We did not promise to complete the resettling process on a particular date. However, the Government is working hard towards completing the process as soon as possible,” he said. He said around 100,000 IDPs still remain in the camps whilst 20,000 have been granted freedom of movement from the camps. The Minister said the Government had organized ‘go and see visits’ for the IDPs to enable them to visit their homes and allow them to decide if they wished to remain in their home towns or otherwise. “If they want to return to their homes, then they may. However, if they wish otherwise we will make other arrangement for them,” he added. Minister Samarasinghe said that he could not comment on what would happen to the camps once all the IDPs were resettled, but said that the permanent structures once vacant would most likely be utilised.
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December - 12 
The leader of People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) said in a press meet held on December 12 in the PLOTE office in Jaffna, “We are not preparing ourselves to launch another armed struggle. The accusations that we had abducted minors from Vavuniya camps are baseless.” He further sa
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The leader of People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) said in a press meet held on December 12 in the PLOTE office in Jaffna, “We are not preparing ourselves to launch another armed struggle. The accusations that we had abducted minors from Vavuniya camps are baseless.” He further said that after the talks held with President Mahinda Rajapakse his party has decided to support him in the forthcoming presidential election, sources in Jaffna said.
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December - 18 
Sri Lanka Transport Board recommenced the commuter transportation between Kandy and Jaffna on December 18 after a lapse of 26 years, Colombo Page reported. The first bus bound for Jaffna after the A-9 highway was opened left the Kandy bus stand at 3am (SLST), the Chief Minister of the Central Provin
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Sri Lanka Transport Board recommenced the commuter transportation between Kandy and Jaffna on December 18 after a lapse of 26 years, Colombo Page reported. The first bus bound for Jaffna after the A-9 highway was opened left the Kandy bus stand at 3am (SLST), the Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayaka said. The commuter service between the two cities had been suspended for 26 years due to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) terrorism in the North. Early reservations of seats in the Kandy-Jaffna buses are available for the commuters.
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December - 23 
The authority at Poonthotam detention camps in Vavuniya, Major Weerasekera, on December 23 said that more than 35 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres detained in the camp were to be released on December 24, according to Daily Mirror. They told the reporters in Poonthotam that there
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The authority at Poonthotam detention camps in Vavuniya, Major Weerasekera, on December 23 said that more than 35 former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) cadres detained in the camp were to be released on December 24, according to Daily Mirror. They told the reporters in Poonthotam that there are 209 detainees and 35 among them will be released on December 24.Some of the detainees who are in the camp have been with the LTTE for just three days while others have been for few months. However in other rehabilitation camps there are former LTTE combatants who have been with the LTTE for even for 24 years. Some of them have been ‘lieutenant colonels’ of the LTTE, according to the army. The detainees whom the journalists visited on December 23 are trained vocational activities such as beauty culture, tailoring, Masonry and sewing.
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December - 29 
De-mining officials, meanwhile, say the de-mining process is difficult in the northern region as the LTTE have mined the areas in an unpredictable pattern which is hindering the resettlement of the IDPs by the deadline at the end of January. "There is no set pattern of landmines laid by the LTTE lan
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De-mining officials, meanwhile, say the de-mining process is difficult in the northern region as the LTTE have mined the areas in an unpredictable pattern which is hindering the resettlement of the IDPs by the deadline at the end of January. "There is no set pattern of landmines laid by the LTTE landmines and we confront with various challenges," Major K. Raju, an expert of the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) told Indian reporters recently. According to Major Raju whose team is involved in de-mining activities in north-western Mannar District, the unpredictable landmines pattern, poor visibility because of thick jungles in the terrain was slowing the de-mining progress.
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December - 30 
Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan authorities have decided to lift the night time curfew imposed in Jaffna from December 31. Governor of the Northern Province Major General G. A. Chandrasiri said that the curfew will be lifted from Jaffna as the normalcy has returned to the peoples' lives and the
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Colombo Page reports that Sri Lankan authorities have decided to lift the night time curfew imposed in Jaffna from December 31. Governor of the Northern Province Major General G. A. Chandrasiri said that the curfew will be lifted from Jaffna as the normalcy has returned to the peoples' lives and the traveling on A-9 is permitted. The curfew will be lifted on the advice of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse and Chairman of the Uthuru Wasanthaya Task Force, Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Basil Rajapakse.
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