Date:18/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/18/stories/2008051855611400.htm

International

Significant gains made: Sri Lanka

B. Muralidhar Reddy

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s military on Saturday claimed that its forces “engaged in counter-terrorist offensives to liberate Wanni” and reached the Palampiddi junction in Vavuniya district. In recent days, the military has claimed to have made substantial advance in LTTE-held areas in Mannar and Vavuniya districts. In April, the military moved into areas in the vicinity of Madu church in Mannar district.

A Defence ministry statement claimed that that troops reached to Palampiddi junction without much resistance as the LTTE cadres had fled.

“Troops are now consolidating the area, and unearthing anti-personnel mines and booby traps,” it said. The Ministry said on reaching Palampiddi , “the war on terror to liberate Wanni’s civilians has also reached a significance phase. The soldiers in Vavuniya front are moving further into LTTE territory,” it added.

Separately, the military said 16 civilians were injured when a suspected LTTE terrorist exploded a grenade in Vavuniya town.

Meanwhile, the LTTE website carried a report alleging that the Air Force carried out extensive bombing near Kilinochchi on Friday night.