Fall of Lanka rebel HQ imminent

The Sri Lankan government reiterated that the fall of Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s political nerve centre, was imminent and that the army had surrounded it from all sides, reports Sutirtho Patranobis.

The Sri Lankan government on Wednesday reiterated that the fall of Kilinochchi, the LTTE’s political nerve centre, was imminent and that the army had surrounded it from all sides.

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Sri Lanka army (SLA) troops were engaged in fierce fighting with the LTTE cadres making a last-ditch attempt to push them back. The troops however had made regular advances in the past few weeks braving torrential rain, it said.

Keheliya Rambukwella, minister and national security spokesperson, told the media that pitched battle between SLA soldiers and the LTTE were continuing around Kilinochchi, which is located about 350 km north of Colombo. “There is fierce fighting going on but the fall of Kilinochchi is imminent,’’ Rambukwella said.

The LTTE did not immediately react to the claims of the government. The Tigers had also released photographs from the battle field.

The government would want to capture the important rebel town to send a strong message to the Tigers even as leader V Prabhakaran celebrates his 54th birthday on Wednesday.

Political analysts are also eagerly waiting the LTTE leader’s annual speech slated to be delivered on Thursday.

Vaiko wants ban on LTTE lifted

Vaiko pleaded for India and Britain to lift the ban on LTTE during a 45-minute impassioned speech at the Committee Room in the House of Commons in London. Addressing the All Party Parliamentary Tamil Committee members, he said that Tamils are ready for negotiated talks.