LTTE smuggling impeded on North-Western coast - FM

Rasika SOMARATHNA

COLOMBO: The capture of Pooneryn has dealt a severe blow to the LTTE arms smuggling capability across Palk Strait, as the latest achievement by Forces have denied Tigers access to the North Western Coastal belt, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said yesterday.

Addressing the media immediately after briefing the Diplomatic Corps on the latest developments, Bogollagama said that Tigers had used the North Western Coast to smuggle supplies of weapons and ammunition using the cover of Indian fishermen who have been straying into Sri Lankan waters.

He added there were many instances where LTTE had deliberately shot Indian fishermen to put the blame on Sri Lankan Navy.

In addition the people of Jaffna Peninsula who had to depend on sea and air routes to reach the South would now have the benefit of a land route link through the A-32 main road the Minister said.

He said that the capture of Pooneryn with Zero civilian casualties had debunked the wild canards spread by LTTE allies with regards to indiscriminate shelling and aerial bombing as there were no such signs to substantiate allegations.

The President during his recent visit to India had briefed the Indian leadership including Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh on the progress made in the humanitarian operation in the North. The President had also assured Indian leadership that the safety and well being of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka was being taken care of the Minister added. Both India and Sri Lanka have complete understanding on the imperative need that terrorism should be countered with resolve the Minister said.

Quoting the President, Bogollagama said that laying down arms and surrendering was the greatest service the LTTE could do to the people in areas of armed conflict and the people of Sri Lanka.