Kadiraweli: President expresses sorrow

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday expressed his deep sorrow and regret at the senseless loss of lives of innocent civilians at Vakarai and condemned the LTTE's tactic of directing long range artillery fire using human shields that led to this tragedy.

Authorities were ordered to pay compensation to the affected families and the Security Forces Commanders were directed to inquire and report, the President's Office said.

In a separate statement, the Government Information Department said it has been the practice of the LTTE to use human shields to launch attacks on Security Forces.

It has been reported that approximately 30,000 civilians in Vakarai area are being used by the LTTE for this purpose. The statement expressed deep regret for civilian casualties, adding that the authorities are providing all medical assistance to the injured.