President, Govt. laud soldiers for fearlessly defending Palaly

Ranil Wijayapala in Palaly

PALALY: President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government yesterday offered its gratitude to the valiant soldiers who fearlessly faught to avert the LTTE attack on the Palaly Air Base in Jaffna, in the wee hours of yesterday.

Highways and Road Development Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle on behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa thanked the troops addressing the valiant soldiers in Miladi during his visit to Palaly along with Ministers Rajitha Senaratna, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena and Jagath Pushpakumara yesterday.

Six soldiers, who were on duty at Milady area paid the supreme sacrifice, when fearlessly faught back the LTTE air attack with their T-56 guns coming out of their bunkers.

They fell victim to the three bombs dropped by the LTTE aircraft as the Aircraft withdrew from the area amidst heavy resistance from the Security Forces and failing to achieve their target.

“We offer our gratitude, on behalf of the President and the Government for your determinned effort to fight back the LTTE”, the Minister told the troops in Miladi.

Corporal P. M. B. Warnapura from Gampola, soldiers H. W. Premaratna from Akuressa, W. D. Jayatissa from Haliela, N. N. Chinthana from Panadura and J. S. Indika from Nakiyadeniya and Corporal U. K. B. Hitihamu from Thambuththegama made the supreme sacrifice.

Minister Fernandopulle explained how the LTTE went to town saying that they had caused major damages to the Palaly Air Base and thanked the troops for effectively averting the LTTE attack compelling them to return without achieving their objective. He said public should not be disturbed by these cowardice acts by the LTTE as they are doing such acts as they no longer can face the Security Forces’ attacks.

“We should expect this type of attacks. Otherwise it will be a lonely battle by the Security Forces against the LTTE”, the Minister said.