Fall of Thoppigala imminent, says Eastern Commander

Rasika Somarathne in Vakarai

VAKARAI: The fall of the only remaining LTTE bastion in Thoppigala is imminent, Eastern Commander Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya said.

The Major General addressing media personnel in Vakarai yesterday, emphasised the need for a vibrant civil administration in the area to ensure the smooth functioning of the day-to-day life of the people.

He said only five per cent of Thoppigala is in the hands of the Tigers and according to information, the LTTE was planning to flee the area amidst the impending military operations.

The resettlement of all displaced families in Vakarai is almost complete and the task would be over once certain infrastructure shortcomings are overcome, he said.

The resettlement of people in 79 Grama Niladari Divisions are to be completed in the near future, Major General Pannipitiya said.

The resettlement of people in the recently captured Grama Niladari Divisions of Porathivu, Vavunathivu and Pattipola will commence on May 14.

Eleven schools out of 12 are open at the moment and 11 SLTB buses ply to the nearby major towns in the area from Vakarai.

Other infrastructure facilities will also be developed soon, he said.