Wanni liberation enters decisive phase

From Ranil WIJAYAPALA in Mannar

MANNAR: The Security Forces engaged in the Wanni liberation operation, entered a decisive phase yesterday as the troops created the biggest ever military front to the LTTE in the western flank of Wanni with two Army divisions that independently operated in Mannar and Vavuniya linking together from southeast of Periyamadu yesterday afternoon.

With the successful completion of the liberation of the Mannar ‘Rice Bowl’ the troops attached to the 58 Division in Mannar made this strategic move, moving further towards North East of Mannar to link with the 57 Division troops operating South of Periyamadu.

“With the linkage of the two Divisions, infantry battalions engaged in the Wanni liberation operation created a 75 km long massive military front from the West of A-9 road in the Western flank of Wanni front,” a senior military official told the Daily News.

The troops attached to 57 and 58 Divisions have liberated 1,084 square kilometres in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu districts.

“With this move the Security Forces operating in the Mannar sector are now positioned some two and half kilometres South of Vedithalthivu,” General Officer Commanding of the 58 Division Brigadier Shavendra Silva told the Daily News.

With this move by the Security Forces LTTE cadres operating in the Vedithalthivu Sea Tiger Base have started to vacate the area as they have been convinced that they cannot hold that ground further, intelligence reports indicated yesterday.

Vedithalthivu is strongest Sea Tiger Base of the LTTE in the North Western coast of the country. The LTTE depends on it for their logistic support to the North and Wanni battle fronts.

“We will continue to keep the pressure on the LTTE further and will take measures to counter their attacks and take maximum killings,” Brigadier Shavendra Silva added.

The 58 Division operated in the Mannar front completed the operation ‘Rice Bowl’ with the capture of more than 120 square kilometres by Sunday afternoon.

“This is nothing but sheer dedication, commitment and high morale of the troops,” Brigadier Silva added.

General Officer Commanding of the 57 Division, Major General Jagath Dias told the Daily News that the latest move will make the future operations of the Western flank of the Wanni front more stronger.

“We could achieve this due to the commitment and dedication of ground troops and officials under the directive of the Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka and the Defence Authorities,” Major General Dias added.

The troops attached to 57 Division captured LTTE strategic location Periyamadu last week and advanced further west of Periyamadu towards Pallamadu to link with the troops of the 58 Division.

The 57 Division started its military advance from Thampani, and captured Periyapandi, Virichchan, Sinnapandivirichchan, Madu, Palampiddi and Periyamadu.