We are now quite close to Kilinochchi - Army Chief

Ranil WIJAYAPALA

Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka yesterday said that Kilinochchi will certainly be the next target of the Security Forces as all the gates were opened for Wanni and Kilinochchi liberation with the regaining of Thunukkai and Uyilankulam, two of the most tactically important towns west of Mullaitivu district.

“Mallavi located just two kilometres east of Thunukkai will also fall very soon with the capture of Thunukkai,” Army Commander Lt. General Fonseka told the Daily News last night.

Currently troops are operating just two Kilometres southwest of Mallavi. Thunukkai and Mallavi are among the most favoured hideouts of the Tiger leader Prabhakaran as these two towns provide much needed luxurious facilities for his clandestine life.

“The Security Forces will be in a much advantageous position in the Wanni liberation once we capture both Thunukkai and Mallavi towns. Troops can either move towards Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi or towards Omanthai,” the Commander added.

The Army Commander said the Security Forces have so far have performed exceptionally well in the liberation of Wanni and the North and added that they will be able to achieve the next steps of liberation of the North very soon fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the Government and also of patriotic citizens.