‘Technology found wanting’

Rasika Somarathna

Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, admitted that sophisticated air technology had been found wanting when dealing with the two LTTE elementary aircraft, which engaged in a failed suicide attempt , as they had the capability of flying low and slow.

“It is a classical example which proves the saying that ‘technology does not always work’ ” the Minister added. However, the methods applied by the military in preparing air defence systems had also taken this aspect into account, with contingency manoeuvres, which was proved successful on Friday night the Minister said.

The F-7 interceptor fighter jets, air borne from Katunayake had not been able to target the Tiger light aircraft, as it had flown at a very low altitude around 200-300 metres, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said. But our specially trained gunners located at strategic points were enough to stop the low flying-craft, the Air Force Spokesman added. Minister Rambukwella further added that the defence establishment was aware of the existing threat at all times, although they had manged to dismantle almost 90 per cent of the LTTE’s military infrastructure.

The LTTE’s air capability created a security threat not only to Sri Lanka but also to neighbouring countries. On the other hand it also had the ability to create a fear psychosis among the people, the Minister observed.

Marking the destruction of the LTTE’s air capability as a significant victory, the Minister said that with the latest defeat the LTTE had lost their last hope.

Air Force Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara told the media that the Czech built Zlin-143 light aircraft had the capability of flying for three hours, one way.