Five heavy caliber guns found in Vellamullivaikkal

Sandasen Marasinghe in Vellamullivaikkal

Troops conducting a search operation in the Vellamullivaikkal area, including the beach, where almost 300,000 civilians were kept hostage by the LTTE during the last stage of the humanitarian operation, recovered five heavy calibre artillery guns. A130 mm artillery gun and two 120 horse power boat engines were excavated by troops at Vellamullivaikkal beach.

Sixty Eight Brigade Division Commander Major General Jagath Wijethilake said the weapons were found in the ‘No Fire Zone’ where the LTTE kept the civilians as human shield in the beach close to the ship Fara – 3.

He said these weapons and two gun careers were used to attack the Forces until the very last. ‘Those weapons were conventional weapons used by standard forces, stated the Major General . He also said the use of such deadly weapons is clear proof that the LTTE terrorists had used these weapons without showing any consideration of the safety or security of civilians in the No Fire Zone.

Maj. Gen. Wijethilake further said these types of heavy weapons are purchased between statesther. He added that it is clear the LTTE had dealt with illegal weapons dealers with the funds they accumulated from the Diaspora overseas. He also said whatever the allegations made by the international community, the LTTE had been violating various regulations during the operation with the support of various organisations. He said another three such guns were found in Udayarakattu recently.