LTTE battered vehicles handed back to owners

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The remains of nearly 2,500 vehicles, burnt or damaged by the LTTE during the final stages of the battle in Pudukudirippu in 2009, were handed over to their owners by the government following the authentication of ownership.

The ownership of another 900 vehicles have been identified and will be handed over to the claimants in due course.

The process of handing over the vehicles to the owners is being coordinated by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and the Government Agent. Sixty Eight Brigade Division Commander Major General Jagath Wijethilake said a small number of vehicles cannot be identified and remain unclaimed.

The Major General said almost all vehicles belonged to civilians and most had been used by the LTTE.

“The vehicles had been taken by the LTTE forcibly and they were dumped or set on fire at the tail end of the battle.”

He said however none of the vehicles were in working condition.