Archive for September 15th, 2008
Fierce gun battle in Akkarayankulam, 18 terrorists killed, many injured [Updated]
According to the latest information received from the battlefront, hours-long gun battle ensued between security forces and LTTE terrorists from this morning, 15 September, in general area east of Akkarayankulam tank killing 18 terrorists and injuring many others.
LTTE terrorists are constructing an earth barrier along the Akkarayankulam tank - Terumurikandi road (East of Akkarayankulam) to delay the security forces’ movement towards Kilinochchi. Despite the heavy resistance given by the terrorists, troops have dominated a land stretch along the Akkarayankulam - Terumurikandi road where the earth barrier not exist.
LTTE terrorists are making desperate attempt to secure their defences in the area by reinforcing more LTTE cadres from Jaffna and Kilinochchi areas, defence sources in the battlefront said. Few LTTE teams being reinforced also suffered maximum damages due to heavy firepower launched by the security forces, troops confirmed by intercepting terror transmission.
Three security forces personnel made their utmost sacrifices for defending the motherland while 9 others suffered injuries, defence sources said.
Courtesy: Ministry of Defence
Sri Lanka has made significant progress in terms of breastfeeding
According to UNICEF Sri Lanka maintains a high rate for mothers’ breastfeeding their babies during the first six months of the baby’s life. UNICEF said that Sri Lanka has achieved a 50% increase in this number.Consistent breastfeeding of a baby results in good health and is a strong factor in preventing infant death.
Although there has been progress in the developing world over the past 15 years, only 38% of infants under six months of age are breastfed. This compares poorly with Sri Lanka’s 75%.
UNICEF says that recent scientific studies have found that education and support for mothers significantly extends the number of months that they breastfeed, and these measures are especially helpful in promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
In a developing country, a child who is breastfed is almost three times more likely to survive infancy than a child who is not, UNICEF’s Dr Renuka Jayatissa said.
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week in Sri Lanka (15-19 September), UNICEF, along with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), is recommending the provision of increased professional and informal support for breastfeeding mothers.
The aim of World Breastfeeding Week is to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life which yields tremendous health benefits, providing critical nutrients, protection from deadly diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and fostering growth and development. Continued breast feeding after six months, for up to two years of age or beyond, combined with safe and appropriate complementary feeding, is the optimal approach to child feeding.
Courtesy: Government Information Department
Air Force Chief visits Vavuniya Air Base
Air Force commander Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilake has visited the Air Force base in Vavuniya this morning, 15 September.
The Air Force commander has examined the existing security measures and directed the officials to take further steps to strength the security of the base. Air Marshal Roshan Gunathilake has given his gratitude to the airmen who have successfully averted the LTTE attack carried out by suicide cadres recently.
Courtesy: Ministry of Defence
Army Extends Warm Welcome to Jaffna School Sport Stars
Jaffna students who showed talents at National School Games 2008 received a warm welcome extended by the Army on their arrival to Jaffna on 12th September 2008.
The welcome ceremony was organized on instructions of Commander Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SFHQ-J) Major General G.A. Chandrasiri.
Students of Kayts St. Anthony’s College won the first place in drill competition defeating all school teams in the island.
Students of Manippai Hindu College, Manippai Girls’ Hindu College, Ramanadan College, Sandilippai College and Arunoda College displayed their sports skills during National School Games held in Colombo and earned wins for their schools.
Out of 300 participants, about 200 continued to stay in Colombo to participate in team games to be held in future.
Commander 515 Brigade Colonel J.J. Mohotti, representing SF-J Commander hosted a tea party for the students who returned to Jaffna at Thelippalai.
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Courtesy - SL Army
New Korean Ambassador Meets Army Commander
Newly appointed Korean Ambassador for Sri Lanka Mr. Choi Ki Vul, along with a few officials of the Embassy, paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka Monday (15) morning in his office at Army Headquarters, Colombo.
Army Commander, after receiving the diplomat and his retinue on their arrival to his office, briefed him about the ongoing humanitarian operations in northern areas where thousands of innocent civilians are trapped in the clutches of the LTTE terrorists.
Present situation of the east which is now in the fast development track after it was liberated by the Security Forces from terrorism was also briefed to the visiting ambassador during dialogues.
Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka presented a brief account on measures to be taken to establish peace in the Wanni areas when the Security Forces eliminate terrorism from those areas.
At the same time, steps that have already been taken by the Army to enhance welfare of Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) were also explained to the visiting diplomats. To mark his visit to the Army Headquarters, Mr. Choi Ki Vul placed his signature in the Visitors’ Book before leaving the Army Headquarters.
Courtesy - SL Army
