Archive for November 17th, 2008

ITN Sinhala NEWS 2008 - 11- 17

Courtesy : Independent Television Network Ltd

Army Commander receives extension of tenure from C-in-C

His Excellency the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa today (November 17) extended the service of Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka for one year.

Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who is known to be one of the most battle hardened officers in the Army and an exemplary infantryman, became Army’s chief on 6th December 2005. Under his leadership, the Sri Lanka Army has been able to turn the tide in the Sri Lanka’s war on terror by liberating the Eastern Province from the clutches of LTTE terror. Starting from Mavil Aru in mid-2006, the Army has achieved historic victories over the terrorists at Sampur, Vakarai, Thoppigala, Silavattura, Madhu, Vidathalthivu, Pooneryn, and Mankulama battles.

General Fonseka sustained serious injuries when an LTTE suicide bomber made an attempt on his life on 25th April 2006.

The service extension given to Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka comes into effect from 18th December 2008.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

Troops overrun Mankulama: LTTE flee amidst heavy casualties- Mullaittivu

Troops of the task Force-3 flanked west of the A-9 main road at Vannivilankulama have entered the Mankulama area in Mulaittivu, following hours of heavy fighting with LTTE today (Nov 17) at around 2p.m.

Earlier, forward domination elements of the TF-3 on Sunday(16) surrounded the area engaging LTTE positions with indirect fire, Wanni military sources said.  Troops also had cut-off a stretch of the Mankulama- Oddusudan main road yesterday, the sources further said.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

Bodhi Puja in London to bless President and the Armed Forces

A special Bodhi Puja was held at Sri Saddatissa International Buddhist Centre in North London to bless the President H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and the Police on their historic victories in the Wanni.

President of the SLFP UK branch Mrs. Rani Bulathwela and all the committee members took part in the Puja.

High Commissioner for Sri Lanka H.E. Justice Nihal Jayasinghe, Mrs. Jayasinghe and many of the Sri Lanka High Commission staff attended the programme.

Chief Sangha Nayaka of Great Britain and the Head of the Vihara Ven. Galayaye Piyadassi Naya Thera and all the resident monks participated and the Bodhi Puja was conducted by Ven. Vanduramba Kassapa Thera.

Ven. Dr. Handupelpola Mahinda Nayaka Thera in his Anusasana said that, H.E. Mahinda Rajapakse has shown to the world the real way to fight the terrorism. Victory at Pooneryn was a historic achievement. Earlier all the leaders were saying that the LTTE is un-defeat able but with the correct political and military leadership our heroic solders and police personnel have shown that it was only a myth.

We wish our brave soldiers and their commanding in chief good health and long life so that they together can save Sri Lanka and its people from this un-necessary suffering.

Courtesy: Ministry of Defence

Mankulam captured

The entireMankulam area along the A9 road was captured today further cutting off supplies to the LTTE, Minister Keheliya Rambukwelle confirmed.

Courtesy: Dailymirror