Artistes carry peace message through Adishtana Pooja
Shirley WIJESINGHE
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Artistes participating in the Adishtana Pooja yesterday. Picture by Rukmal Gamage |
The Adishtana Pooja by Sri Lankan artistes aimed at carrying the message of peace and harmony, goodwill and brotherhood and principally organised to clear the air regarding the ongoing humanitarian operations in the North to their protesting South Indian counterparts was held yesterday at Torrington Square with the participation of a large gathering of film and tele-stars and personalities in the art field.
The main objective was to create a true picture of the ongoing humanitarian operations in the North to rescue the innocent civilians trapped in the grip of LTTE terror, veteran actor Ravindra Randeniya, an organiser of the event stated.
A letter was also submitted to South Indian Cinema Artistes and Technicians through the High Commissioner of India following the Adishtana Pooja.
Highlighting the main objective of the event, Randeniya said artistes who have gathered there yearn for a peaceful country. This is the hope and aspiration of the people of this country.
He said whatever community be they Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher, had been under threat by the LTTE terrorists’ acts for more than three decades without exception. Today the artistes have raised their voice on their behalf.
There is no country which had been under the threat of terrorists’ cruel acts with assassinations of political leaders and veterans from all the fields, he recalled the bitter past where innocents suffered.
A message signed by artistes stressed that there is no genocide practised against innocent un-armed Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka.
Therefore it is highly unjustifiable to interpret the current humanitarian operation to liberate the Northern Tamils from the clutches of a dictatorial outfit as a kind of genocide against Tamil population.
The letter also explained the history of the LTTE and failed attempts of all Governments to negotiate peace with the outfit.
Courtesy : Daily News
Artists respond to concerns of Tamil Nadu counterparts
In response to the agitation campaign launched by the South Indian counterparts, Sri Lankan artists yesterday (13) conducted a peaceful demonstration and an “Adishtana Pooja” to show their solidarity with the Government of Sri Lanka in its mission to liberate the country from the clutches of terrorism.A large gathering of film and tele-stars and personalities in the art field participated at the occasion held at Torrington Square.
Explaining the objective of holding such an event, organizer of the event, Ravindra Randeniya said that this event will illuminate the real situation with respect to the ongoing humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka and make it clear to everyone that the operations are carried out to liberate the Northern masses from the tyranny of the LTTE.
A letter was also submitted to South Indian Cinema Artistes and Technicians through the High Commissioner of India following the Adishtana Pooja.
The participants of the event were of the view that South Indian artists are misled by pro-LTTE elements and stressed that the ground reality in Sri Lanka is furthest from the notions they hold.
They also highlighted that all the previous attempts made by the Government to find a solution to the national issue through negotiations with the LTTE failed on account of the intransigence of that organization and in particular a pernicious tendency to renege on agreements and abusing such periods to recuperate, rearm and recruit.
Courtesy: Government Information Department
Ensure safety of Tamils- Manmohan tells MR
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today told President Mahinda Rajapaksa to ensure the safety and welfare of ethnic Tamils as he met the Sri Lankan leader for the first time since the recent uproar over their condition in the island nation, the Indian media reported.
Courtesy: Dailymirror
‘Adhistana Pooja’ by Sri Lankan artists to enlighten South Indian counterparts
Sri Lankan artists are scheduled to stage a slogan free, peaceful demonstration today (13) in response to the agitation campaign launched by their South Indian counterparts, who earlier protested against the Sri Lankan Government’s humanitarian against the LTTE.
The main purpose of the demo is to show the real situation in the country, sources close to the artists said, noting that their South Indian counterparts were misled by pro-LTTE politicians in Tamli Nadu.
An open letter will also be sent to the Indian Government and the South Indian artists clarifying the actual situation prevailing in the country to waive off their fears.
In addition an “Adhistana Pooja” will be staged at Independence Square today with a simple lamp lighting ceremony urging sincere dedication to the national cause and to enlighten the India artists of the humane, tolerant and fraternal treatment of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, the artists will cordially invite the Indian counterparts to visit Sri Lanka and see for themselves the manner in which the Tamil community enjoys freedoms in multi-communal townships a fact which also bears testimony to the largely tolerant Sri Lankan way of life.
All artists are invited to be present on this occasion putting aside political differences if any
Courtesy: Government Information Department
Wanni Liberation speeds up; Terror chief to avenge Wanni civilians for his own demise
Sri Lankan Armed Forces are getting closer to their ultimate mission with increasing pace and vigor despite cynicism raised over their achievements by certain defense observers and political segments. Troops with the shared vision to rid the country of terrorism , have come to a decisive phase of their effort during last few days after outwitting the terrorists in each and every maneuver that they made at the battlefield.
Meanwhile, defense intelligence sources have found out that V. Prabhakarn, the psychopathic chief of the LTTE terrorists has ordered his followers to prepare for a counter offensive using civilians as a shield.
Devils point becomes unattainable for the terrorist
Army Task Force 1 spearheading at the West of the Kilinochchi frontage is just few miles behind Pooneryn, the final destination it has to reach to accomplish the immediate mission of the Force. The Task Force 1 was raised to dominate the Northwestern coast of the Island that stretches from Mannar to Pooneryn early this year. Thereby, the Force has to deny the terrorist use of sea lines of communication across the Palk Strait. Also, opening of a land route to Jaffna peninsula is the other important objective the Force has to achieve in its mission.
On Tuesday (Nov 11) troops reached Pallavi and Kiranchi hamlets sealing off the strategically vital Devils Point completely. The 15 km long land projection to the Indian Ocean - The Devils point has been a safe heaven for the Sea Tiger activities since the beginning of the LTTE. At present troops, are engaged in mop up operations towards the coast.
Troops negotiate great marshes South of Pooneryn
Meanwhile, Task Force 1 troops heading for Pooneryn along the A-32 road (Mannar- Pooneryn) are now successfully negotiating the large marshlands in the South of Pooneryn. The infantrymen of 12, 9 and 6 Gamunu Watch moved further Northwards across the marsh yesterday (Nov 11) and attacked LTTE positions causing heavy damages to the terrorists .
According to the battlefield reports troops have found 5 LTTE bodies along with 10 T-56 riffles after daylong clashes in Mulaikoduttavil and Pallai areas . At present , the shortest distance to the Nallur on the Pooneryn- Paranthan (B-69) road to the Task Force 1 forward boundary is just 4.5 Km.
Defense observers say that once the Task Force 1 cutoff the B-69 at Nallur and push its western flank further towards Devil’s Point, the remaining terrorists in the Pooneryn, Alenken , Vallaipadu and Veravi have no other option than to surrender or to meet elite Rapid Action Boats squadron (RABS) of Navy at sea. No land escape routes are available for the terrorists in these areas with the Army’s advance , they add.
Terrorists on the run in Kilinochchi
The 57 division troops operating on the eastern frontage of the Kilinochchi battlefront, are continuing to move towards Kilinochchi built up, the administrative hub of the terrorists. According to the ground information, the terrorists have already given up their interests in Kilinochchi and fast withdrawing towards the Vaddakachchi, Puthukudiyiruppu areas and into the Iranamadhu jungle.
Troops of 572 brigade have confronted with groups of terrorists in the Thirumurukandi area on Tuesday (Nov 11) and found 4 bodies of LTTE cadres along with 4 T-56 riffles and one radio communication set.
Terrain Changes for the Mullaittivu front
Meanwhile, Army 59 division soldiers who have been marching across the Mullaittivu jungle have entered into a different terrain after crossing over the northern boundaries of the Andankualm forest reserve.
Troops of 593 brigade reached Kumulamunai-Thannipurippukulam road that marks the northern edge of the Andankualam forest reserve on Tuesday afternoon (Nov 11) and liberated a western part of the Kumulamunai town. According to the battlefield reports, Infantrymen of 15 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (15 SLLI) destroyed 6 LTTE bunkers, while their comrades of 7 Gamunu Watch (7 GW) captured 6 LTTE bunkers. Also, infantrymen of 11 Gamunu Watch (11 GW) entered into the western part of the Kumulamunai built up and captured 15 LTTE bunkers. Both radio monitoring reports and ground sources confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists. Kumulamunai is situated just 13 Km south of LTTE’s last bastion in Mullaittiuvu and 4.5 Km west of Alampil Sea Tiger stronghold.
Meanwhile, troops of 592 brigade heading westwards on the Mullaittivu front has reached the outskirts of Ottiyamalai, situated just 5 Km east of Nadunkerni town. According to the battlefield reports , troops of 12 SLLI, 14 and 15 Gajaba Regiment (GR) have confronted with the terrorists in areas within 2-4 Km range towards east of Ottiyamalai built up on Tuesday (Nov 11).
Betrayal of Tamils
According to the recent intelligence reports, all key terror leaders, including Bhanu, Theepan and Luxman had abandoned their positions on the main battlefronts and fled into the rear areas. Reports have further revealed that a large umber of LTTE cadres under the leadership of Theepan, are currently undergoing training for a counter attack in the LTTE hiding areas in Mullaittivu.
As per the information provided by surrendered LTTE cadres and civilians escaped to liberated areas, LTTE leader has ordered the armed cadres to launch the planned offensive while forcing large number of civilians to the front with them. The intention of the terror chief is to get large number of Tamil civilians killed during the attack and to win international sympathy over their dead bodies, they further revealed. Also, the psychopathic terror chief has called his latest order an ideal punishment for the Tamils who failed to support his cause, they added.
According to the senior defense officials, the security forces have already taken measures to prevent any situation that would cause civilian casualties. They said that the LTTE has lost all their civilian supporters in Wanni and therefore it will soon lose its ability to hold the civilians as a shield. However, they refrained from making further comments over this issue due to operational security reasons.
Apart from the main battlefronts, Army Task Force 3 is gaining domination over A-9 road from Panikkankulam to Mankulam and towards the East of the road. The Task Force 2 are destroying LTTE hiding areas in the Pulliyankulam and Omanthai areas while the 56 division still maintains the active defense in the east of Omanthai.
Courtesy: Ministry of Defence
