Mangala and Sripathi assisted the Katunayake attack- Govt

Mangala and Sripathi assisted the Katunayake attack- Govt

(LeN-2007 March 26, 7.45pm) The government charges that carelessness of the UNP and revealing information about MIG air craft by Sripahti and Mangala assisted the LTTE to launch this mornings attack on the Katunayake Air Force base.

Addressing the media at the media centre for national security this evening minister of media Anura Priyadharshana Yapa and Minister Jeyeraj Fernandopulle made the above charges.

The ministers say that they suspect of a conspiracy or a connection between Sripathi and Mangala disclosing information and the attack carried out by the LTTE.

The duo did not answer any questions raised by the media such as; weren�t the air force able to track the air craft on their radar system and why wasn�t the air craft attacked even when it was carrying out aerial attacks. They said that a special committee has been appointed regarding the attack and that if any information is revealed it could hinder the investigations. They say that once the investigations are over all information pertaining to the attack would be disclosed to the media adding that the government has nothing to hide.

The minister of media said the MIG fighter jets was the target of the light air craft that laid bombs to the Katunayake air base this morning adding that 2 of the 3 bombs had blasted. He also thanked the air force for being able to foil a possible massive devastation by acting bravely during the attack.

The minister also said that they suspect whether those in South wanted to disclose any information to the LTTE as they were shouting openly about various things that were important to the National Security. He also charged that the previous UNP government should be held responsible for their negligence in allowing the LTTE to build the air strip in Iranamadu and for allowing to smuggle parts of the air craft to the country. The media minister also says that several parties are now attempting sling mud on the government based on the attack.

He said that the air force has appointed a five member committee to investigate the attack while the CID has also launched a separate investigation into the bombing.