SL Navy destroys an LTTE Arms Vessel - Dondra Point

The SL Naval patrol units foiled an LTTE terrorist attempt to smuggle a cache of arms and explosives in the seas 185 Nm, off 'Dondra Point'-Matara, today(28) morning.



Fishermen in the area said that they heard two large explosions from the above mentioned area, as they were making towards the land.

The vessel sailing in deep seas around 185 nautical miles off 'Dondra Point' without a flag was detected by the Navy around 04.30 a.m. today(28). The ship had completely ignored the warning shots fired by the Navy patrol craft to stop. Instead the vessel had opened fire towards the Naval units. Subsequently the Navy retaliated with gun fire at the suspected vessel at about 08.30 a.m.

It is now confirmed that the vessel had illegally carried weapons and ammunition for the LTTE. The LTTE's continuous attempts to acquire weapons and ammunition during the past failed, due to measures taken by foreign countries. This incident is a clear indication that the LTTE has not stopped their attempts in procuring arms and ammunition to continue their terrorist activities.

The sinking of this vessel comes at a time when the LTTE has suffered humiliating defeats against the Security Forces.

Naval intelligence units believe that the whacked LTTE movement comprising a cluster of terrorists boats yesterday(27), to be a diversion plot to make in routes to the LTTE arms vessel, apprehended further down south today(28).

More information will follow.