Vavuniya lawless: CJ intervenes

ISSN: 1391 - 0531 Sunday, February 25, 2007 Vol. 41 - No 39
News

Vavuniya lawless: CJ intervenes
By Chris Kamalendran

The administration of justice in government controlled Vavuniya has come to a standstill with hundreds of cases being put off.
Chief Justice Sarath Silva has made an urgent appeal to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to settle the crisis between lawyers and pro-government militant groups.

On Thursday and Friday more than 600 cases in the High Courts, District courts and Magistrate courts were postponed after the Vavuniya Bar Association charged that the Karuna faction and the EPDP were extorting money from them and threatening them with death.

The lawyers said the extortion demands often exceeded Rs. 100,000. Lawyers and judges in Vavuniya then sought the intervention of the Chief Justice to settle the crisis.

On Friday representatives of the Bar Association in Vavuniya along with High Court Judge R. Vishvanathan and District Court Judge Manikkawasagar Illancheliyan met the Chief justice.

The Chief Justice then contacted the Defence Secretary and sought an assurance that action would be taken to prevent armed groups from extorting money, a judge who took part in the discussions said. Accordingly orders have been given to the Police to take action to protect the lawyers.

One of the laywers had earlier complained to a judge about a militant demanding Rs. 150,000 and in turn the judge had informed the police. However, the following day the militant had called back the lawyer to say ‘why did you complain to the judge. He cannot prevent anything, but only conduct the inquest when I kill you”.

Karuna faction spokesman Azad Moulana denied the allegations while an EPDP official in Colombo said they were now in the main stream politics and not in the business of collecting ransom.

SLFP ponders expelling dissidents, as intra-party turmoil worsens

Speculation is rife in political circles in Colombo that two dissident Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) parliamentarians, Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, the sacked ministers, are to be expelled from the party, after Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse returns from his seven-day official visit to China on Sunday evening. The SLFP is the main constituent of the ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government, sources said.

The Sri Lanka's parliament is to meet on Tuesday this week as accusations on the alleged secret deal between some members of the ruling party and the LTTE prior to 2005 presidential election gathered momentum with detailed reports appearing on Sunday media.

Mr Samaraweera and Mr Sooriyarachchi at recent press briefings leveled several charges against the government corruption, and the pre-election deal with the LTTE.

Mr Sooriyarachchi has already informed the Speaker by letter his intention of moving a motion in parliament this week requesting to appoint a parliamentary select committee to inquire into the alleged secret deal.

The main opposition United National Party (UNP) has decided to extend its support for the motion on parliamentary select committee, sources said.

Meanwhile, SLFP sources said party hierarchy is expected to meet Monday to discuss the allegations leveled by dissident parliamentarians against Mahinda Rajapakse and his brothers and the course of disciplinary action against the rebels.

Minister D.M.Jayaratne is leading a group that it is determined to reconcile the conflict between Mr Rajapakse and rebel parliamentarians through talks.

Another section is demanding the expulsion of the rebels from the party, sources said.

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.

What Do Women Want?

Tuesday, August 29, 2006
posted by james

It’s a question every guy asks himself, every guy struggles with at some point or another, every guy desperately wants to know the answer to:

WHAT DO WOMEN WANT?

The answer isn’t easy to come by. There are as many answers as there are types of women: young, old; fat, skinny; talkative, quiet; beautiful…not so beautiful. They all want different things, different men for their different personalities. It’s enough to drive a man crazy! We want to know so badly what it is women desire that Hollywood addressed the age-old question with the movie "What Women Want" (which, I’m embarrassed to say, I enjoyed).

So, surely…there must be something ALL women want?

That’s the good news: There are certain qualities every woman can appreciate. And as men, that’s what we need to focus on most. Not on what we THINK they want, but on what we can KNOW they want. Maybe we think being 6′5", wealthy, and jacked like a football player is what every woman wants, but (thankfully) it’s not. Only certain women want that, and the groupies who only want a millionaire athlete on steroids usually aren’t even worth your time.

It’s better to focus on the girls YOU really want: the girls who make you feel good, and make you a better man. Empower yourself with a sense of choice, so that you don’t waste your time (and theirs) hitting on girls who don’t fit with your personality and purpose. The great news is, if you can provide the basic qualities that all women REALLY desire, then getting the girl of your dreams will be easy!

So let’s look at some things we can safely say women want in a man–regardless of his size, regardless of his looks, regardless of his wealth.

1. A demonstrative value. That is, women want to know that their man is someone other women would want. They want a certain "gotta have" quality about their man. This is why, when we go out with a girlfriend, women give us looks and always seem more interested. It’s annoying but true: the easiest way to get a girl, is to have one already!

Naturally, that doesn’t mean that you should be hitting on girls when you have a girlfriend. No way! But when you are single, it’s important to know how to show value. I’ve got a great lesson on this in my e-book that will show you everything you need to know: how to make her laugh, how to show a talent, and how to make sure she never leaves you.

There’s so much to learn, but in short, you want to be a guy girls love to be around, and that other girls want to have! If you don’t feel like you’re there right now, do your best to be a fun-loving guy who people enjoy being around. Be quick with a smile, and quick with a joke. Even a guy who smiles a lot can be someone girls want. Who doesn’t enjoy being around someone who’s happy, who lifts the mood of the room?

2. A man who needs her…but not too much. This can greatly value from girl to girl, but basically women DO want to feel appreciated. They just don’t want to be obsessed over. Guys, show interest in a woman, and make her feel beautiful and wanted…but don’t slave over her and make her feel like you can’t live without her. That’s just pathetic, and drives women away.

I wrote a blog on how women want to feel needed. Check it out now if you want to find out how to show your woman the right amount of love.

3. A feeling of security. Women want to feel safe with a man. They want to know that everything’s gonna be all right. This doesn’t mean you have to be huge and strong, or have millions in the bank. It just means you have to talk reassuringly to her, look after her safety, and assure her when she needs it that things are going to be OK.

It also means coming to her protection, when she needs it. If someone is being a jerk to her, stand up for her. If she’s being threatened, fight for her. Let her know that you will fight for her, and nothing will get in your way.

One of the best ways to make her feel confident that you will protect her, of course, is to be…

4. A guy who’s in shape. Okay, I said that you don’t have to be a professional rugby player to attract women, but that doesn’t mean you should let your body slide! Part of a woman’s evolutionary mechanism says that a man who is strong will protect her and the children, as well as produce strong children. Likewise, a man who is weak will produce weak children, and not be able to protect the family as well (if at all) It may occur subconsciously, but it’s there.

So show her your value by being a guy who’s well-built, healthy, and athletic. Join a gym, not just to get women but to improve your health and the way you see yourself. Join a martial arts class–who doesn’t like a guy who can kick some ass? You’ll feel better about yourself, making it easier to pick up girls, and her mating drive will only naturally attract her to you. It’s a win-win situation!

5. Someone who’s not boring. Doesn’t matter how good looking you are…if you bore a woman to tears, she’s not gonna stick around–or even give you a chance, for that matter. Be someone who smiles. Someone who’s quick with a laugh. Someone who doesn’t take life too seriously, who lets loose. That shows a lot more value than a guy who’s stiff and serious–even if he is good looking or wealthy. Believe me, there are lots of guys who have money, who have good looks–but are single, because they’re dull and not fun to be around.

6. Someone who’s good with her friends. You’ve seen it at bars: girls always look to their friends for their approval. Get their friends’ approval, and you get the girl’s approval.

Oftentimes it’s actually best to concentrate on getting to know the girl’s group of friends before you spend time talking to her. If you can make her friends laugh and enjoy your company, getting the girl you want will be a piece of cake!

I really like this piece of advice from Joseph Matthews, aka Thundercat, author of The Art of the Approach, in his free e-newsletter: "Meeting women when they are with their friends is WAY easier than waiting for when they are alone! This is because women with friends feel safe and relaxed, so their defenses aren’t up."

Furthermore, he warns that you’re not doing your chances any favors by waiting til she’s alone: "If you wait until she’s by herself to meet her, you’re walking into a situation where she’s going to be WAY more defensive than usual." So learn to be sociable, and just have fun with her friends! If you can make them enjoy your company, getting your "target’s" approval will be a piece of cake.

This is also where it’s good to go with girls in the same social network as you…you already have the approval of mutual friends. The book, Sex in America, says that 60% of married couples meet through friends, work, or mutual activities. For more information on using networking to your benefit, click here.

Finally, the trait all women REALLY want: 7. A man with a purpose. Believe me, women don’t expect every guy they meet to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, have more power than the mayor, and be more handsome than Brad Pitt. They don’t expect you to be wildly successful. But they DO want you to be headed towards success. They DO want you to have direction. They DO want you to be living up to your potential. And those aren’t bad expectations to have! Remember, "Behind every great man is a great woman." You may not be at the top just yet, but as long as you’re heading there, with goals in life, you’re bound to attract women. And more importantly, reach your own personal success.

I highly suggest you read "The Way of the Superior Man," by David Deida. It details the importance of having a life purpose, both for you and for your girlfriend or wife. The book also explains the very important idea that if someone doesn’t fit into your purpose, or detracts you from it, then she isn’t worth your time. As I said above, don’t just go for any old girl: go for the ones who fit YOU, and who make YOU a better person. That’s what we men should really want!

I hope all of this advice helps you out as you seek to improve yourself and attract the women who matter to you. Remember that it isn’t important to know what the bimbo who wants to spend all your money wants: it’s important to know what women who want to be with you want. Empower yourself by being choosy, and you’ll be sure to attract the woman who’s right for you.

TNA urges India not to provide warship to Sri Lanka

TNA urges India not to provide warship to Sri Lanka

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 28 February 2007, 16:04 GMT]

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) has urged the Government of India to desist from providing lethal military assistance to Sri Lanka. Referring to recent media reports that the Indian Government is to either grant or lease a large warship to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), the Parliamentary group of the TNA in a press release issued Wednesday observed that these reports have come against the backdrop of repeated assurances given by the Indian leadership, including the Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh, that the India, as a matter of policy, will not provide any lethal weapons to Sri Lanka.

SLN has a "long history of violence against Tamil civilians both at sea and on shore," the statement noted.

Full text of the press release issued by the TNA Parliamentary Group follows:

The Tamil National Alliance notes with much concern recent media reports suggesting that the Indian Government is to either grant or lease a large warship to the Sri Lankan Government’s Navy.

The Vikram class vessel, formerly of the Indian Coast Guard, is said to be presently serving with the Sri Lanka Navy as a temporary replacement for a similar ship provided by India in 2000, the reports say. The latter vessel, Sri Lanka’s flagship, is being refurbished by the Indian government, reportedly at no cost to Sri Lanka.

These media reports come against the backdrop of repeated assurances given by the Indian leadership, including the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh himself, that the Indian Government, as a matter of policy, will not provide any lethal weapons to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces.

These reports come at a time when the Indian Government has also been stressing to the Sri Lankan government that the Tamil National question must be solved by negotiations and not through a military option.

They also come at a time when the Sri Lankan Government, in the name of fighting “terrorism,” is openly waging a war against the Tamil people with genocidal effect.

Sri Lanka’s navy has a long history of violence against Tamil civilians both at sea and on shore. Since the early days of the conflict shelling by naval gunboats have destroyed coastal villages while navy personnel have massacred Tamil passengers on civilian ferries and been responsible for numerous human rights violations against Tamil civilians.

Under the guise of fighting the LTTE, the Navy routinely attacks and sinks Tamil fishing boats. Numerous Tamil fishermen from both sides of the Palk Straits are regularly killed in these attacks, which have been well documented.

The TNA urges the Government of India and all other foreign governments to desist from providing military assistance to the Sri Lankan Government as it will inevitably be used against the Tamil people.

TNA PARLIAMENTARY GROUP

Life As a Thai Sex Worker

http://www.sundayti mes.lk/070225/ International/ i501.html

Bangkok is a notorious destination for sex tourism. But the lives of many of the city's sex workers are full of danger, disease and the urgent need to send money home. Pim, who recently left her job in a go-go bar, has a typical story:

"I grew up in the countryside in Phetchabun, northern Thailand. My parents were farmers and I helped them in the fields. We were poor but we always had enough to get by.

When I was about 15, my family fell apart. My father always drank a lot, but it became worse and worse, and he started becoming violent. So my mother, sister and I moved out.

I wanted to study to become a nurse, but when my parents split up I had to leave school and find work as a day labourer, harvesting crops for local farmers. I didn't like it much, and it only paid 100 baht ($3) a day.

At about that time a good friend moved to Bangkok , and when she came back to visit she told me she was earning a lot of money there as a waitress. There was gossip in the village that she was doing something other than waitressing, as she was sending 10,000 baht ($300) home a month, but she always denied it.

She asked me to come with her, but at the time I was still 16 and too scared. A few years later, though – when I had given birth to my daughter, and my husband and I had separated - I changed my mind. I left the baby in Phetchabun with my mother, and told her I needed to earn some money in Bangkok. But I didn't tell her what I was doing - I still haven't. She'd be so ashamed.

'Can I do this?'

When my friend took me to a bar in Nana Plaza for the first time, I was really shocked. I'd never been to a place like that before, and at the beginning I didn't even know what the dancers were doing. When I finally realized, I couldn't take it and I walked out of the bar. I kept thinking 'Can I really do this?'

Initially I decided to work there just serving drinks, but the dancers earned a lot more money, and eventually I agreed to do that too. For the first month, the bar owners allow girls to get their full salary even if they just work as dancers. But after that you have to meet a quota of at least 10 customers a month, or your wages will be cut.

Prostitution is technically illegal in Thailand , but the law is very rarely enforced. Estimates of the number of sex workers vary from 30,000 to more than a million. Most Thai sex workers actually cater to local men, rather than sex tourists. Most prostitutes come from northern Thailand, while others are from Laos or Burma. Child prostitution and trafficking is also known to be a problem.

My first customer was a Western man in his 30s. It was scary and I really didn't like it, but I just kept thinking about the money. I couldn't wait for him to leave, and when he did I had a shower for a very long time. I started crying, and thought about what my parents would think if they knew what I was doing.

None of my customers ever asked me about my life; they didn't care. There was one time a guy asked me if I was okay, but I didn't know what to say, so I just looked away.

While I was working in the bars, I was often worried about disease, and also about safety. Some girls earned extra by going out of the bars with the men, but I always used a room upstairs as I was too scared of the risks involved.

My friend once went with a guy to his hotel room, and found lots of other men there too. She wouldn't tell me what happened after that, but she was shaking for a long time when she got back home. I also had some scary experiences myself. One time a Japanese man followed me all the way home at the end of the night, and he kept screaming at me. Taxi drivers can also be threatening to bar girls, and we would only dare go home in groups.

Looking forward

Despite these problems, new girls often arrive. Many customers prefer children or young girls, and the bar owners always encouraged us to recruit teenagers from our home villages.

Even though I got used to it in some ways, I always hated working in the bars. I made some good friends but there was nothing good about the life I was leading. I felt good about sending money home, but I didn't feel good about myself. Soon I was getting penalized as I wasn't getting enough customers.

That's when a friend of mine told me about Nightlight [a Christian charity offering training and employment for former sex workers, through a jewellery-making business]. Since I've started working there, my life is so much better. I don't earn as much as I did in the bars, but it's worth it, and people here listen to me and care for me.

I've now got the opportunity to look forward in life. I want to finish school, and study accounting, so I'll be able to pay for my daughter to have a good life. I wish I had never become a sex worker. I think some foreign men think it's okay to pay for sex here in Thailand, as they think the girls actually want to do this. But these men don't understand that most of us have no choice - we're just trying to earn money for our families, and waiting for a chance to leave."

- BBC

“Three (3) Decades or So Into Conflict Either Side Has Won Many BATTLES But the WAR Is STILL Lingering On.”

* Attack on Regimental Headquarters sends alarm signals
* President sends Basil on vital diplomatic mission as ceasefire anniversary nears

By Iqbal Athas
http://www.sundayti mes.lk/070218/ Columns/sitrepor t.html

It happened when the National Security Council was in session in Colombo last Wednesday — the first since President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka after his three-day official visit to the Maldives.

Tiger guerrillas directed a barrage of 130 mm artillery fire at the Army's 53 Division Headquarters in Kodikamam north. It came just minutes after senior officers of the Division lit the traditional oil lamp and when refreshments were being served. The occasion was the opening of the Regimental Headquarters of the newly-established Mechanised Infantry.

It is made up of three battalions – 3rd Sri Lanka Light Infantry, 9th Sinha Regiment and 4th Gajaba. They have been picked on the basis of seniority of the battalions in the Army. It is the latest addition to this elite Division which consists of reserve elements including Commandos and the Air Mobile Brigade.
A Lance Corporal died on the spot. The Brigade Commander of the Mechanised Infantry Division (MID), Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Nugera, a respected officer, was badly injured. He was immediately air lifted to Colombo for medical attention. Among others injured was Lt. Col. Sumith Atapattu, a battalion commander, Major Harendra Peiris, second in command of another battalion and two staff officers.
The guerrilla artillery fire from long range 130 mm mortars had come from four different directions. Of some 34 rounds fired, 17 of them had fallen in and around the conference hall of the 53 Division where the ceremonies were under way. In the resultant melee, Brigadier Srinath Rajapaksa, officiating General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 53 Division and another officer escaped narrowly. They hurriedly boarded a Russian-built BTR armoured vehicle.
The incident sent shock waves reeling down the security establishment for a number of reasons. Main among them was how the Tiger guerrillas knew that a ceremony relating to the opening of the Regimental Headquarters was being held. Enhancing this concern was the fact that the ceremony had been planned for a particular time and later put off by over an hour. Were guerrillas who had infiltrated the area giving the correct co-ordinates for those at the artillery positions, believed to be in and around LTTE-dominated areas near Pooneryn? Or, were the guerrillas using the services of elements in the security establishment, who had been paid handsomely for intelligence information? Or, was it a case of both? Top level investigations are under way.
The puzzle has deepened due to another factor. Two weeks ago, a highly-skilled Army rapid reaction motorcycle team was hot on the heels of an LTTE intelligence wing leader. At one point, they were forced to go by foot. By the time they cornered the guerrilla; he bit a cyanide phial and died on the spot. Troops found a collection of items — maps with locations of security forces positions, documents giving layout of camps and other papers. Why did the team leave their motorcycles and move by foot? They became aware that someone inside a camp had telephoned the guerrilla intelligence operative and warned him that a motorcycle team was out to get him. How it came about cannot be revealed.
Another important fact that emanates from last Wednesday's incident is that the guerrillas are still in possession of 130 mm long range artillery guns. Since the Army found that artillery fire into the 53 Division Headquarters came from four different directions, it is logical to assume that there are at least four guns. This is at a time when it was widely believed, following repeated official claim that air attacks had led to all guerrilla artillery guns being neutralized. During the phase of the Eelam War III, guerrillas directed 130 mm artillery from locations in Pooneryn at the Security Forces Headquarters (SFHQ) in Jaffna.
Similarly, in August, last year, the guerrillas directed regular artillery fire at the SFHQ in Palaly bringing all air movements, both civilian and military, there to a complete halt. This came as the guerrillas planned to lay siege on the Jaffna peninsula. Simultaneously, they also directed artillery fire at the Eastern Naval Area Headquarters in Trincomalee and the Air Force base there at China Bay. Repeated air raids in the north and the re-capture of Sampur led to the artillery guns going silent. This led to the belief that the guerrillas had lost their artillery capability. Now that the LTTE has used at least four artillery guns with some precision to direct attacks on the 53 Division Headquarters, it is no military secret to say that an artillery threat to the SFHQ in Jaffna still remains potent.
This is at a time when there is increasing proof of an LTTE build-up in the Jaffna peninsula. Whilst the Security Forces were focused on the East, the guerrillas were busy consolidating their positions in the North and planning for attacks. Yesterday the LTTE directed a claymore mine at a bus carrying troops killing a soldier and wounding five others in Jaffna. A civilian was also killed and another three were injured. Just a day before the artillery attack on 53 Division Headquarters, the Army recovered a large stock of C-4 explosives. The heartening aspect of this find was that information was forthcoming from the public in the area.
Major Attacks
Hidden inside an abandoned house at Sivan Kovil Lane in Tirunelveli were 600 kilogrammes of C-4 explosives. Two packs, each containing 15 kilogrammes, were coupled together with one detonating mechanism. There were 30 such packs though some of the weight included the metal boxes that contained the explosives. Also, found was a mobile telephone with some coupling devices — a clear proof that the guerrillas planned to detonate them using the cell phone.
It is likely the guerrillas were planning to use these explosives to attack troop positions or movements. An Army official said he would not rule out the prospect of one or more of the packs being used against a target for greater impact. Some of the major attacks in the past years show that the guerrillas have used different quantities of explosives during major attacks. Some examples: The attack on the Central Bank on January 31, 1996 — 1000 to 1200 kilogrammes were used. The attack on the World Trade Centre (through the Hotel Galadari premises) on May 10, 1997 — some 250 kilogrammes were used. The attack on Sri Dalada Maligawa on January 25, 1998 — about 50 to 75 kilogrammes were used.
A highly-worrying aspect of the recovery of such a large quantity of explosives last week is how they were brought in. Highly-placed Army officials say these were "definitely not old leftover when guerrillas withdrew but quantities that have been smuggled in recently." Land routes to the Jaffna peninsula remain shut with the closure of the Muhamalai entry-exit point along the A-9 highway. Thus, the only means of access is through the sea/lagoon surrounding the peninsula.
This brings to question the effectiveness of Navy patrols as against the the Sea Tigers, the LTTE’s ocean-going arm, which remains largely intact. Navy patrols have made some significant detections in the Palk Straits, the thin strip of Indian Ocean that divides Sri Lanka from southern India. Yet, there appears to be enhanced activity where most instances are going undetected. Intelligence sources say large quantities of medical supplies brought from Tamil Nadu have been landed in Pooneryn, Mannar and adjoining coastal areas.
Fears that the LTTE had established new hideouts in the Southern Indian coast and are operating largely unimpeded are raising serious concerns. This week, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard detected a consignment of explosives, steel balls and other hardware when they were about to be smuggled to northern Sri Lanka. A more disturbing find by the Indian authorities came last week.
Last Wednesday, the Indian Coast Guard intercepted an LTTE boat 20 nautical miles from the south Indian coastal town of Rameshwaram. They seized a suicide belt lined with explosives, an AK 47 assault rifle. ammunition and seven kilogrammes of a chemical that could be used in the manufacture of bombs. Three LTTE cadres and two South Indian nationals who were helping them were arrested. The find has worried security and intelligence agencies both in Colombo and New Delhi. Why is a heavily loaded explosive belt being smuggled to India and who could be the target? There is heightened attention particularly in the wake of the upcoming New Delhi summit of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) countries in April, this year.
In the past several weeks, highly placed Army sources in Jaffna say, the LTTE has intensified preparations in the peninsula. Those over the age of 18 years were being forcibly recruited for military training. One of their military leaders, Balraj has been visiting villages in the Wanni to address civilian groups. He has decreed that every family should volunteer one able bodied member to join the LTTE military wing. Those who had undergone military training were being deployed in their defence lines in Muhamalai. These lines are being strengthened with the addition of a third line of defence to fall back in the event they come under Security Forces attack. Kilaly and Nagerkovil areas in the Muhamalai sector have seen the deployment of increased guerrilla cadres. These sources said that pistol groups have infiltrated the peninsula to attack intelligence operatives and their suspected informants. Groups trained to lay mines and install improvised explosive devices have also been infiltrated into the peninsula.
Whilst focusing on the Jaffna peninsula, the same sources say, the LTTE was stepping up attacks in Vavuniya. They believe the move is intended to compel the Security Forces to commit more resources and attention to the area while they continue the build-up in the north and in the western seaboard of Mannar. To prove the point, the source gave some examples: In December, last year, the guerrillas had carried out 18 claymore mine and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. But in the first two weeks of January, this year, alone more than 20 such attacks have taken place in Vavuniya.
The Army's successes in Sampur and thereafter in Vakarai have seen a re-alignment of LTTE locations in the east, particularly in the Trincomalee district. Intelligence sources say they were now concentrating their cadres in areas north of Trincomalee. One such location, Kumburupiddy came under aerial attacks by the Air Force following this build-up. Some groups are said to have moved towards Vilgamvehera and surrounding areas.
Cadres who abandoned positions in Vakarai unexpectedly in the wake of heavy pressure from the Army, have moved to locations south of Batticaloa. The fact that they made a hurried exit from Vakarai was further proved when the Army this week recovered a cache of T-56 assault rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades, communication sets and other military hardware buried at a location in Echalampattu. Army Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols (LRRPs) that were operating behind the enemy lines before the re-capture of Vakarai had spotted a group digging trenches. Checks last week led to the recovery of the weapons cache.
Senior Army officials have already announced that they plan to now attack Toppigala. This is to rid the area of guerrilla cadres who had taken shelter in the jungles there after they were forced to flee Vakarai. The move has already led to an exodus of civilians from the village who want to avoid being trapped in a war. With lessons learnt in Vakarai, it is highly unlikely the LTTE will remain in large numbers to heavily resist the Army. They moved out of Sampur to Vakarai when it became clear it was about to fall. Similarly, they moved out of Vakarai, quite unexpectedly, when they realized they were cornered and would come under heavy pressure. The Army achieved one of their major objectives during their offensives in Vakarai. That was to prevent the LTTE from dominating a contiguous stretch of land both north and south of Vakarai. This would have enabled the LTTE to concentrate and consolidate their strength in a larger area in the east.
Important Milestone
However, another major objective, to break the offensive capability of the guerrillas was partially achieved. This is through the casualties the guerrillas suffered and some of the weaponry they lost. A lot remains as they have now shifted location and will continue to do so. How the guerrillas shifted from Vakarai to Toppigala has become the subject of a hot debate. The Army insists they used sea routes. However, the Navy argues with equal vigour that they escaped through land.
Be that as it may, when the Army moves from one location to another, the guerrillas keep shifting. That is the primary facet of a guerrilla war. Hence, the Security Forces would have a greater role to play when the Government's programme to resettle internally displaced persons in Vakarai gets under way. They would have to devise ways and means to prevent guerrilla infiltration and attacks. This is while contending with the rising threats in the Jaffna peninsula, Vavuniya, Mannar and holding newly acquired areas in the East will become formidable tasks.
However, a salutary feature in this regard is the record number of Army deserters who have returned to their bases taking advantage of the latest offer of amnesty. Encouraged by this and other key factors, the Army has embarked on important measures to strengthen its establishments. A fuller appreciation of this factor in the light of the new developments in the North and East, which will help the public discern the ground realities better and appreciate the enormities of the problems Sri Lanka is facing, is not possible in view of the ongoing Prevention and Prohibition of Terrorism and Specified Terrorist Activities Regulations.
These new developments come at a time when an important milestone in the country's history — the fifth anniversary of the Ceasefire Agreement between the LTTE and the Government — next week. Unlike anytime before, the contents of the CFA now remain only on paper as an undeclared Eelam War IV continues to rage.
Even if it is currently confined to the East, where there are no defined localities as confirmed by the CFA, its importance arose only after the re-capture of Sampur. Then Vakarai became important until the guerrillas gave up the area and fled. Soon, highly publicized coming events in Toppigala will be no different. Thus, battles to sanitize the East of LTTE presence will have to continue until the guerrillas are driven out and more importantly their military capability demolished. That is in the backdrop of mounting threats in other theatres in the north, the western coastal areas, the City of Colombo and principal towns. Fears of imminent attacks often lead to high security alerts. The latest such heightened security blanket in the City of Colombo and suburbs was introduced on Friday. On-the-spot checks by Security Forces and Police led to traffic congestion of a large proportion.
These developments come in a significant backdrop. With just days to go for the fifth anniversary of the Ceasefire Agreement, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent his brother and Special Advisor Basil Rajapaksa on an official mission to Japan. He left on Friday night. There he will meet Tokyo's Special Envoy to the Sri Lankan peace process, Yasushi Akashi and senior officials in the Foreign Ministry and the Government. The visit is on the invitation of Japanese Government. Japan is Sri Lanka's largest aid donor.
The Sunday Times learns that among other matters Mr. Rajapaksa will explain to the Japanese Government plans to introduce political proposals to end the ethnic conflict. In this regard he is also to discuss matters relating to President Rajapaksa's two pronged policy of carrying out development programmes simultaneously whilst the Security Forces continue their "war on terror."
Basil Rajapaksa undertook a similar mission to India last week on the invitation of the Government there. The significance of this mission was underscored by the presence in New Delhi of the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Alok Prasad. The normal diplomatic practice is for heads of missions to travel to their capitals when the head of state visit their country. However, this exception, Government sources say, undercores the importance. Mr. Rajapaksa met, among others, the Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and National Security Advisor R.K. Narayanan.
Before his departure to Tokyo, Mr. Rajapaksa also had a string of meetings with heads of Colombo-based diplomatic missions. That included Norway's Ambassador Hans Brattskar. President Rajapaksa appears to have launched a diplomatic initiative through his brother ahead of the fifth anniversary of the CFA. What it portends is not clear and may take time to unravel. But what is clear is that the guerrillas are digging themselves for bigger battles in the coming weeks.

Irfan Islaam