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Threat to others too: Rajapaksa

B. Muralidhar Reddy

Calls for concerted action to defeat terrorism

COLOMBO: Close on the heels of the first air attack by the Tigers, Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said the LTTE air attacks are a threat to "other countries too".

In his remarks to an all parties representative conference to take stock of the situation, Mr. Rajapaksa said at a time when "terrorism manifests itself in different ways, the LTTE's air strike capability would become a threat to the international community". Late on Monday night, he told the leaders that the LTTE had used the ceasefire to enhance its offensive strength in all aspects.

"Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar did much to enlighten the international community about it. Accordingly, we have periodically informed it of this situation. Even after I became the President, we have very clearly briefed the international community on the dangers inherent in the LTTE's possession of two aircraft. Thereafter, we targeted several of their airstrips."

Mr. Rajapaksa said whenever the LTTE had launched attacks, it tried to achieve its target by drawing the attention of the people and the Government away. but the Government took steps to increase security and fortify certain locations.

"We are not alone in facing the terrorist threat. India and Indonesia too have similar threats. At a time when terrorism manifests itself in different ways, the LTTE's air strike capability would become a threat to the international community."

He said the terrorists had failed to achieve their targets due to the vigilance of the air force and asked them to pay attention to the activities of certain groups who try to give wrong interpretation.

"We have done much to liberate the people from terrorism and bring in peace. I believe all of us should achieve a consensus on the national question. Unfair criticism of the security forces and security related information is an obstacle to our attempts to defeat terrorism."

Massive strike

The military said the air force carried out a massive strike targeting the LTTE bases in North of Mannar, North of Puliyankulam and South of Thoppigala on Monday and Tuesday.

"An LTTE intelligence wing's base at Kanagarayankulam, North of Puliyankulam, in Vavuniya was pounded by SLAF fighters this afternoon," it said.

Besides a sea tiger base and an LTTE camp were also destroyed. The third target was the LTTE base at south of Thoppigala. "Sri Lanka Air Force confirmed that none of its fighters were damaged due to the LTTE's attack on Monday and these simultaneous air strikes launched this afternoon implies nothing happed to the fighting capabilities of the air force as it is reported on pro-LTTE web sites," it said.

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