| SRI LANKA WATCH |
| SAMPUR PAVES THE WAY FOR TALKS, SAYS GOVERNMENT
by Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema "No more attacks on LTTE targets" vows Keheliya With Sampur under security forces control and the threat to Trincomalee port neutralised the government would not launch any fresh ‘defensive’ attacks on LTTE targets, Plan Implementation Minister and Defence Spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday. Rambukwella told The Morning Leader that gaining control of Sampur would now pave the way for serious discussions on solving the ethnic conflict. He added that the government would not launch any fresh defensive attacks on LTTE targets unless they pose a security threat. "Gaining control in Sampur was not to gain ground but to neutralise the artillery points of the LTTE," he said. Rambukwella further said the intention to take control of Sampur was openly stated by the government and President Mahinda Rajapakse had even told the co-chairs that the government would neutralise the artillery positions in the eastern town. According to Rambukwella, the government waited for two years before launching the defensive attacks to gain control of Sampur, which was used by the LTTE as a launch pad to attack the Trincomalee port as well as pose a threat to two international firms operating in the country, with head offices in the Trincomalee port. Government troops are now consolidating its position in Sampur. MORNING LEADER, 6.9.2006 |