SLAF fighter jets, MI-24 helicopter gunships made successive ground-support air assaults at identified LTTE resistance positions and mobile units in general area Paranthan, today (Dec 31).The air strikes were carried out since 12.30p.m, Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said. At 12.30p.m, MI-24 helicopter gunships made initial attacks at LTTE, followed by 2 consecutive raids East and South of the Paranthan junction at 12.45p.m., and 2.45p.m, respectively.The raids were concentrated at LTTE resistance positions while another attack was carried out at an LTTE command post and 2 vehicles fitted with anti-air craft guns in the Paranthan junction. The command post was destroyed along with a vehicle Spokesperson, Wing Commander Nanayakkara said, adding that the other vehicle was also damaged in the air strike.


An Indian weekly 'The Organizer' has revealed possible links between Lashkar e Taliba (LeT) terrorist group and the LTTE."There are now FBI confirmations of visits by LTTE top brass to Kabul. The LTTE, which is fighting a losing battle with the Sri Lankan Army, is looking to the ISI-Al-Queda-LeT for weapons," The Organizer website claimed.According to the website the Kerala-Tamil Nadu coast and Sri Lankan route is used by the Drug-Mafia for shifting drug raw material from largest producer Afghanistan to the processing factories in Central Asia. The LTTE and its leader Prabhakaran have been surviving for the past 25 years on drug money. They get arms in exchange of transfer and safe passage of drug laden ships and boats.There is an active smuggling link in the Kerala-TN Coast and Sri Lankan waters. Out of the two lakh odd fishing boats which venture into sea daily, more than 60 per cent cross the Indian waters and supply food, medicines, diesel, kerosene, batteries, etc. to the LTTE. The LTTE is now surviving on supplies from Kerala-Tamil Nadu coast.The website also said that there are intelligence reports that the Kerala-Tamil Nadu coastal route with Sri Lanka may be used by ISI-LeT to launch attacks in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The US based military strategy website, Strategy Page said, The LTTE attacks against the offensive campaign by the Sri Lankan security forces in their Northern stronghold so far failed , unlike during the last five to ten years, because the LTTE troops do not have a qualitative edge in the battlefield any longer.In an analytical piece the website in a December 30 issue said, attempts to push back the army with the LTTE's best soldiers left failed as "the soldiers stood their ground and stopped the LTTE attackers. That didn't happen 5-10 years ago, and is one reason why the LTTE are on their last legs. The rebels no longer have a qualitative edge on the battlefield." The website also added, "There are only a few bits of coastline where the LTTE can land stuff, so it's easier for the navy to catch the smuggling attempts."The website said, LTTE defenses consist of recently recruited fighters holding out in recently built bunkers. The morale of the LTTE fighters is rapidly declining, as is their battlefield effectiveness, the website warned. The following is the full text of the comment:"The navy blockade continues unbroken, despite desperate LTTE attempts to ship weapons and munitions in. There are only a few bits of coastline where the LTTE can land stuff, so it's easier for the navy to catch the smuggling attempts."The fighting around the LTTE capital of Kilinochchi is apparently attracting the best fighters the LTTE has left. That's because some army units have been hit with well prepared and led counterattacks. These were attempts to push the army back, but these offensive operations failed. Sometimes there were heavy army casualties, but the soldiers stood their ground and stopped the LTTE attackers. That didn't happen 5-10 years ago, and is one reason why the LTTE are on their last legs. The rebels no longer have a qualitative edge on the battlefield. "Advancing troops have captured an LTTE airstrip, hidden under nets and foliage. The army is advancing up the east coast, past the town of Mullaitivu, and down the east coast along the Jaffna peninsula. The LTTE defenses consist of recently recruited fighters holding out in recently built bunkers. The morale of the LTTE fighters is rapidly declining, as is their battlefield effectiveness."The government is also getting more information on the day-to-day whereabouts of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran. The air force is bombing these locations, hoping to kill or wound Prabakaran (whose death would be a major blow to the LTTE). In any event, the army believes they will have Prabakaran, dead or alive, with six weeks. While there's always a chance that Prabakaran will flee the island and attempt to keep up a terror campaign from exile, that is considered unlikely. Sri Lankan diplomatic efforts have gotten the LTTE declared an international terrorist organization, and it's unlikely any nation would allow Prabakaran to operate within their borders."


Both LTTE terrorists and the troops sustained damages in a confrontation in the NALANAWAKULAM east area around 09.30am yesterday (29).Meanwhile LTTE terrorists suffered losses in two different clashes in the PARANTHAN west area around 1.45pm and 3.45pm on the same day. The troops sustained minor damages in a confrontation in the ADAMPAN area around 6.00pm yesterday (29). Meanwhile few soldiers suffered minor damages due to an LTTE mortar attack in the same area around 3.00pm yesterday.


SL Army troops operating in the KULAMURIPPU west area expanded their forward defence line inflicting damages to the LTTE terrorists around 7.00pm yesterday (29). LTTE terrorists suffered losses in another confrontation took place in the same area around 09.30am on the same day. Meanwhile troops recovered 04 hand grenades in the OLUMADU area around 11.30am yesterday.

Air Force fighter jet planes launched six air strikes and MI-24 fighter helicopter a single air strike today (30) on LTTE targets in KILINOCHCHI and MULLAITTIVU districts.The following targets were accurately hit according to Air Force sources.The air strike in MULLAITTIVU South around 8.30 am was launched to support 59 Division, in PARANTHAN, the air strike was launched around 8.45 am in support of Task Force 01 around 9.20, the Air Force fighter jet planes pounded on LTTE targets at KILINOCHCHI west in support of the 59 Division. The Task Force 01 was supported on ground by an air strike at PARANTHAN west around 12 noon around 12.45 noon, 59 Division was supported by an air strike by fighter jet planes at MULLAITTIVU South and around 1.10 pm. The Task Force 01 was assured by an air strike at PARANTHAN.Meanwhile MI-24 fighter helicopter pounded on LTTE targets at MULLAITTIVU West around 10.45 today.

The Army was able to capture and consolidate power in the area westwards of KILINOCHCHI - PARANTHAN today (30) enabling them to broaden the FDL in the THADDUWANKODDY and KOMARIKUDAKULAM area. It is reported that the confrontations have inflicted heavy losses to LTTE including a large number of casualties. Subsequently 06 dead bodies were found by the troops.



Troops of Sri Lanka Army 59 Division are in the process of making another shocking maneuver on the battlefield dragging the LTTE further closer to its certain defeat. Battlefield reports reveal that troops of 593 Brigade are steadily marching towards North of Mulliyawalai, entering into the jungle area lying between Puthukkudiyiruppu and Mulliyawali.Heavy clashes have been reported between Army infantrymen and the terrorists in the North of Mulliyawali from 9 AM to 2.30 PM on Monday (Dec 29) as troop extended their forward boundaries further northwards. Intercepted terrorist radio transmissions have confirmed heavy damages to the terrorists during these clashes.Meanwhile, troops of 592 Brigade operating in the western flank of the 593 Brigade has made further headway on their flanking movement. Infantrymen of 12 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (12 SLLI) and the 14 Gajaba Regiment (14 GR) attacked terrorist groups in the North of Karurelankandal and Kulamuripu areas during daytime yesterday as they extended their forward boundaries further northwards of the A-34 road (Mankulam- Mullaittivu)Troops of 591 Brigade engaged in a northward move along the Alampil- Mullaittivu road confronted with a group of terrorists in the South of Chilawatte area around 9, last morning.Army 59 Division is currently operating closest to the LTTE's main military bastion in Mullaittivu town. The strategic focus of the Wanni counter terrorist operation shifted from the Kilinochchi front to the Mullaittivu front once troops gained total control over the western shores of the island. At present, LTTE terrorists are mainly confined to a triangular shaped area edged by the A-9 road from the West, A-34 road from the South and the northeastern coastal belt stretching from Mullaittivu to Nagarkovil.

Army Task Force 1 (TF 1) operating on the northern portion of the Kilinochchi battlefront yesterday (Dec 29) made further progress towards the strategically important Paranthan junction. According to the battlefield sources, some of the fighting elements of the TF 1 were just 2 km short of the junction from the West.Troops of 582 Brigade confronted with a terrorists group around 9.30, last morning in the general area Nivil and claimed heavy damages to the terrorists. Separately, troops of 583 Brigade attacked a terrorist group detected in the East of Nalanawakulam area around 3.45 PM. Ground sources claimed heavy damages to the terrorists. Also, snipers deployed on the forward boundaries, West of Paranthan confirmed shooting down of 2 LTTE cadres last afternoon.

The 'Q' Branch police on Saturday arrested an LTTE suspect who was allegedly acting as an agent of the LTTE in Chennai, the Hindu reported.Police said that the accused Ameer Anthony Paranthaman of Jaffna had planned to transfer communication devices and chemicals to Sri Lanka via Rameshwaram. He and his wife had settled in Chennai and were running a travel agency.According to an official press release, Ameer was apprehended at the Tambaram bus terminus and a satellite phone was seized from him.Upon interrogation, he revealed that he had received two consignments with eight GPS devices, three satellite phones, two cell phone repeaters and 500 kg of ammonium nitrate sent by two LTTE agents from Switzerland.Ameer had placed the communication devices and the chemical in custody of one Ashok Kumar of Acharappakkam.He was awaiting a green signal from LTTE members Kannan and Prakash in Sri Lanka to transport the goods to them via boat from Rameshwaram, said the release.Police seized the communication gadgets including GPS devices and satellite phones and the ammonium nitrate packed in 10 sacks.Ameer was later remanded to judicial custody, the press release added.Courtesy - Policy Research & Information Unit of the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka.
 

Five persons died when a suspected LTTE suicide bomber blew himself up after forcing himself into a Civil Defence Force checkpoint in Wattala a short while ago, State media reported. At least eleven people have been admitted to Ragama hospital, and three have been admitted to Colombo following the blast, said hospital authorities.

LTTE chief Velupillai Prabhakaran is still in hiding somewhere in Kilinochichi district and has not escaped to South India as speculated, Tamil political sources said yesterday.Amidst heightened military operations, Prabhakaran would not be able to move about freely, as he used to do, the sources said.`Prabhakaran believes he can achieve his goal of Eelam and therefore would continue fighting till the end. As his sister said recently, he would not abandon a mission once begun.`The LTTE has lost around 22,000 cadres since July 1983, when it stepped up its struggle for a separate state. It is now left with about 10,000 fighters, most of whom are concentrated in the Kilinochchi district, the sources said.The sources placed the number of Tamils under LTTE control at around 250,000, the majority of whom are in the Mullaitivu District.

Locally made heavy claymore mines were uncovered from Vavuniya area in a combined Army and Police search operation conducted yesterday, 24 December.The search operation was conduced in general area Paleyasakulam in Vavuniya and 5 locally made claymore mines were uncovered during the search operation.A 18Kg claymore mine, two 12Kg claymore mines and two more 12.15 Kg claymore mines are among the recoveries.
 


59 Division troops have entered the Mulliawalai township along the A-34 Oddusudan- Mullaittivu main road claiming soaring LTTE casualties after hours of heavy fighting that broke-out between troops and LTTE in the tactically important battle terrain since last evening (Dec 25).According to latest reports received from the battlefield, 16 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (16SLLI) regiment troops are now engaged in a fierce gun battle with LTTE in the area, today(Dec 26). Troops had to come across difficult ground where mobility was seriously limited, area military sources said. Terrorists have constructed long stretches of earth bunds, which were successfully negotiated by the advancing infantry battalions, the sources added.Earlier, on Thursday (25) soldiers captured an LTTE communication tower located North of Mulliyawali. According to Army media sources, "3 fortified overhead bunkers constructed in defence of the tower with a height of about 40 ft showed its significance to the LTTE in maintaining communication between their bases".An LTTE terrorist body and a communication set were also recovered by the troops from the same area during clearing operations conducted subsequent to the confrontations, yesterday.Terrorist resistances in Mullaittivu are disintegrating with the intense military amour, artillery and infantry assaults, Wanni defences sources said adding that the 7GW troops have also closed-in on Tanniyuttu, an LTTE stronghold located 3.5km further Northeast along the A-34 main road. The advancing troops were also assisted with close-combat air support provided by the SLAF jets and MI-24 helicopter gunships, military sources said. Terrorists being cutoff of both reinforcements and logistic supplies are receiving heavy beating from the advancing military flanks either side of the Eastern Mullaittivu battlefront. The capture of Mulliyawalai is expected to trigger the fall of Tanniyuttu, defence observes stated. The fall of Tanniyuttu is inevitable and this marks history with an expected double blow to LTTE in the 'boxing-day', and the fourth year commemoration of the 2004 Tsunami.Meanwhile, security forces have now gained control over a 9km stretch of the A-34 main road, along the Oddusudan- Mullaittivu main road. This is the first time ever that security forces have entered into the fringes of Mulliyawali and its outskirts, defence observers stated.More information will follow.
 

SLAF fighter jets made successive air sorties at identified LTTE strong points in general area Paranthan, Kilinochchi today (Dec 26) at around 7.30a.m.According to air force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, the air raids were taken at an LTTE communication center and a logistic base respectively. The aids were conducted in support of the advancing Task Force-1 troops, he further said.

Air Force fighter jets made precision air sorties at an LTTE training base located in general area Piramantalkulam, North of the Paranthan -Puthukkudiyirripu road in Kilinochchi, this evening at 5.15.The air strikes were made on precise information received, Air force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.



When there are only three days to pass the year 2008 during which Security Forces recorded remarkable victories against the LTTE, secretary defence Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera went to Welikanda in a bid to wish the troops in the east courage and strength to continue their service to the motherland in the oncoming new year.Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka who was already on a visit to the east welcomed the Secretary Defence and the CDS on their arrival and accompanied them to the Security Forces Headquarters-East (SFHQ-E) auditorium where Commander SFHQ-E Major General Srinath Rajapaksa briefed on the present security situation in the east.Secretary Defence who addressed the Senior Officers of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and the STF (Special Task Force) present at the auditorium issued further instructions on measures to ensure security in the east.Later, the secretary Defence addressing all ranks of the Armed Forces and the Police who gathered at the SF-E Headquarters premises commended their dedication to secure the integrity of the motherland and conveyed his New Year wishes to them.He also signed the Visitors' Book before leaving Welikanda.

Following days of heavy and intense fighting between troops and LTTE at the fringes of Kilinochchi, west of Paranthan, Adampan, Nevil, Puthumurrippukulam and Iranamadu since Tuesday (Dec 16), the terrorist mouth piece Nadesan has finally made acceptance of the probable fall of its main terror bastion township, Kilinochchi, but remained persistence of heavy resistance as battles are expected to shift for the eastern Mullaittivu theater.The terror propaganda chief unexpectedly crashed during an e-mail interview with the BBC service yesterday (Dec 22). "Even though Kilinochchi falls we will continue fighting", he was quoted replying to the news service. Earlier, the psychotic terror chief, Prabakaran in mid-November assured to defend its main garrison, while promising to stall the surging military offensives at Kilinochchi.Nadesan's cry comes in the verge of losing Kilinochchi and its satellite bases to security forces who have already breached sections of the LTTE built earth bund cum ditch, stretching from the outskirts of Paranthan towards Iranamadu. Terrorists were also left with soaring deaths and casualties as battlefield reports estimates over 170 killed and twice as many injured since last Tuesday (16). Troops of the Task Force -1 and 57 Division continued making good ground into LTTE territory amidst stiff resistance and heavy torrential rains in Wanni, security sources said. Mobility of heavy guns and troops were restricted due to the lashing floods the sources said adding that the string of air assaults had disintegrated LTTE concentrations in the areas further easing ground advances.Meanwhile, fighting had ensued in the western fronts of Kilinochchi for the forth consecutive day between 57 Div troops and LTTE yesterday (Dec 22) from 6a.m., till 6p.m. According to military sources, pitched battles were reported in areas South of Adampan, Puthumurrippukulam and West of Iranamadu. The infantrymen were also assisted with close combat air support provided by the SLAF strikers the sources further said.Over 50 terrorists were reported killed and twice as many injured ground sources said, citing intercepted LTTE communication. Troops have also uncovered 3 LTTE bodies during subsequent search operations conducted, the sources further added.Also, troops of the TF-1 now operating in general area Nevil have captured a stretch of the LTTE built earth bund reportedly destroying 6 LTTE bunker overheads while inflicting heavy damages in the duel from 7a.m., till 4p.m. According to military, snipers deployed in the area have also taken 2 successful enemy targets.

Troops of Task Force 1 (TF 1), who have thwarted the LTTE counter attack in south of Sinna Paranthan area last morning, continued their offensive towards Kilinochchi.Army snipers deployed in 582 Brigade have taken 14 targets while snipers deployed in 583 Brigade have also taken 14 more targets ahead of the own defence line in general area Nivil yesterday, 24 December, the military report received from the battlefront said.Meanwhile, troops of 57 Division continued offensive push on terrorists while adjusting their defence lines yesterday. Two more LTTE bodies were found along with two T-56 weapons and one T-81 weapon in search operations conducted in north of Akkarayankulam and Akkarayankulam areas.



59 Division troops have entered the Mulliawalai township along the A-34 Oddusudan- Mullaittivu main road claiming soaring LTTE casualties after hours of heavy fighting that broke-out between troops and LTTE in the tactically important battle terrain since last evening (Dec 25).According to latest reports received from the battlefield, 16 Sri Lanka Light Infantry (16SLLI) regiment troops are now engaged in a fierce gun battle with LTTE in the area, today(Dec 26). Troops had to come across difficult ground where mobility was seriously limited, area military sources said. Terrorists have constructed long stretches of earth bunds, which were successfully negotiated by the advancing infantry battalions, the sources added.Earlier, on Thursday (25) soldiers captured an LTTE communication tower located North of Mulliyawali. According to Army media sources, "3 fortified overhead bunkers constructed in defence of the tower with a height of about 40 ft showed its significance to the LTTE in maintaining communication between their bases".An LTTE terrorist body and a communication set were also recovered by the troops from the same area during clearing operations conducted subsequent to the confrontations, yesterday.Terrorist resistances in Mullaittivu are disintegrating with the intense military amour, artillery and infantry assaults, Wanni defences sources said adding that the 7GW troops have also closed-in on Tanniyuttu, an LTTE stronghold located 3.5km further Northeast along the A-34 main road. The advancing troops were also assisted with close-combat air support provided by the SLAF jets and MI-24 helicopter gunships, military sources said. Terrorists being cutoff of both reinforcements and logistic supplies are receiving heavy beating from the advancing military flanks either side of the Eastern Mullaittivu battlefront. The capture of Mulliyawalai is expected to trigger the fall of Tanniyuttu, defence observes stated. The fall of Tanniyuttu is inevitable and this marks history with an expected double blow to LTTE in the 'boxing-day', and the fourth year commemoration of the 2004 Tsunami.Meanwhile, security forces have now gained control over a 9km stretch of the A-34 main road, along the Oddusudan- Mullaittivu main road. This is the first time ever that security forces have entered into the fringes of Mulliyawali and its outskirts, defence observers stated.More information will follow.



Laying aside the bitter experiences of the arm conflicts over two decades, the Christian population in Jaffna peninsula celebrated the ascendant of most reverential Christmas since the midnight on 24th December till the dawn of next day.A special Mass had been conducted by the Jaffna Arch Bishop Rev. Father Thomas Ravundranayagam at the St. Mary's Cathedral - Jaffna. The Rev. Fathers of the Cathedral and over 2500 devotees participated in this special event. The troops in the Jaffna peninsula also extended their fullest co-operation for this event providing the necessary security measures, and shifting the Curfew hours completely under the guidance of Jaffna Security Forces Commander Maj. Gen. GA Chandrasiri.This historical and ceremonial occasion was broadcast to the world by the SL. Broadcasting Cooperation and it was telecasted as a recorded program by the SL. National Rupavahini on that day. By the independent views expressed to the media by thousands of gathering, it was revealed that the public in Jaffna peninsula enjoyed a huge mental relaxation as a result of the humanitarian operations conducted by the government troops for the liberation of innocent people. The troops and the present government were highly appreciated by the Christian population in Jaffna for creating a convenient atmosphere to celebrate their grate religious ceremony in a peaceful surrounding.The Christians living in the fishing villages such as Gurunagar and Pasivur also joined the Christmas celebrations very enthusiastically decorating their homes with colorful luminous bulbs. Instead of all these things the public in the peninsular highly admire the privilege of freedom and peace that they regained as a result of the dedication of valiant troops. So they wish a peaceful life for all the countrymen in this festive season with the blessings of the Jesus Christ.
Special mass to celebrate Christmas -Jaffna 




President Mahinda Rajapakse says the security forces will defeat the LTTE terrorism and safeguard the motherland to bring victory to all communities including Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim in this country. President also said the Tamil people who are trapped under LTTE terrorism in Kilinochchi will be liberated very soon. He made these comments at the passing out ceremony of army cadet officers at Diyathalawa Military academy. President Rajapakse also stated the humanitarian military operations are being carried out shredding the differences of religion, language and race by the security forces is well appreciated by all sectors of the Sri Lankan community. The security forces are marching towards the Kilinochchi amidst adverse weather conditions. The forces are engaged in humanitarian military operations with dedication and determination. 151 army cadet officers of intake 70 passed out today at Diyathalawa Military Academy. President Mahinda Rajapakse medals and shields to the cadet officers who have excelled in their performance during the training period. Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse, Army Commander Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka and senior military officers also attended this function.


JAFFNA: LTTE terrorists suffered damages in a confrontation in the PONNAR area around 4.15pm yesterday (25). Meanwhile, one frustrated LTTE terrorists surrendered to the troops in the same area around 08.55am yesterday.LTTE terrorists sustained minor damages in another confrontation in the MUHAMALAI area around 5.05pm yesterday (25). Troops also suffered minor damages due to an LTTE improvised explosive devise explosion in the same area around 09.00am yesterday. Meanwhile, troops operating in the KILALY area suffered minor damages in a confrontation around 3.10pm on the same day.


The government yesterday said it will not go in for a ceasefire during the Christmas and New Year season despite an appeal made by the Catholic and Anglican Bishops.Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director Lakshman Hulugalla told Daily Mirror that the government reiterated its stance that it would declare a ceasefire only if the LTTE laid down its arms to go in for a political discussion.“The government has categorically said that it would go in for a ceasefire only if the Tigers laid down their arms. Till then there will be no decision of a ceasefire,” Mr. Hulugalla said.Catholic and Anglican Bishops, yesterday called for a truce between the government and the LTTE during the Christmas and New Year period.The Bishops from Colombo, Kurunegala and the conflict areas in the North, request a period free from military action that will in turn benefit the civilians in the area while depicting a politically mature image of Sri Lanka to the international community.The Bishops in a statement believed that the season would be an ideal time for the restoration of the severed ties between the races, when persons from all faiths would be brought together in celebrating a holiday that inspires giving, sharing and forgiveness.The statement further requested the government to work in coordination with the ICRC and set up safety zones for civilians where they could be safe from the ongoing violence.Meanwhile, as fighting continues in the north, the military has vowed to capture the rebel stronghold Killinochchi soon despite Tiger claims that the army had suffered a debacle in its latest attempt to enter Killinochchi town.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said that military operations were going exactly as planned which is why the liberation of Killinochchi was not far away.“We are trying to capture Kilinochchi as soon as possible as our military operations are going exactly to what we had planned,” he said.


MULLAITTIVU: LTTE terrorists sustained severe damages in 06 different confrontations in the MULLIYAWELLI area between 09.50am and 3.20pm yesterday (25). After the clashes the troops have recovered one LTTE dead body with an I-Com set from the area. Troops also suffered minor damages in these incidents.Meanwhile, troops recovered one T-56 Assault rifle, 03 Magazines, 01 Pouches and 90 T-56 Ammunitions in a search operation conducted in the MULLIYAWELLI area around 1.15pm on the same day.LTTE terrorists suffered losses in an operation launched by the troops to expand their forward defence line in the MULLIYAWELLI area between 08.00am to 4.00pm yesterday (25). Troops also sustained minor damages during these incidents.LTTE terrorists suffered damages in two different confrontations in the KULAMURIPPU area around 1.20pm and 4.00pm yesterday (25). Troops also suffered minor damages in the clashes.The troops operating in the KULAMURIPPU area succeeded in capturing an LTTE Training Camp consisted with 10 Huts, 01 Lecture hall and series of Trench Lines around 1.00pm yesterday (25). Meanwhile, troops have recovered Over Head bunkers along with Communication Tower with a height of 40 feet from the same area around 10.00am yesterday.Troops have recovered four 81mm Mortar bombs and one 120mm Mortar bomb in the AMPAKAMAM south area around 1.30pm yesterday. Meanwhile troops suffered minor damages in a confrontation in the AMPAKAMAM north area on the same day around 1.30pm. LTTE terrorists sustained damages in a confrontation in the TANDUVAN area which is located in the north east of NEDUNKERNI yesterday (25) around 9.25 in the morning.
 



The veteran leader of the Dravida Munnethra Kazhagam (DMK) and Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu , 84 year old M.K Karunanaidhi has issued what appears to be a stern warning “to the supporters of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE)”. As reported in a leading Chenai based English Daily dated 26 December 2008 , the Chief Minister had said the “DMK government would not hesitate to take action against those who voice support and act in favor of banned organizations”. He is obviously referring to the LTTE which has been banned in India since May 1992 after the organization including the present leader and second- in- Command was found guilty of the brutal murder of the former Indian prime minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi by a LTTE female suicide bomber in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu on the night of 21st May 1991 when attempting to address an election rally at Siriperumbudur. The Chief Minister emphasized that: “The warning is applicable to all”.


An LTTE terrorist was arrested by the VAVUNIYA police with two cyanide capsules near the Hospital square on Wends day (24). Subsequently, according to the information revelled by the suspect in the interrogations the police recovered 12 Claymore mines and 05 Claymore mine stands hidden in the MURRUKAN area in MANNAR. Further investigations are being conducted by the VAVUNIYA Police.

In a career spent fighting the Tamil Tigers, Gen. Gerry de Silva (ret.), a former commander of the Sri Lankan army, learned a thing or two about information warfare. In campaigns in the north of the island, time and again he found himself confronting disinformation among the Tamil population.`It`s a disinformation program even to their own people, to their own cadre,` he told World Politics Review in an interview at his family`s home in the Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood of Colombo. The message was simple, urgent: `My god, the army is coming, don`t wait, for God`s sake go.``And you find the people, refugees, just carrying the clothes and the few little pots and pans that they had, evacuating their homes,` de Silva said. `I mean this is their propaganda. To say, `My God, these people are hell bent on genocide, wiping the Tamil race out, so for God`s sake escape,` and our problem of winning the hearts and minds of the people in those areas, in the rural areas, was a tough job.`The Sri Lankan army tried to `take a page out of their book,` he said. `We had a program on television, on radio, you know, and also the psy-ops part of it, where we dropped leaflets to the people, informing them about the operation. Also trying to tell them, `Look, we`re hear to liberate you.``That was a long time ago. De Silva commanded a campaign on the Jaffna peninsula in 1987 and retired as the commander of the army in 1996. These days, the information war has included hijacked satellite links, the broadcast of pro-Tamil Tiger television programs and, increasingly, the Internet.Support for both sides of the conflict has even found its way onto Facebook, where hundreds of groups pit the lion iconography of the Sri Lankan flag against the tiger emblem of the LTTE.Facebook groups `are serving as a major propaganda tool to further terrorist propaganda, and for glorification of terrorism, as can be seen by some FB/MySpace groups,` Navod Ediriweera, a Facebook user who administers a group dedicated to the memory of victims of a Tamil Tiger bombing, said in an e-mail. `Particlary in FB where people use `FB Events` to coordinate their protests, etc.`Users tend to be between 13 and 24 years old, he said, `but will continue to expand as social networking sites get more popularity with the older generation.`For pro-Tamil Facebook user Pragas Nanthakumar, networking sites `have provided us with the opportunity to show the cyber community the large number of people that are in favour of a separate homeland for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka.``It has also contributed to brand recognition, in that more people are now seeing the freedom struggle as being a just cause and are ignoring the anti-Tamil propaganda being dashed out by the Sri Lankan government,` he wrote in an e-mail. `It has helped us preserve our Tamil identity, and has helped the world recognize our voice as a separate entity from Sri Lanka.`Nanthakumar admitted that `both sides aren`t being honest` when they disseminate information from the island. But he pointed to the government`s ban on independent media reports from LTTE-held territory as an exacerbating factor. The ban has caused wire services to add disclaimers to their dispatches, even as the government closes in on LTTE sanctuaries in the north,. In recent weeks, communication lines have been cut to the Tamil Tiger areas, making it hard for the insurgents to get out their own message.The unverifiable information that inevitability comes out of the conflict area is subsequently spun by supporters one way or the other, spawning dueling narratives that play out in high-tech fora like Facebook but differ little from those prevalent during de Silva`s days of radio shows and leaflet ops. In the ensuing competition between the government`s war-on-terror story and the Tamil Tiger`s freedom-fighter line, the Tamil Tigers often get more attention, de Silva said.`Some of the Western psyche, the Western countries, they`re always for the underdog,` he said. `So with all the propaganda going around, they have sympathy with the LTTE and not with the Sri Lankan government.`Not surprisingly, the information war that has emerged from Sri Lanka`s 20-year insurgency teaches us as much about the importance of narrative in counterinsurgency as it does about the conflict itself.`We need a little data, but can`t get enough of stories,` said BJ Fogg, a Stanford researcher and author of `Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do.``Stories are a technology, not a high technology, but a biological technology, for remembering cause-and-effect relationships. Our brains are sponges for stories, and it`s very hard to undo a well-told story.`Brian Calvert is a freelance writer currently based in Southeast Asia, covering military and security affairs. His work has appeared in the New York Times magazine, Foreign Policy`s Passport, the Christian Science Monitor, Climbing Magazine and others.
Sri Lanka WORLD:: Sri Lanka`s Information War: Part III

In its leader editorial entitled , 'The Fall of LTTE's Last Bastion in sight' The Pioneer of New Delhi said that the Sri Lankan Army continued to make progress against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and predicted that the last bastion of the "terrorists" may fall before the year is over."The battle may now have entered a decisive phase," said the editorial which also added, "Kilinochchi is likely to fall soon and when it does it will be a big victory for the Government."The editorial said since the beginning of the conflict the government troops have made the most progress. When Kilinochchi falls it be one of the biggest victories of the government, the editorial further stated.The newspaper said it was right for the government to reject the LTTE proposal for a ceasefire since there can be no negotiations with terrorists who are wedded to mindless violence and have nothing to do with Tamil aspirations.





Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka accompanied by a few senior officers of the Army Headquarters, flew to Vavuniya Thursday (25) morning in a bid to take stocks of the ground situation in Wanni theater of war. Commander, Security Forces Headquarters Wanni (SFHQ-W) Major General Jagath Jayasuriya received the Army Commander on his arrival at the airstrip.During the review meeting held at the Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni (SFHQ-W) attended by Commanders of Divisions, Task Forces and Brigades, Wanni Commander appraised Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka and other senior officers of the advances and gains the Army has so far achieved in Wanni humanitarian operations.At the end of the meeting Army Commander gave necessary instructions to be adapted during future operations.




I was disappointed to read on TamilNet criticism of the US Government's programmes to help stabilise and develop Eastern Sri Lanka. Since there is no mechanism to respond to TamilNet, I thought I would use the Embassy's blog to respond to some of the incorrect assertions in the TamilNet article.US Ambassador Robert O’ BlakeFirst, a Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP asserts in the TamilNet article that Washington's purpose in our programmes for the east is to, "help Colombo make majoritarian inroads into the east." This is incorrect. We have specifically established the goal of fostering economic development, good governance and stability while preserving the existing ethnic balance in the east.It is well known that the east is one of Sri Lanka's poorest provinces and that poverty and lack of adequate economic opportunity are principal drivers of conflict. One of the best ways to address such poverty is to establish programmes that will link new businesses in the East with the country's principal markets in the western and other parts of the country. Indeed, USAID's Connecting Regional Economies programme in the East has five goals: *First: Support livelihood development for vulnerable populations; Second: Promote the development of agriculture-based value chains;Third: Ensure that groups in conflict-affected areas benefit from participation in these value chains and our other efforts; Fourth: Implement a workforce development strategy; and finally promote a business enabling environment.The Member of Parliament also alleges that U.S. development initiatives "take place through direct collaboration between the American agency and the ministries of Sri Lanka, sidelining the provincial council." This also is incorrect. While we of course coordinate with the Central Government as we would in any country, none of our money goes through the Central Government. Rather, it goes directly to U.S. and/or Sri Lankan organisations working in the east to implement our programmes.Furthermore, one of the goals of our "Supporting Regional Governance" programme in the East is to improve the capacity and Governance of the Eastern Provincial Council and Local Government authorities. Specifically, this programme aims to support and facilitate increased citizen engagement in Regional and Local Government, strengthen inter-community reconciliation, and promote social equality by, for example, promoting citizen interaction with Government institutions, and strengthening the capacity of journalists and media outlets in the East.Lastly, the MP alleges that America's programme in the east will only "add to the ethnic conflict in the island."He says "meaningful development of the east can take place only after a substantial political solution to the Tamil national question." We agree that a political solution is necessary, but we do not agree that meaningful development can take place only after a political solution is agreed upon.It is important to give the people of the east the opportunity now to obtain vocational training and sustainable private sector jobs. Such sustainable livelihood opportunities are an essential part of ensuring stability and development so that the Tamil, Muslim and Sinhalese communities in the East can rebuild their lives and cooperate with each other to help the East realize its potential.
 

Two LTTE sea tiger leaders were killed in an air attack launched by the SLAF MI-24 helicopter gun ships targeting LTTE boat movement this morning, 19 December.Air Force sources confirmed citing Electronic Warfare sources, two woman LTTE sea tiger leaders, Suhandini and Siran, were killed in the air attack launched around 11.45 am targeting LTTE boats in Kilaly lagoon area.One LTTE boat was completely destroyed while several others sustained damages due to the bombardment, Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said.

The LTTE has called all students in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts who have completed the recent GCE Ordinary Level examination to join combat training, latest military intelligence reports said.According to these reports, over 8,000 students sat for the GCE Ordinary Level Examinations in these two districts Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told yesterday's media briefing on the current security situation.Meanwhile reports from Northern parts stated that over 16,000 people from the Chavakachcheri area in Jaffna protested recently against Prabhakaran's activities demanding that the LTTE should give up terrorism and surrender."It is significant that these innocent people, aware of the reality are raising their voices in support of their own brethren trapped in Tiger clutches," Minister Rambukwella added commenting on these series of protests taking place in the Tamil community."Those so-called groups screaming for Human Rights must make a note of these events taking place among the civilians. These groups never protested against the LTTE terrorising people," he added."We doubt whether these groups ever bothered to send even a loaf of bread to these innocent people," he lamented."In addition, certain groups are trying to create a chaotic situation in the local political scene to undermine the military victories in the North," the Minister said.He stated that it was pathetic to find that certain media and political groups seeking satisfaction by highlighting the losses our Security Forces' face.

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets have carried out two air raids targeting LTTE strong points observed in Kilinochchi front today, 25 December.Air Force spokesperson, Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk said that the first air raid was launched around 10.30AM targeting LTTE defence line in west of Kilinochchi. The mission was launched to assist the troops of 57 Division.Meanwhile, the second air raid was launched around 3.40 PM at LTTE defence line in west of Paranthan in support of ground troops of Task Force 1.

   
FIGHTER JETS of the Sri Lanka Air Force conducted three air sorties on identified LTTE positions in JAFFNA and KILINOCHCHI this morning (24). The first air target of the day around 8.05 a.m. was an LTTE strong point in PARANTHAN junction while another LTTE point northwest of PARANTHAN junction was shelled around 10.00 a.m.. Simultaneously, LTTE Defence Line at MUHAMALAI was shelled by the jets around 10.00 a.m.. All air raids were successful, Pilots confirmed


ONE more airstrip of the LTTE terrorists with a width of 25 meters and length of 350 meters was completely brought under the control of the Army Wednesday (24) forenoon as the troops moved in further north of AMPAKAMAM in MULLAITTIVU. Subsequent to continuous offensive operations conducted by the troops of the 632 brigade commanded by Lieutenant Colonel SUBHASHANA WELIKALA operating under the Task Force-III commanded by Brigadier SATHYAPRIYA LIYANAGE, captured the LTTE runway in the jungle area about 2 km east of oldKANDYroad south of IRANAMADU. The well-constructed tarmac running from north to south had been secured with a deep trench line on either side. 20 SLSR (Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment) troops commanded by Lieutenant Colonel DARSHANA WIJESEKARA, after a risky walk across the land laden with claymore mines, booby traps and Anti Personnel Mines reached the tarmac from its western edge by Wednesday (24) morning. This was the third LTTE airstrip captured by the Army troops during WANNI humanitarian operations. 57 Division troops dominating PANIKKANKULAM area captured the first LTTE airstrip with a length of 500 meters about 7 km northwest of MANKULAM on 30th September 2008.

US president-elect Barack Obama on Monday (Dec 1) had stated that "sovereign nations have the right to protect themselves" against terrorism, revealed the international news media.

According to the media reports, Obama speaking at a Chicago Press conference told the reporters that his incoming administration would be fully committed to wipe out terrorism.

''What I can say unequivocally is that both myself and my team are absolutely committed to eliminating terrorism,'' he had said.

''We cannot tolerate attacks based on twisted ideology of hate...we will bring the full force of our military, economic and diplomatic power to defeat this. I will be monitoring the situation closely", he had added.

Commenting on the recent terrorist attack in Mumbai , India in which more than 170 people were killed , including 6 US citizens, he had told that his administration would "remain steadfast in support of India's effort to catch perpetrators and bring them to justice" .

"I expect the world community will feel the same way", he had added.

Also, media reports said that Obama had telephoned Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the weekend and said that Americans would "stand with the people of India in this dark time."

"I'm confident they're more resilient than the killers who would tear it down", he had stated.

Speaking further on his policy towards global terrorism he had stated that crisis in South Asia would be among the first issues to be occupied by his administration.

"Terror cannot be contained by borders. Last week ,we were reminded of the threat once again", he had stated recalling the Mumbai tragedy.

"In the world we seek, there's no place for those who kill innocent civilians to advance hateful extremism," he had added.



Sri Lanka Army Task Force 1 soldiers crushed an LTTE counter attack launched at their forward boundary south of Sinna Paranthan area this morning (Dec 24). According to battlefield sources, troops inflicted heavy damages to the terrorists.The terrorists tried to regain their lost battlefield fortifications located about 6 km west of Paranthan on the Pooneryn- Paranthan road early this morning with a massive ground assault supported with artillery and mortar fire. However, well prepared troops engaged the advancing terrorists with armour tanks, artillery and infantry causing heavy damages to the terrorists.According to the available information, at least 18 terrorists including an LTTE regional leader were killed while many others were injured. Intercepted terrorist radio transmissions have reveled that 34 LTTE cadres were wounded and 4 others went missing. So far , troops have been able to collect a body of an LTTE cadre while many others are still lying in front of their forward boundary.

Sri Lankan Air force fighter jets made 7 successive air strikes targeting LTTE defences and strategic locations in Wanni, since early this morning (Dec 20), as military sources confirmed heavy damages to terrorists. Heavy payloads were dropped with precision at identified LTTE positions, Air force sources said adding that the sorties were launched in support of Navy and the advancing Task Force -1 and 57 Division troops at the Wanni battlefront.SLAF MIG and K'Fir jets roared in the Eastern Mullaittivu skies since 4.30a.m., as close-combat air strikes were taken at sea tigers who were fleeing for shelter after withdrawing from a pre-dawn major sea battle with Navy off Mullaittivu today. An LTTE arms carrying vessel and 4 attack craft were reported destroyed in the sea confrontation with Navy this morning.Another air strike was launched at terrorists, 3km North of the Mullaittivu lagoon at around 5.30a.m., Air force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nananyakkara said.Meanwhile, the Air force strikers made more decisive bombings at terrorist strongpoints located East of Iranamadu junction at 7.20a.m., and 7.50a.m., respectively. At 8a.m., the jets raided another LTTE bunker line located west of Parantan supporting the surging TF-1 infantry battalions.Later, the Air force jets made two successive air sorties, West and Southwest of Kilinochchi at around 2.30p.m, the Spokesperson further said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today(Dec 22) called on the LTTE that to release all innocent Tamils it is holding hostage, in bondage and using them as human shields, with the dawn of 2009, and allow them to come to the safe areas provided for them by the Government and the Security Forces.Failure to do this would lead the Government to proscribing the LTTE with all its consequences for the terrorist organization and will ensure that 2009 is the true Year of Heroism for the troops and also see the wiping out of LTTE terrorism from the pages of history.He said the only enemy faced by the people is the terrorism of LTTE, and that he will not agree to any ceasefire that will strengthen the LTTE in any form.President Rajapaksa was addressing religious dignitaries, ministers, senior administrators and leading members of the private sector to thank them for the cooperation extended to the government in this year and to inform them of the progress of the military operations against the terrorism of the LTTE and state of the economy of the country. The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo.There is only one enemy in the country, and that is terrorism. The Sinhala people are not the enemies of the Tamils, as the Tamils are not the enemy of the Sinhalese. Separatism and terror is the enemy of all, be they Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims or Buddhists Hindus, Christians and followers of Islam. All people should come together in unity to fight the savagery of terrorism.He told the audience that the people of the country had given him and the government the strength top fight terrorism, and bring the LTTE to the weak position it is in today the strength to free the motherland from the grip of terror.`I will not agree to any ceasefire that will strengthen the LTTE in any form` he said.`The New Year 2009 will be the fourth year with the country under my leadership. There will be very decisive challenges in 2009, to face which there will be the need for the widest unity among all people. 2009 will be the year when the country will be freed from the menace of tiger terrorism. Many evil forces will conspire to prevent the victory against terrorism, but we shall overcome them all. There will be many attempts to create division, crisis and unrest in the country, all of which are targeted at helping the cause of tiger terror. Attempts will be made to create a negative public mood in the battle against terror. But, we will face the biggest challenges and obstacles to make 2009 the Year of Heroic Victory against Terrorism,` the President said.He called on all political parties and forces to unite with the government to defeat terrorism and take the country towards development. This is the message as to the NFF that voted with the government in the last budget, to the JVP that helped me in the victory in the last presidential election and to all patriotic sections within the UNP, too, who should preserve the honour and dignity of their party by joining the government in the great patriotic tasks that lay ahead.
Sri Lanka WORLD:: Free innocent Tamils or face ban - Sri Lanka President to LTTE

Intense fighting results heavy damages to LTTE - Kilinochchi Sri LankaTuesday, 23 December 2008 - 9:53 AM SL TimeShare On Facebook Lankan News RepliesIntense fighting erupted with troops and LTTE terrorists as the troops of 57 Division and Task Force 1 continued their offensive operation to breach the LTTE built earth-bund, the final obstacle and resistance point, few Kilometers away from Kilionochchi yesterday, 23 December.Following hours-long fighting reported in west of Paranthan, Iranamadu and Adampan area, troops have gained control over 2Km stretch breaking the LTTE`s earth bund in several locations. Troops continue their operation despite heavy resistance given by the terrorists.According to the available sources, forty-two terrorists were killed and fifty-five others were wounded in confrontations reported in 57 Division while fourteen LTTE terrorists were killed and thirty-two sustained injuries in confrontations reported Task Force 1.Ten army personnel have laid their lives for defending the motherland and forty soldiers sustained injuries in intense fighting ensued breaching the LTTE-built final obstacle

"We in Sri Lanka renew and reaffirm our committed to upholding the values and goals proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which also requires the elimination of terrorism in all its forms, ranking high among the threats to all civilized society", states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his message to mark the 60thn anniversary of the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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The LTTE has called all students in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts who have completed the recent GCE Ordinary Level examination to join combat training, latest military intelligence reports said.According to these reports, over 8,000 students sat for the GCE Ordinary Level Examinations in these two districts Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told yesterday's media briefing on the current security situation.Meanwhile reports from Northern parts stated that over 16,000 people from the Chavakachcheri area in Jaffna protested recently against Prabhakaran's activities demanding that the LTTE should give up terrorism and surrender."It is significant that these innocent people, aware of the reality are raising their voices in support of their own brethren trapped in Tiger clutches," Minister Rambukwella added commenting on these series of protests taking place in the Tamil community."Those so-called groups screaming for Human Rights must make a note of these events taking place among the civilians. These groups never protested against the LTTE terrorising people," he added."We doubt whether these groups ever bothered to send even a loaf of bread to these innocent people," he lamented."In addition, certain groups are trying to create a chaotic situation in the local political scene to undermine the military victories in the North," the Minister said.He stated that it was pathetic to find that certain media and political groups seeking satisfaction by highlighting the losses our Security Forces' face.

Reiterating his Sri Lankan counterpart President Mahinda Rajapaksa's observations on terrorism, Indian Premier Manmohan Singh asserted that "the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy is no longer...

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President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday reiterated that no force can reverse the unparalleled victories achieved by the Security Forces against LTTE terrorism as they are fighting a war setting an example to the entire world without facing a single drawback since the Mavilaru battle to the Wanni liberation operation

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"Every country has the right to defend its territorial integrity and it has become difficult to secure such if incidents (terrorist acts) are not adequately addressed, to...

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Speaking at the adjournment debate in the British House of Commons Minister of State of Foreign and Commonwealth office said the United Kingdom recognized the right of the Sri Lanka government's democratic right to fight the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE).

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Battlefield reports on yesterday's (Dec 20) counter terrorist operations in Kilinochchi indicate pitched battles between Army and the LTTE terrorists.



The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered the largest food consignment since October to the non liberated areas in Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts yesterday (Dec 23). The WFP in press release said that a vehicle convoy carrying 870 tons of food had reached Puthukkudiyuruppu. The WFP is considered to be the world's largest humanitarian agency and the UN's frontline agency for hunger solutions. Next year, WFP plans to feed 98 million people in 77 countries.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFE) today completed its largest delivery of food to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Vanni region northern Sri Lanka since humanitarian convoys began delivering food in October. The convoy delivered 870 tons of food, enough to feed over 230,000 people for a week, to Puthukkudiyiruppu.

Since the beginning of the food convoy operations, WFP - in co-operation with the Government of Sri Lanka and other stakeholders - has dispatched a total of 4,990 tons of mixed food commodities to meet the food needs of an estimated 200,000 to 230,000 IDPs. In addition, a total of 781 tons of rice, locally procured by WEP in the Vanni, is part of the overall food distribution.

Although WFP planned to send 750 tons of food weekly, delays because of technical, administrative and weather-related constraints (security, bad road condititions, flooding) have prevented the full requirements to be met.

WFP is fully committed to continuing the regular dispatches of convoys to the Vanni to ensure that the IDP needs are met, and is receiving consistent support from all stakeholders. This convoy was the eighth to be sent to the Vanni, A ninth one is under preparation with 829 tons of food - enough to feed about 230,000 people for one week.

WFP provides food assistance to 1.1 million people in Sri Lanka, including IDPs, school children and other vulnerable people.