Army chief vows to eliminate terrorism from island

Colombo, Apr 14 (PTI) Claiming that LTTE has lost 18,000 cadres and most of its heavy weaponry in the fighting with security forces over the years, Sri Lankan army chief Sarath Fonseka today vowed to eliminate terrorism from the island nation and crush the Tigers' "dream" of a separate state.

"We have destroyed their (LTTE's) weaponry, planes and sea craft," Fonseka said in a message on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The army chief said the civilians held hostage by the LTTE have now begun to trust the humanitarian operations conducted by the security forces as he lauded the work of the armed forces in this regard.

"Hospitality, friendliness, kindness and other noble qualities shown towards the civilians on their arrival to cleared (government-controlled) areas have proved that we are a disciplined and friendly army," Fonseka said.

He said the army fought for nothing but to establish peace for all Sri Lankans. "Ever rising number of civilians reaching cleared areas .... Confirm this truth. Those who are still under LTTE detention will see their freedom soon."

>> Full Story