Lankan forces killed civilians, claims LTTE

By T.V. Sriram

Colombo

Oct. 25: Sri Lankan Army intensified their pressure on the rebel stronghold of Kilinochchi, destroying bunkers, as Tamil Tigers on Saturday claimed that the advancing government forces had launched an artillery barrage on a village, killing two civilians.

"Sri Lankan Army carried out artillery barrage last evening targeting Siva-nakar, a village 7 km west of Kilinochchi. In this attack former cooperative society manager Sinaiya Ramalingam (68) and his son, a schoolteacher, Ramalingam Vijiyananthan (32) were killed," LTTE said in a statement.

The pro-Tiger website "Tamilnet" said the two were shifting to a safer place when the attack took place, in which a tractor driver narrowly escaped death. The Sri Lankan defence ministry reported heavy fighting in four places around Akka-rayankulm, Iranamadu, Kokavil and Kalmadu areas, all close to the rebel stronghold of Kilinochchi. It did not provide any details of casualties, in keeping with the new government line.

"Troops of the 57 Division operating east and west of the Akkarayankulama Tank bund, Kilinochchi, made further strides into LTTE positions inflicting heavy damages to LTTE," the ministry said. According to the military, two separate confrontations were reported in general area of Akkar-ayankulama while sporadic fighting were also reported northeast of the same area.

—PTI

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More than 76,000 hit by floods

Colombo, Oct. 25: Sri Lankan authorities have intensified relief and rehabilitation measures following flash floods that have affected more than 76,000 people across the island country. Arrangements have been made to provide relief through government agents to flood victims, resettlement and disaster relief services minister Rishad Bathiudeen said.

About 18,082 families comprising 76,760 persons have been affected in Kalutara, Gampaha, Matara, Galle in the west and Puttalam districts in northern Sri Lanka. —PTI