Gen. Ratwatte visits Vavuniya

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 28 April 1998, 23:59 GMT]
Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte and Commanders of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces visited Vavuniya and areas of Operation Jayasikurui today, said SLA sources in Vavuniya. Gen. Ratwatte is said to have discussed the military situation with the field commanders.

Heavily armed Police and Army personnel were deployed along both sides of the A9 highway in Vavuniya and neighbouring Thanidikkulam, said sources.

Minister's visit is an indication that the troops of Operation Jayasikurui may launch another fresh offensive, said sources in Vavuniya.

The SLA made a fresh attempt to capture the strategic town of Mankulam in a three pronged assault last week. However, heavy resistance from the LTTE stalled the SLA advance.

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