Two SLA troopers injured in Valaichenai attack

[TamilNet, Monday, 29 May 2006, 15:44 GMT]
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Sri Lanka Army (SLA) troopers of the Kalkuda Army camp on Monday afternoon around 2.45 p.m. on the Pethalai road in the Valaichenai police division, injuring two SLA troopers, Valaichenai police said. Wijeyasekara, 34, and Jakath, 38, the two injured troopers, were rushed to Valaichenai hospital where they are being treated, added the source.

The gunmen, hiding themselves in the site, fired on the SLA troopers, wounding an Ottamvadi aluminium utensils trader as well in the shootout, sources said.

The SLA troopers deployed at several sites in this area immediately opened fire indiscriminately, assaulting several passers-by along the Pethalai road. The troopers also arrested many of the civilians and took them to the SLA Harbour Camp on the Kalkuda road, sources in Valaichenai said.

Tension prevailed in the area until dusk.

Valaichenai is located 28 km north of Batticaloa.