STF withdrawal from Ampaarai district commences

[TamilNet, Friday, 21 March 2008, 09:58 GMT]
The Special Task Force (STF) personnel camped in Ampaarai district for several years are to be withdrawn completely by the end of March according to Defense Ministry instruction, informed sources said. STF personnel stationed in main camps located at Akkaraipathu, Thirukovil and Koamari were withdrawn Thursday and the Sri Lanka Army has moved into these camps immediately.

Other camps used by STF personnel in the Ampaarai district would be taken over the Sri Lanka Army before the end of March. The STF personnel moved out from Ampaarai district are to be deployed at Anuradhapura and Keppetigollawa in the north central province.

The STF personnel withdrawn from Ampaarai district are expected to be deployed in northern warfront These STF personnel would be given the task of restoring civil rule in areas captured by government troops in the Northern Province, sources said.

Meanwhile STF Commander Nimal Lewke, who is also the Deputy Inspector General of Police has been transferred and posted as the officer in charge of the operation of northern region of the western province with immediate effect.