Tigers release 4 POWs

[TamilNet, Monday, 28 February 2000, 09:00 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers have released 4 of the 15 POWs who were on a hunger strike since 10 February in Mullaitivu. The POWs were handed over to the ICRC in Mallavi around 2 p.m. said sources.

Three Sri Lanka Army and a naval personnel were released today, Mr.Harsha Gunawardene, the Spokesman of the ICRC in Colombo said.

The handing over ceremony took place at the Political Office of the Liberation Tigers at Mallavi.

The relatives and the released POWs left for Vavuniya at around 2.30 p.m., said sources

Following POWs were released:

• 1. Samarakoon Mudiyansalage Pahalagedera Anura, arrested by the LTTE at Pooneryn on 13.11.1993
• 2.Rajapakse Devalaage Malitha Srinaaga, arrested by the LTTE at Pooneryn on 12.11.1993
• 3.Herath Mudiayaansalaage Ranbanda, arrested by the LTTE at Pooneryn on 12.11.1993
• 4.Nambuvasam Epitakaduwagamage Vijitha, arrested in the seas off Mannar when the LTTE attacked and sunk SLN ship 'Sagarawardene' on 20.09.1994. He was the store keeper of ship.