Country dance in celebration

[TamilNet, Thursday, 14 May 1998, 23:59 GMT]
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) celebrated its success in impeding the advance of Operation Jayasikurui, (Victory Assured) in the Vanni, by staging a country dance -'Tholvi Nitchchiyam' (Defeat Assured) - in areas under its control west of Batticaloa, said sources in Batticaloa.

Operation Jayasikurui, launched by the Sri Lankan Army (SLA) to open the trunk road from Vavuniya to Kilinochchi, completed one year yesterday.

The Villages of Kokkaddicholai, Ambalanthurai, Iluppadichenai and others in the LTTE controlled areas were gaily decorated and the celebrations drew large crowds despite frequent showers, said sources.

Visu, head of the LTTE's Culture and Heritage Division in the Batticaloa District was present at the principal events, which included a video presentation of the battles of Operations Jayasikurui ranging from the LTTE's attack on the SLA at Thandikulam at the beginning of the Operation, to others which were more recent, said sources.

A video recording of engagements between the LTTE and the SLA in the East were also shown.

Meanwhile security in Batticaloa town and the adjacent areas were strengthened yesterday in fear of an attack by the LTTE to mark the first anniversary of Operation Jayasikurui.

The presence of the SLA was more visible than usual and checking at SLA and police posts in the town more rigorous despite the inclement weather, said sources.