Correct leadership led to victory - Army Chief

Sunday Meeting by Shanika Sriyananda

Thoppigala, the last bastion of the LTTE in the East, has been captured by Sri Lanka's security forces, early last week. The whole mission to liberate the East, which was planned for a year was completed in a few weeks before the set time frame.

To some people, who do not know their history, Thoppigala will be a mere jungle but to the soldiers who fought to capture this large extent of land, is a major base of the LTTE, which had their air conditioned offices, hospital, armoury and large cemetery.

In an interview with the 'Sunday Observer' Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka said that the Sri Lankan military never had camps and control in Thoppigala. "We have documents, including the strength of the Army, operation orders and all other records taken from the 1980s, in the Army Headquarters. Anybody who wants to refer to them, we can show them", he said.

The Army Chief said that the correct leadership and orders given by the government had led the soldiers to victory. "We were exactly told what our job was and thereafter there were no interference. We were given the task of saving the people from the terrorist clutches. Basically, it was a humanitarian mission in the East", he said.

Here are the excerpts of the interview.

Q: What is the present situation in Thoppigala?

A: The whole Thoppigala area is under government control. We have destroyed all the LTTE camps in the area. Some of the remaining LTTE cadres including two the leaders Nagesh and Geham and their intelligence leader Keerthi have run away, to the jungle, towards the West from where they can run to the north to escape from the forces. We have blocked that area and now the commandoes are looking for them. The operation is almost completed. Now we are going behind those who are trying to run away. We know that there are nearly 200 LTTE cadres left in the jungle. We have blocked the jungle to prevent their escape. Only thing left for us is to look for them and do the mopping up.

Q: When did the military activities commence in the East to liberate the people from the Tiger clutches?

A: We knew after we captured Vakarai and Kadiraweli that all terrorists escaped to Thoppigala. So, we know before we go to Thoppigala we had to clear the area West of Batticaloa. Well, otherwise we did not clear the West of Batticaloa, where over 100,000 civilians are living in the areas such as Iththamale, Karadiyanaru, Vaunathiu, Unnichchiya and Ugam and went direct to Thoppigala, the terrorists would have gone down and mingled with the civilians. Then they would have got their food and medicine for their casualties easily. So, first we had to go to those areas and we stared clearing those areas from mid February and we finished clearing the areas by April 11. We cleared that area and captured Senkaladi Maha Oya A5 road. After we cleared the area, the STF established about 31 camps in those areas and all the civilians were resettled. After that all the LTTE cadres ran to the Thoppigala jungle. Then by the beginning of May we started going into the jungle. We planed the mission to be completed in two months and we completed the mission almost in two months.

Q: And how many days did it take to complete the mission to capture the LTTE's last point 'Tora Bora".

A: Out of these two months, we came to the outskirts of the Tora Bora after about one month. Attacking the place, capturing and clearing it took two months we came across. Lots of mines and open paddy fields. It was difficult for the soldiers to cross the paddyfields. We had to approach from different directions clearing the minefields. To go in and destroy all the camps in the Thoppigala it took nearly a month.

Q: The Armed forces have talked about capturing Thoppigala for so long and why did it take that long? Was it to minimise casualties?

A: Yes. There were two reasons. One was to reduce casualties and the other to destroy as many terrorists as possible. Otherwise, we could have gone in large numbers and just barged into these areas but then we would have suffered heavy casualties and the terrorists would have run into the other side of the jungle. Then we would not have achieved anything. The way we operated, we wanted to confront them and destroy them.

Q: What was their estimated strength?

A: Before we captured the Thoppigala West, I think they had a minimum of 1000 terrorists, including all those who had run from Vakarai and those who escaped due to STF operations in Amparai. When we cleared Batticaloa West before going to Thoppigala, 250 terrorists were killed and another few hundred would have been injured. When we went to this areas we knew at least 500 terrorists were left in Thoppigala. There again we confirmed that over 240 had been killed. The army had gone to a LTTE cemetery in Thoppigala and seen new graves where bodies were buried during this fighting. Then we handed over 80 bodies to the ICRC. while going through these figures we know that another 200 to 230 died in Thoppigala. A total of 460 died according to available data.

Q: How many military and terrorist casualties reported in the whole mission and how many LTTE cadres surrendered to the military?

A: In both operations in Batticaloa West and Thoppigala, 18 soldiers were killed and 60 were injured. And most of them had minor injuries and over 50 per cent of them have already gone to the battlefield. Over 100 LTTE terrorists have surrendered so far.

Q: Are there any child soldiers among them?

A: Earlier there were six girls who had surrendered one month ago. We knew there are another 100 in Thoppigala but we have not come across them so far. So, we do not know whether they have escaped to villages. At one stage, we allowed some parents to go into the jungle about three weeks ago but they never came and met us. We think some children may have come out because the areas adjoining Thoppigala have paddyfields and civilians are working and so there are possibilities for them to go through these areas and enter the populated areas.

Q: Did the military capture weapons and other equipment belonging to the LTTE?

A: Yes. We captured a whole lot. Two heavy 120mm mortars were among them. We have also captured rocket launchers, heavy guns, a large number of riffles, mortars and RPGs. There is quite a lot and still we are in the process of preparing the list. Radios are also among the stock. It is too early to give the whole list.

Q: What is the progress of de-mining activities in the East?

A: It is still continuing. There are lots of mines, especially all over the areas around Thoppigala. Basically in other areas we have completed clearing the mines.

Q: Are there any chances for the LTTE to recapture Thoppigala? What are the new security measures taken to prevent such attacks?

A: Not at all. Not during Prabhakaran's lifetime. I do not think that the LTTE can do any more recruiting in the East. They have lost their name in the East and also after this operation people have lost their faith in the LTTE. Everybody knows that Karuna has a way of operating and they also have the influence over the people in the East. They are also communicating with the people. If the LTTE wants to fight in the East, now they have to come all the way from the North and start fighting. So I do not think it is viable.

Q: Did the military recover any equipment belonging to INGO in Thoppigala too?

A: Yes, the military have found some tents, the blue tents used by the UN and also some life saving jackets. There were few items here and there.

Q: What is the secret behind the recent success of our security forces?

A: The reason is basically we had the correct leadership and the directive from the Government and the President. We were exactly told what was our job and after that there were no interference. We were given the task of saving the people from the terrorist clutches. Basically, it was a humanitarian mission in the East. The government had given us very clear orders to carry out the humanitarian mission. President gave the directives as the Minister of Defence through the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. We were told what were our limitations. Our objectives were very clearly set. After that there were no restrictions and no pressure or interference from the government and we had our own objective and time frames to work out. We thought that one year could be a possible time frame for us but we completed the operations weeks before one year. We started the whole mission in July 26 last year and finished it by July 11 this year.

Q: Do you think the Thoppigala victory is a morale booster?

A: Yes. Thoppigala is a large area. It is about 750 square kilo meters. It is like the land area from Colombo to Kalutara and going in to the interior of Horana. The military never had any control in this area. Although people are saying that there are paddy fields and there is nothing special in capturing Thoppigala it is a great victory for us. Various comments are made about this area but we know the situation in these areas because we were in the same Army at the time these people say that the government had total control in the East. We are referring to the period between 1992 and 1993. In 1992 I was working with the Operation Branch of the Army Headquarters. So, I knew exactly where the camps were and the detachments at that time. In 1992, Commander Algama was the Eastern commander and in 1993 I went to Welikanda as the Brigade Commander. Thoppigala is South of Welikanda and Vakarai is in the North of Welikanda. At that time we vacated Vakarai, Kadiraweli and then went to South of Mavil Aru. We vacated all these areas in 1992 because our troops who were walking on the roads in Valachchenai and Manampitiya were ambushed almost every other day. So, Algama found that troops were not enough to guard the roads. So, he closed down those camps in 1992. Now we have captured these areas after 15 years. Various people will say we had total control in 1992 but we never had control of the North of Valachchenai. When I was the brigade commander in 1992 in Welikanda, We did not have any troops in Thoppigala but we had them in the East of Thoppigala just close to the main road of Batticaloa Valachchenai main road, there was a place called Kulipanchigal, where we had a another brigade headquarters. The Brigadier Commander was General Seneviratna and there we had three camps. We did not have any camp in Thoppigala, Tharavikulam, Barons Camp and Makkamulla. And that's the area that we have captured now. People who do not know their history, I don't know whether they knew there was an Army at that time. In 1994, they withdrew troops for the reason which I told you now. There were no camps in Thoppigala or Marakkamulla. We had no camps in 'Tora Bora' complex which was Karuna's headquarters. We have documents, including the strength of the army, operation orders and all other records taken from 1980s, in the Army headquarters. Anybody wants to refer them, we can show the proofs.

Q: In which way did the security forces contribute to the humanitarian operations in the East?

A: After capturing Vakarai, Kadiravweli and the Batticaloa West, where over 100,000 people are living, within a month or two people were resettled. Because we do not want people to suffer in refugee camps and we do no want people to remain as IDPs for a long time. Before resettling them we ensured that all the mines were cleared. We have put lots of efforts to clear the minefields. Then we found that roads were in a very bad state in these areas under LTTE control and hospitals were not functioning properly. Schools were also not in a proper state for children to study. The school buildings were collapsing and no furniture and other facilities were available for schoolchildren. The bridges had collapsed and there was no electricity. The Army has helped a lot by clearing mines, constructing bridges and roads. The humanitarian operations are coordinated by Mr. Basil Rajapaksa who is spending lots of his time handling these activities in the East. We are assisting them as much as possible in resettlement work and issuing Identity Cards. Initially, the civilians did not have food and clothing. The military have been supplying them food and clothing with enough resources. Even, for the New Year we gave them kavum and kokis worth Rs. 400,000 from the Army funds. So we are looking after them as much as we can.

Q: Do you think that defeated Tigers would try to disrupt normal city life through their terror activities?

A: We have destroyed their camps. But there are a few LTTE terrorists who are doing intelligence operations living with the people. The people do not like LTTE militants to go on fighting. Still, there are may be 100 or little more left in the East. They will try to terrorise people but we are very strong in the East now. They cannot do it for a long time. We are operating well and Karuna has lots of supporters in the East. They are also looking for LTTE cadres. There is competition there in the East now and since the Army has destroyed their powers in the East it is very difficult for them to operate there.

Q: Do we have enough strength to man this territory?

A: Yes. All the places we captured we are holding them firmly and we are very strong. We have deployed about 6,000 additional troops to defend these areas we have captured including Thoppigala. We know how to hold it. We will ensure that we hold it firmly. Still we have troops to operate in other areas. Even when we are doing this operation we did not deploy the whole Army in this operation. We have a very good plan and we know how to get man power.

Q: Terrorists have vowed to attack major economic and military targets to cripple the economy. What are the security measures taken to prevent such attacks.

A: Even before this time and during the Ceasefire Agreement, the LTTE were saying that the 'Eelam war 4' will be fought in Colombo. But were they able to do that ? What they were able to do was only a suicide attack on me and the Defence Secretary. And two bus bomb blasts aimed at innocent people. That is all they could do. So, Thamilselvam has been talking out of turn like that. I do not think he has the capability of doing this in the future. Because they are becoming weaker and weaker day by day. They are desperately trying to go on fighting and they have the habit of threatening and try to intimidate. Though they know that they are incapable of doing that they still think that they can create panic and frighten people by boasting. Still they have not learned to control their tongues.

Q: What are the plans for future?

A: The government has a definite plan to end the problem by a negotiated settlement. Political aspirations or what ever, we work under the same principle and policy. At the same time the Government has clearly said that terrorism would not be accepted at any stage. They have said that the unitary state, sovereignty and integrity, all these are main areas that should be protected. We work under these principles and whenever we find that these principles are not adhered to, we have to go forward and face it. We did that in the East and it is applicable to the whole country. So our future plans will be based on that.

Q: Do you plan to felicitate our soldiers who participated in the Thoppigala victory?

A: Yes. We have a system where people are rewarded with gallantry awards. We do not have tamasha to celebrate each and every victory. The Army will put things on record and will issue appreciations for regiments who took part in the mission. They will be rewarded for their contribution. The Government already issued a statement saying that. We do not expect any financial rewards or anything.