News in brief

Soldier killed in explosion

One soldier was killed and two soldiers were injured in a claymore mine attack in Buttala yesterday.

A group of soldiers were travelling in a tractor along the Old Buttala Road when the explosion occurred.

Joint effort to fight terrorism

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to strengthen military ties in a joint effort to fight LTTE terrorists.

Indian Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, agreed to strengthen links in the current operations against the LTTE.

12 terrorists killed

At least 12 terrorists were reported killed during skirmishes between troops and the LTTE on Friday ahead of the Mannar and Northern defences.

At Muhamalai, three terrorists were killed and two soldiers were wounded when troops advanced into LTTE defence lines.

Claymore mine found

Security Forces yesterday found a claymore mine near the Basawakkulama Tank in Anuradhapura.

The powerful 10kg claymore mine was planted near the tank, close to the Ruwanwelisaya and Thuparamaya temples.

The Army Bomb Disposal Unit later defused the mine averting a disaster.

IIGEP decision regrettable

The decision by the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) to wrap up operations at the end of this month is hasty and regrettable, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights said.

The Ministry statement said the haste with which this decision was taken, especially when inquiries on two important investigations are ongoing is regrettable.