“SLAF Again Filed It’s Countering Attack against Flying Tigers”

(April 29, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Govt. has admitted that the LTTE launched an air attack on 26th night in the Welioya area, despite the Govt.’s categorical assurances earlier to the Nation that the Air Force has totally destroyed the LTTE Air power after its attacks in Colombo and Anuradhapura sometime ago, Lakshman Kiriella, UNP M.P. for Kandy District and Media spokesperson said.

According to Kiriella , “It is a matter for deep regret that the LTTE was able to launch its attack and escape, because of the Defence lapses and the lack of alertness of the Air Force. It is a very pertinent question as to how the LTTE was able to do the aerial bombing intruding into the territory in spite of the Air Force radar .? The Govt. which boasts of its Defence efficiency and its MiG aircrafts also could not counter or combat the LTTE attack!”

“It is very evident that the Air Force alertness was inadequate when the Madhu was attacked and the Muhumalai military debacle occurred. It is very disconcerting that in the engagement of our ground Forces with the LTTE in Muhumalai too there has been no Air Force support,” he added.

The UNP views these serious security lapses with grave concern, and urges the Govt. and the Air Force to act with absolute responsibility to ward off these LTTE attacks.
- Sri Lanka Guardian