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LTTE launch another attack on Kilali

P Mohan Das

Even as President Chandrika Kumaratunga held an 'urgent crisis management meeting' with the opposition United National Party to explain the latest security situation in the aftermath of the military debacle in Jaffna, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have launched another attack on a naval base in Kilali.

The outlawed Voice of Tigers radio said in its night broadcast yesterday that the militants have mounted an attack on the naval base on the south-eastern coast of Jaffna lagoon. However, the defence ministry has not said anything about the fresh attack after two days of the running over of the Pallai military base.

Meanwhile, the LTTE today handed over bodies of 42 soldiers killed in Pallai when the military base was lost. The army authorities said only 14 men, including one officer, were killed in action at Pallai.

Sources said the president explained the security situation to United National Party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe during a one-and-a-half hour meeting held at the president's official residence this evening. The president asked the opposition to co-operate with her, saying she expected the UNP to act as a responsible opposition.

The President also told the opposition leader not to believe in rumours and requested him to get in touch with the government for correct details on casualties.

After the meeting, UNP Chairman Karu Jayasooriya said the president confessed that the situation was "very grave" and stressed the need for crisis management.

Asked whether foreign assistance to crush the LTTE was discussed, Jayasooruiya said, "We did not discuss the issue."

Deputy Defence Minister Anirudha Ratwatte, the defence secretary and the president's secretary also attended the meeting. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Karu Jayasooriya and secretary Gamini Attukorale represented the UNP.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT:
Speculation about Indian role to end Lanka crisis denied

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