27th August 2000
 

The pre-poll mood in the battlefield

 

From one comrade to another

The pre-poll mood in the battlefield

More so with billions of rupees being poured into a fresh effort in the aftermath of last November's debacles in the Wanni and this April's troop withdrawal from the Elephant Pass Defence Complex.

Coupled together, these events and the Tiger guerrilla seizure of chunks of territory in the Jaffna peninsula, have all contributed to become one major setback to war efforts under the People's Alliance Government. Even a prolonged censorship has failed to hide the grim reality.

If the polls are being held in this backdrop, it is no secret that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), has seized a three month long lull to re-equip and re-train their cadres. This is whilst retaining limited strength in their bunker lines and carrying out nuisance attacks on the security forces to keep the pressure up.

There have been reports of their acquiring unspecified new defence items together with sophisticated communications equipment. If the news of the newer acquisitions have come through intelligence channels, radio intercepts have confirmed the use of new communications equipment.

Whether it is a propaganda ploy or not, intelligence circles last week learnt of other preparations. There were reports of large scale collection of coffins. Incredibly enough, another report spoke of rows of graves being dug in two specified areas in the north eastern part of the Wanni.

It is not only the fresh LTTE preparations that have drawn the attention of the security forces. They have also been closely scrutinising LTTE actions against the security forces, particularly after the debacles at Elephant Pass. In this regard, one factor that has continued to baffle them is how the LTTE acquired a single 130 mm artillery piece.

The fact that the LTTE used this piece of artillery effectively came to light quite by chance in May, this year. 

This was when both artillery and mortar fire rained on the Sri Lanka Navy's Base at Kankesanthurai, the Security Forces Headquarters and the adjoining Palaly airbase.

The artillery fire temporarily stalled the working of the KKS port, the main supply point for all military cargo. 

Similarly, landing of aircraft was temporarily stalled after artillery shells began to fall on the runway.

Security forces originally believed that the artillery fire came from a 122 mm gun which was seized when Tiger guerrillas attacked the Mullaitivu military base in July, 1996. However, examination of an unexploded shell gave the show away. It was not a 122 mm artillery gun but a 130 mm one. How did the LTTE acquire a 130 mm artillery gun ?

The question still remains uppermost in the minds of security forces top brass. Army officials insist they have not lost any of their 130 mm artillery guns during any LTTE attack. Did the LTTE smuggle the long barrelled gun through the north eastern seas ? At a top level conference, Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Cecil Tissera, ruled this out altogether.

It was both a big and heavy weapon. It would have been a logistical nightmare for the LTTE to smuggle it. Moreover, he was of the view that with Navy patrols around the north eastern waters, bringing in such a big weapon was not possible. However, some sections of the security establishment were still of the view it may have been brought through north eastern seas.

"Unlike small arms, smuggling in such a big weapons through the port or airport is out of the question," one high ranking defence official, who spoke on grounds of anonymity said. "Its almost like trying to smuggle an elephant through the Customs," he pointed out.

But the threat of this artillery gun no longer is a cause for serious concern. Security authorities have put in place many counter measures as part of a process of modernisation in the past weeks have enhanced the capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

The Army has acquired Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL) from at least three different countries and have put them into effective use.

Though the rockets fired from them are increasingly expensive, there is no doubt it had not only stalled LTTE advances but also caused considerable damage. Even last week, intelligence sources say, infiltrated LTTE cadres have been contacting civilians in the Jaffna peninsula to ascertain the locations where MBRLs are placed.

The Navy's role in future offensives against Tiger guerrillas have been bolstered by the arrival this week of two Israeli built off shore patrol craft. The purchase of these twenty year old vessels was the subject of controversy early this year after reports that the Russian Federation had offered brand new versions at a lower cost.

Navy personnel have already received training in Israel and piloted the two vessels to Colombo via the Suez Canal, Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. These two SAAR 4 class vessels were two of a fleet of four used by the Israeli Navy as 'Komemut' and 'Moledt' and have now been branded as '701' and '702' by the Navy. It is equipped with sophisticated on board weapons systems including capability to fire missiles.

With a longer endurance, the two vessels, Navy officials say, will curb LTTE weapons smuggling into the north east coast from international waters.

Since the acquisition of four MIG 27 interceptor jets, the Sri Lanka Air Force, has been continuing a series of sorties against LTTE targets. With a low flying capability, they are known to have hit LTTE positions in the north eastern coastal belt and Wanni. 

The arrival of two more Kfir interceptor jets has further enhanced their capability.

It is in this backdrop that Deputy Defence Minister Anuruddha Ratwatte took time off the hectic political programmes in view of upcoming elections, to make an overnight trip to Jaffna last Wednesday. 

He was accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff, General Rohan de S. Daluwatte, Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Tissera and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Donald Perera.

The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Jayalath Weerakoddy, was away on an official programme in the United States.

Conspicuous by their absence were top Army officials. This was in view of the change of command. On Thursday, Lt. Gen. Srilal Weerasooriya relinquished command as Army Commander. He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Lionel Balagalle who assumed office at a colourful ceremony at Army Headquarters on Friday. (see story on this page).

The military build up is primarily in response to the improved weapons capability of the LTTE which largely contributed to the Elephant Pass debacles and the military reversals in its aftermath. On the other hand, it is also an indication of the Government's determination to prosecute the war against the LTTE. This may appear to contradict the Government claim that a new constitution is a panacea for the ethnic conflict in its narrower sense.

As it is also the acknowledged Government position that the LTTE has to be weakened, both militarily and politically, this calls for a two track approach which has to be based on military strength and political compromise.

There is another aspect. Unless the military is strengthened, the 45,000 troops will be stranded in Jaffna, which is an unacceptable position. And certainly not one any Government will want on the eve of an election.

Whilst that is so, a military victory before the election will certainly be a plus factor for the Government. 

Contrary to earlier thinking, this seems to be a strong likelihood now.

This, however, will also depend on what LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, holds in store. 

From one comrade to another

There he was shown a room which he was to share with a subaltern.

There they spent days, weeks and months together. When official chores were over, the duo spent time together in other pursuits. One popular pastime was fishing at a pier near Charlton Lodge. Lady luck was often not on their side. They spent hours only to return with empty hands barring the rod and the line. Either the fish were too smart and did not bite the bait or the twosome did not know how to bait the fish.

One fine day, they could not believe what happened. They had a plentiful catch of morella. It seemed as if they had been paid off for all their previously vain efforts. So much so, there was no room in the deep freezer to stuff the morella. It was a case of eating fish, a good bit of it accompanied by appetisers and later at lunch and dinner.

The cadet officer, who was not even commissioned then, was Lionel Piyananda Balagalle. The room mate, Lieutenant Srilal Chandrika Weerasooriya. Even if they did not have the time and opportunity to indulge in their popular sport of fishing, their bondage as fellow gunners and professional colleagues continued in the past three and half decades.

Last Thursday, Lt. Gen. Weerasooriya, relinquished office and his one time room mate, Lt. Gen. Balagalle took over as the 16th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.

Joining the Army as an officer cadet on April 5, 1965, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on April 5, 1967. He has held several top positions including that of being the first Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) after the Military Intelligence Corps was set up.

In a message to officers and other ranks upon assuming office, Lt. Gen. Balagalle said:

"Responsibilities that we in the Army share together is our accountability to the Government and the public of this country for the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland. This is a sacred trust that demands our total commitment and dedication.

"In our patriotic endeavour, it is essential that we further improve on the preparedness of the Army to meet that challenge. This involves the strengthening of manpower, the modernising of weaponary and equipment. The acquisition of modern equipment is already in progress and will continue with the blessings of the Government.

"Welfare of the soldier is another aspect. A lot has been done in this field. Welfare shops have been set up to provide them consumer items at reasonable prices. Land is to be made available to the needy. Assistance is being provided to build houses. Now, with the setting up of the Ranaviru Seva Authority by HE The President, many other welfare measures are being enforced.

"It is my view that much more could be done, particularly one that will enhance the identity of us soldiers, a recognition commensurate with the normal aims and commitments of soldiering. Towards that end, it is essential that we continue to improve professionalism.

"To achieve that end, all ranks and file, from the senior-most to the most junior soldier must carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them with commitment and professionalism. In doing so, we must work and co-operate with each other as individuals, sub units, brigades and divisions. Improving the standards of discipline will be an important aspect.

"I wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our men and women in uniform and the civilian staff who have made the supreme sacrifice and suffered all types of physical injuries in their service to the nation. They will remain in our hearts forever. I want their parents and next of kin to know we fully share their losses and concerns. Our prayers will always remain with them.

"I have the fullest confidence you will continue to extend to me your fullest co-operation to make all our endeavours a success. It is our collective effort that has done the nation proud. I am sure your co-operation and contribution, from those in the senior ranks to the lowest, will help the Army to achieve its goals with active participation of our sister services, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Police.

"May the Triple Gem bless you." 

The Fifth Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents