Cement and food s were on the ships which came under attack: Minister Rambukwella
2008-10-22 18:19:10

The two merchant vessels which came under a suicide attack off the northern coast was carrying cement and food for the north, Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said today.

Mr. Rambukwella briefing journalists about the incident said that despite the attack supplies have been taken safely to the Mailaddy harbour by afternoon.

The vessels ‘Nimalawa’ was carrying 2500 metric tons of food while other ship ‘Mercs Ruhuna’ was carrying 3500 Mt cement.

Mr. Rambukwella said that three LTTE suicide crafts had staged the attack one and half kilometres away from the Mailaddy habour and in the attack two crafts were destroyed while one was captured.

Navy Spokesman Commander D.K.P.Dassanayaka said that they believe at least six LTTE suicide cadres were killed in the battle.

Mr. Rambukwella said that the government would continue to send supplies by sea despite any future attempts to carryout similar attacks.

CAPTION: THE LTTE SUICIDE BOAT SEEN IN FRONT OF A NAVY SHIP