Jungle Telegraph

10th January 1999

Chemmani graves

The exhumation of bodies from the controversial mass grave at Chemannai is now likely to take place next month.

It is to be carried out with the help of forensic experts from abroad. Arrangements for this purpose are now being worked out by the Ministry of Defence in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A senior CID official, a colleague and an official from the Attorney General's Department have already arrived in Jaffna to assess the situation and prepare the groundwork, according to defence sources in Colombo.

These sources say heavy monsoonal rains had rendered the area water logged. However, it is expected to clear by February, these sources said.

Fisherman injured

Clad in battle fatigues and carrying automatic weapons, Tiger guerrillas hijacked three boats belonging to Sinhala fishermen at Battalgunduwa in Kalpitiya last Monday.

They also took hostage seven fisherman at gunpoint and moved them to adjoining Pookulam area. They were later put on board one boat and allowed to return. The two boats were taken away by the Tigers.

The return journey to Kalpitiya was as risky for them as the kidnap by the guerrillas. Mistaking them to be Tiger cadres, Navy men at Kalpitiya opened fire. One fisherman was injured.

MI warns

Military Intelligence has warned of plans by the LTTE to attack a military convoy operating between Vavuniya and Mannar.

In a warning sent out early this week to military establishments in the Wanni, MI has urged that further security precautions be taken during the daily troops run which is usually escorted by tanks.

Special sleuths

More sleuths will become specialists in surveillance, both on telephones and outside it.

The snoopers are still busy interviewing those from the fourth floor. The idea is to hand pick people who excelled from the New Secretariat building.

Insiders say the boss himself is making the choice for he wants men loyal to him. Even if the men do not receive French lessons, they are sure to practice a few things they have learnt.

Late Diary entry

A delay by the Ministry of Defence in confirming by writing to Army Headquarters the name of the new Army Commander has set off a chain reaction.

The formal letter appointing Lt. Gen. Srilal Weerasooriya reached Army Headquarters on December 14 and he took office just two days later.

And now, the Sri Lanka Army Diary for 1999 has been delayed. Officials vested with the job had to make last minute changes to make provision for the new commander.

New DM

Another Army officer will soon take over the post of Director Media and Military spokesman.

The present incumbent, Brigadier Sunil Tennekoon, insiders say, now wants to give up his overt role and remain only in his covert job - Director, Military Intelligence.

Editorial/Opinion Contents