The Situation Report

Wayamba : security measures go into place

By Iqbal Athas

A low intensity conflict of a different sort, the spate of violence in the run up to tomorrow's provincial elections in Wayamba, appears to have distracted the defence establishment in the past weeks.

As the People's Alliance and the United National Party traded allegations at each other over nearly 650 polls related incidents, several security measures went into place unknown to the frenzied supporters of both sides.

A message went out from the Director of Operations at Army Headquarters to military installations in the North Central, Wanni and the east restricting the movement of military vehicles in the North Western Province. This is in effect to minimise military presence in the area. Military personnel travelling to areas in the NWP or through the province on January 25, 26 and 27 have been required to obtain prior permission from their respective Divisional Commanders after providing vehicle numbers and the names of personnel travelling.

Divisional Commanders, in turn, have been told to make available, well in advance, the numbers of such vehicles and the lists of names to the Army base at Kurunegala. Land based travel for military personnel heading to the NCP, Wanni or the east, entails travel through NWP areas, particularly Kurunegala.

Similar instructions, however, have not gone out from the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force. But their personnel have been told their vehicles and men will be subject to Police checks in the North Western Province.

Yesterday, additional teams from the Directorate of Internal Intelligence (DII), left Colombo for areas in Wayamba. They will join teams that moved out earlier.

These teams, operating covertly, have been tasked among other matters, to closely monitor Police personnel deployed for polls duty tomorrow. Orders have been issued to these teams to report to their Cambridge Place headquarters every four hours. Special arrangements have been made for these groups to make instant contact with Colombo.

These measures were part of a broader security plan that went into effect ahead of the polls. Together with other steps to bolster security, defence authorities in Colombo will closely monitor the security aspects of tomorrow's polls.

Orders are already on hand to declare an overnight curfew soon after polling closes at 4 p.m. This will, however, not hinder the movement of candidates or their agents who will be concerned with the counting of votes.

Even if polls related security matters distracted the security establishment, it did not in any way slow down preparations now under way for what is clearly a new security forces thrust against Tiger guerrillas. Equally importantly, intelligence reports speak of LTTE also making preparations for attacks on the security forces in the Wanni.

Security forces plans are reflected by the multi million rupee procurement deals that have been brokered. Due to arrive in Colombo tomorrow is a delegation from Rostov Helicopter Production Complex (Rostvertol PLC) in Russia to sign a contract with officials of the Ministry of Defence. It is for the acquisition of two Mi-35 helicopters – the export designation of the Mi-24 version currently in use with the Sri Lanka Air Force (Situation Report January 3).

The delegation is obviously concerned about its own security whilst in Colombo. Director of Rostvertol's International Business Division, A.B. Shibitov, has in a message to Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Jayalath Weerakkoddy, made a request for the provision of security among other matters.

A two member SLAF team comprising Air Commodore Lal Perera, Director, Aeronautical Engineering and Squadron Leader Jagath Rodrigo, Commanding Officer of SLAF's Mi-24 Squadron were in Rostov-on-Don, (Russia) inspecting the Mi-35s. Their visit followed one by a three man team in December, last year, which comprised Squadron Leader Ranil Ranasinghe, Staff Officer (2) to Director Aeronautical Engineering, Squadron leader Kurukulasuriya and Squadron Leader Wanniaratchchi.

I reported in these columns (Situation Report - January 13) that despite claims by defence officials that this procurement deal is on a Government to Government basis, there were reports that a third party was in fact involved. This party is said to have been present when an official team was in Russia last December. However, defence officials continue to deny this.

In this backdrop, a Power of Attorney issued by Rostov Helicopter Production Complex - "Rostvertol" to a Colombo firm has excluded them from dealing in helicopters. The Power of Attorney for 1999 authorises the company concerned to deal with "the supply of spare parts & repair of Mi-24 helicopters & and spare parts and all aviation related equipment during 1999."

The company has also been "authorised to represent and negotiate with any of the Security Forces, Ministry of Defence and other organisations in Sri Lanka on the subject of delivery of aviation equipment, take part in preparation and entering to contracts, effect all actions and formalities on behalf of Rostvertol Plc."

Each re-conditioned Mi-35 is said to cost the Government US dollars 2.1 million. The procurements are being made direct and no tenders have been called for.

The Government is also acquiring over US $ 50 million worth of military hardware to counter air threats posed by the LTTE. They include Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs), Air Defence Guns, Short Range Battlefield Radars, Mobile Air Defence Radars and Thermal Imagers (Situation Report December 27, 1998). These procurements were prompted by reports that the LTTE had developed an air capability after acquiring an unknown number of two seater helicopters and smaller fixed wing aircraft. Intelligence authorities are yet to determine the exact numbers but are sure the LTTE's "air fleet" was made up of bottom of the range lighter versions with limited endurance and capability.

Yet, the fact that the Government wants to order a variety of items to counter air threats posed by the LTTE underscores the seriousness it attaches to the matter. The newer acquisitions are not only to protect vital installations but also VIP and VVIPs.

The lull that prevailed in the battle areas of the Wanni continued last week as the ongoing north east monsoon showed clear signs of receding. Barring a limited military thrust to re-adjust defence lines in the Mankulam area, there has been no major offensive operations since troops expanded their eastern FDLs through "Operation Rivi Bala" in December, last year.

However, security forces had some unexpected surprise last week when four Tiger guerrillas surrendered. It became clear they were part of a group of 30 cadres who had infiltrated into the bowl of the re-captured areas to carry out attacks and acts of sabotage. Military intelligence personnel were interrogating them.

It appears that sheer starvation and the discomfort of living in flooded areas with restricted mobility forced them to give up. The foursome were in a state of high morale after being allowed food and permitted to watch television when they were not being interrogated. They are said to have given the security forces the details of a confrontation on January 14, where ten Tiger guerrillas were earlier reported to have been killed.

The Operational Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence said in its news release of January 15:

"On 14 January, 1999, around 2.50 p.m. Northwest of Oddusudan, troops operating forward of defences observed a terrorist movement and engaged with small arms. Troops confirm 10 terrorists were killed and on subsequent search troops recovered 01 T 56 weapons, 01 T 81 weapon and 150 small arms ammunition."

The four surrendees have claimed that only one of their colleagues died in the shoot out referred to. All others in the group had fled the area. Over ten of them have left behind their weapons. According to them, the group, which had been starving, was too weak to fight.

Military Intelligence sources said they do not doubt the claim made by the surrendees. That once again brings to the fore the Government's only propaganda thrust in the ongoing separatist war, one of giving statistics after statistics of how many guerrillas have been killed. If one were to add up the figures of the numbers killed during the 17 year old war, as one wag remarked, it would have far exceeded the population of Jaffna. But, oblivious to the realities, the numbers game continues though how many believe in it is another question. That too in the backdrop of a censorship and a ban on media visits to the battle areas.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, who has already taken over the reins of the military machine against the LTTE, is due to confer with military top brass later next week. Most of her time in the past two weeks have been focused on PA's polls campaign in the Wayamba which was personally led by her.

Senior military officials are ready with details to make presentations to President Kumaratunga and seek her approval for fresh moves. In turn, she is also expected to clear doubts that have arisen over the working of the newly set up Joint Operations Bureau (JOB).

Intelligence officials claim the LTTE too is making preparations for a major thrust against the security forces. A report dated January 16, circulated to security establishments in the Wanni said:

"An assessment of intelligence reports confirmed with ground forces revealed that LTTE is re-organising its forces in the Wanni mainland to launch a major attack on the security forces personnel deployed on the Mankulam – Oddusudan axis with Karuna ("Special Commander/Batticaloa-Amparai") operating around Kotkulam area playing a lead role."

But a more significant aspect of that intelligence warning was the revelation that the LTTE had in their custody around 400 security forces/Police personnel. This is what the warning said:

"On January 3, 1999, the LTTE had moved around 400 security force/police personnel in the custody of the LTTE in several tractors and lorries from Mulliyaweli in Mullaitivu towards Nachchikuda in Mannar in preparation for a major attack."

This is the first time a formal revelation has emerged that the LTTE had in their custody over 400 security forces and Police personnel. This is in marked contrast to the disclosures they have made to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which number less than 50.

The warning also adds: "A team of about five cadres under Sinna Gadaffi specialising in anti aircraft weapons at Kodalkallu area continued to pose threats to Sri Lanka Air Force helicopters operating around Nedunkerni and Oddusudan areas. The LTTE is planning to launch a major attack on defence positions on the Olumadu-Karuppadimurippu axis……"

It is not only LTTE plans in the Wanni that has begun to worry intelligence authorities. They were equally concerned about possible attacks in the City and suburbs after reports that Tiger cadres that infiltrated had re-grouped in the recent weeks. These fears come in the backdrop of a new wave of LTTE attacks on economic targets.

Early last week, two electricity transformers were blasted in Pettah. Early last morning, three more electricity transformers of the Electricity Board at Kotahena were blasted.

Intelligence sources say they have no doubt it was the work of the LTTE since the modus operandi used for these blasts were the same as transformers that have been blasted in the east. The fact that they have not been able to prevent the new wave of attacks on transformers has become a subject of serious concern to the Operations Command, Colombo (OCC) – the military apparatus tasked with handling security in the City and suburbs.

Major General Neil Dias, head of the OCC has been busy in the past weeks evolving measures to step up security for vital installations including transformers, telecommunication installations and other areas.

Whilst making preparations in the Wanni, the LTTE also appeared to be continuing to send peace signals. It was only on November 27, LTTE leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran, in his customary "Maveerar (heroes) Day" speech offered to hold peace talks with third party mediation. Details of developments thereafter have shown what is being viewed in sections of the Government as a marked shift in the LTTE attitude.

For the first time, the LTTE granted permission for two Government officials to visit Wanni – N.A. Obadage, Chairman of Re-Settlement and Rehabilitation Authority of the North (RRAN) and Dr. David Ratnavale, Chairman of the Disaster Management Committee. Their visit in December, last year, was to personally ascertain the movement of food and other supplies to civilians in the Wanni area. This was the first time in four and an half years the LTTE granted permission for government officials in Colombo to visit Wanni.

The main role of RRAN is to facilitate and co-ordinate resettlement and rehabilitation activities of displaced persons, assist in the reconstruction of both private and public assets, re-commencement of economic and commercial activities and the re-functioning of public institutions for the restoration of normal civil life in the liberated areas of the districts of Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi. It can now be revealed that the two officials, during the course of their visit, also met the LTTE's Political Wing leader, Thamil Chelvam. They are learnt to have had an informal exchange of views on matters affecting the civilians. The result has been an encouraging one.

The LTTE has given the green light for officials of the Department of Census and Statistics to conduct a population census in the Wanni. This is the first time since 1981 that such a census is being planned. It is likely to be held in March, this year, and will lead to both the Government and the LTTE sharing information on civilian issues. This is said to be of particular importance in the distribution of food rations in the Wanni by the Food Department.

The Department of Census and Statistics has gone into full gear making preparations for the upcoming census in the Wanni. At the end of this month, the Department will conduct a seminar in Colombo for officials who will take part in the population census. That will include State officers serving in the Wanni.

These developments come in the backdrop of reports from some leading world capitals that members of some pro LTTE organisations were busy collecting documents for the leadership in Wanni. These documents were all related to conflict resolution and how it had been applied in conflict situations in other countries. They were to be directed to both Thamil Chelvam and LTTE ideologue, Anton Balasingham.

Another area which has become the subject of concern to the security establishment is the eastern sector, particularly the east coast.

Recent months have shown increasing Naval activity against Sea Tiger movements off the east coast. The east coast has always been an area of importance in the maritime communications between the eastern province, Wanni and the Jaffna peninsula.

The military presence in the Weli Oya basin including the Kokilai gap is a barrier to the free north-south land movement of the LTTE. Hence the maritime movement assumes a greater importance. Combined with that basic need is the obvious realisation that in addition to stalling the military on the land based Main Supply Route (MSR), it must be accompanied with a parallel strategy interdicting the Government's maritime line of communications between Trincomalee and Jaffna.

It is obvious that it is to implement that strategy that the LTTE are improving their naval capability.

This year will see the strengthening of the LTTE strategy on both the land and at sea. A third dimension, air strategy, is too weak and insignificant, at least for now, other than to compel the Government to incur exhorbitant expenditure to ward off any air threat.

Thus the LTTE by a mere threat of light aircraft have compelled the Government to incur expenditure which would otherwise have further strengthened the Army and the Navy.

The Fifth Column 

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