30th April 2000

By Alia

Recruitment campaign

Hard on the heels of its seizure of Elephant Pass, the LTTE opened an office at Kokkadicholai, a village in the Batticaloa district which it dominates. It was labelled "Elephant Pass Victory Office."

Last Wednesday, video footage of LTTE battles were screened to youth in the area. Like the success stories projected after attacks on the Mullaitivu military base and attacks on security forces positions in Kilinochchi and Paranthan, the footage was full of propaganda overtones.

The immediate outcome was 15 youth, who were among those invited to the video show, signed up to join the LTTE. Insiders say the LTTE is also planning similar video shows in the Jaffna peninsula.

Battles on the war front and propaganda outside it go hand in hand for the LTTE though Sri Lankans, who are funding the war effort are denied most of the truth in view of the ongoing censorship.

Carrying on regardless

Even if he came under close scrutiny for the many million dollar tender deals he is associated with, this man in uniform was not too ruffled.

He has now sent his son on a mission to Singapore at considerable cost.

The mission – to learn how to play squash. Why not when there are plenty of greenbacks to go around.

LTTE cell

Reports from Jaffna say the LTTE has stepped up its recruitment drive in the Jaffna University.

This follows a new campaign launched by an LTTE cell operating there.

Two weeks ago, this cell was said to be responsible for ordering shops and offices to close. It was on the grounds that the security forces were using civilians as human shields.

Gas attack?

Did the LTTE use any chemicals or gas during attacks on Elephant Pass defences ? Or was this again a ploy.

Intelligence services are busy trying to ascertain the truth.

Wanni bus service

The LTTE is to launch a bus service from the recently captured Elephant Pass area to a location north of Vavuniya.

Plans have already been announced. They are to put to use a few vehicles they captured during last November's attacks on the Wanni defences.

Rajpal Abeynayake's Column

Editorial/ Opinion Contents