COLOMBO: As 2008 draws to a close, the Sri Lankan army has regained a considerable amount of territory from the Tamil Tiger rebels in west and east Wanni, and is banging at the gates of the Tiger political capital of Kilinochchi.
The first significant achievement of the government forces, was the capture of the politically and religiously important Madu Church complex in the north western district of Mannar.
The next milestone was the taking of Adampan on May 9.
On May 16, Palampiddy was taken. Munrumurippu fell on May 23, and May 30 saw the fall of Munagam Base in the east, one of the strongholds of the LTTE in Mullaitivu.
Periyamadu fell on June 15. Areas north of Adampan, like Mullikandal, were taken on June 24. But the most significant military event at that time was the capture of the “Mannar Rice Bowl” on June 29, and the linking up of Task Force I with the 57 Division, south west of Periyamadu, on June 30.
According to The Island daily, the army had by this, established the longest front in the history of the four Eelam Wars, to date.
On July 4, the Michael Base in Mullaitivu fell to Task Force III. Naddankandal was vacated on July 11, and on July 20, Iluppaikadavai, on the Mannar coast, fell. The strategically located Viduthaltivu naval base of the LTTE on the northern western coast, was taken on July 16. This hit the LTTE’s smuggling activities between north western Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu. Sugandan Base in the east, fell on July 27.
The fall of Nachchikudah on October 29 is considered to be one of great naval importance, given its location on the coast facing Tamil Nadu. On November 13, Valaipadu and Devil’s Point, both on the Mannar coast facing Tamil Nadu, were taken.
Pooneryn, north west of Kilinochchi, fell to the Lankan forces on November 15. Mankulam, on the A9 Main Supply Route, fell on November 17. Olumadu was taken on November 25.
Kokavil south of Kilinochchi was taken on December 1, Alampil in the east, and Puliyankulam on the A9 highway on December 4, and Kanakarayankulam on December 5.