The fall of LTTE last stronghold in Thoppigala is imminent and the security forces would be able to clear the remaining territory of around 60 sq. km within a few days, said Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at the weekly press briefing in Colombo this morning (10).
  
The Security forces captured several bases and other military installations of the LTTE including a field hospital, training camp and a prison house in its several month-long present operation.
  
This would signify the complete liberation of the Eastern province from LTTE terrorists, he added.
  
The significance of this victory in the Eastern province with vital industrial and defence establishments, a 462 km long stretch of sea shore cannot be underestimated, especially in view of several failed attempts in the past to capture the area, he added.
  
Once the Eastern province is totally cleared Government will take steps to restore normalcy as soon as possible and hold democratic elections to local government bodies, the Minister concluded.