Sri Lankan Army has reached Thoppigala (Baron’s Cap) few hours ago, said defence sources in the east. This is the culmination of a three-month-old operation that began on April 24, 2007. With this victory the troops have captured the nerve centre of the LTTE terrorists in their last stronghold in the eastern province.
  
Meanwhile, the troops have also gained the full control over Narakamulla, and Tharavikulama areas where the LTTE leadership had its' Eastern headquarters and fortifications. The victorious soldiers are presently clearing out enemy pockets scattered in the dense jungle and are pursuing the LTTE cadres on the run, according to Army Spokesman Brigadier Prasad samarasinghe.

This would signify the complete liberation of the Eastern province from LTTE terrorists in the nearly two and half decade old war against the terrorists.. 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.

During the campaign to take over Thoppigala the Security forces captured nearly a dozen LTTE military bases, a field hospital, a prison camp, a training camp and large quantities of arms and ammunition as well as a considerable number of abandoned vehicles. Among the arms recovered today are two 120 mm mortar guns left behind by fleeing Tiger terrorists.

Government will shortly take steps to restore normalcy as soon as possible and hold democratic elections to local government bodies.