Troops of the Sri Lankan Army’s 58 and 59 Divisions have linked on the coast of the No Fire Zone in the North of Sri Lanka, freeing the last coastal stretch from the LTTE.

This is the first time in the last three decades that Sri Lanka’s coastal line is free from any control by LTTE terror.

Battlefield reports said infantrymen of Army 58 Division completed their three-day southbound march along the coast this morning (May 16) when they linked up with the troops of 59 Division on the Mullaittivu beach front.

This has denied any LTTE leaders and fighting cadres left in the tiny pocket in this area of any escape by sea. They are also surrounded on all sides by land by other Divisions and fighting units of the army.

As the troops of 58 Division liberated the Kariyalamulla Tsunami relief village, the only place where permanently built houses can be found between Velayamadam and Vellamullivaikkal areas, more than 4000 inhabitants of the village sought refuge with the troops.

Separately, troops of 53 Division marching southwards along the eastern bank of the Nanthikadal lagoon rescued over 4550 civilians yesterday. Over 300 others sought refuge with the 59 Division soldiers. The total number of people sought refuge with the soldiers during last 24 hours is approximately over 9000.

The unharmed buildings in the area gave lie to the repeated claims by the Western media and other pro LTTE propaganda elements that Sri Lanka Army has been indiscriminately shelling the civilian areas.