Despite top LTTE leaders, including its chief Velupillai Prabhakaran are killed and LTTE terrorists are decimated, the concept of Tamil Eelam has not died out amongst those harbouring it, Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya has warned.

"Even at present those who had connections with terrorists and Tamil expatriates, are still discussing the possibility of establishing a state of Eelam according to information we received," Lt Gen Jagath Jayasuriya told the Times of India.

Stating that the army has the responsibility to protect the country, Lt Gen Jayasuriya said a large number of troops in Northern and Eastern areas were deployed not for offensive duties but for observations or intelligence duties.

"Specially, if any group takes up arms again as terrorists we must be ready to face such a situation," Lt Gen Jayasuriya said.

He said the army has the duty to help the police maintaining law and order during election time. "I believe that the Army troops would continue their normal duties better in the North and East establishing security in the area during election times," he said.

The Army Commander said that for the convenience of the armed forces, the authorities are planning to establish holiday resorts in the areas where they are not available at present. He said the land has already been allocated in Nilaveli (East) and Yala (South-east) areas for this purpose.

Lt Gen Jayasuriya said the salaries and perks for the army had been increased recently.

The army chief also said special attention would be given to training in 2010 since the newly recruited soldiers during the last two years did not get proper training as they were engaged in Wanni humanitarian operations.