News for 'lankan-army'

Sri Lanka fails to address sexual violence against Tamil civilians: UN

Sri Lanka fails to address sexual violence against Tamil civilians: UN

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A UN report highlights the lack of justice for Tamil civilians who experienced sexual violence during Sri Lanka's civil war, primarily by security forces.

US rights body urges Sri Lanka to prosecute war crime perpetrators

US rights body urges Sri Lanka to prosecute war crime perpetrators

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Human Rights Watch urges Sri Lanka to prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the civil war, citing a UN report on sexual violence against Tamil civilians.

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

153 dead as Ditwah leaves trail of destruction in Lanka; rain pounds TN

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Cyclone Ditwah exits Sri Lanka after causing widespread destruction and over 120 deaths, heading towards the Indian coast. Heavy rains and high winds are expected to continue.

The Hunt Review: A MUST WATCH!

The Hunt Review: A MUST WATCH!

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

You are hooked on The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case from the first episode, applauds Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

'We Were Hoping We Would Be Able To Catch Them Alive'

'We Were Hoping We Would Be Able To Catch Them Alive'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

'The CBI did a wonderful job of tracking down the killers, but at the end of the day, all the hard work went for a toss.' 'If we had caught them alive, the operation would have been successful completely.'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Lankan army executed LTTE rebels post surrender: Witnesses

Lankan army executed LTTE rebels post surrender: Witnesses

Rediff.com25 Feb 2013

Two eyewitnesses have supported allegations that the Sri Lankan army executed two Tamil Tiger rebel leaders after they surrendered the island's civil war in 2009.

Desist from violence, or else...: Sri Lankan army warns protestors

Desist from violence, or else...: Sri Lankan army warns protestors

Rediff.com14 Jul 2022

The Sri Lankan Army on Thursday urged the anti-government protesters to desist from violence immediately or be prepared to face the "consequences", warning that the security forces are "legitimately empowered" to exercise force.

Sri Lankan army captures strategic town

Sri Lankan army captures strategic town

Rediff.com20 Oct 2008

After smashing through main outer defences of the crucial city of Kilinochchi, Sri Lankan Army today captured Vannerikulam town and encircled Nachchikudha, the main sea Tiger base, after fierce fighting which left 33 soldiers dead. Apparently, stepping up their offensive to capture LTTE headquarters, government troops overnight and this Monday morning launched a fierce offensive to capture the Vannerikulam town for which the Tigers put up a stiff resistance.

Scrap training programme for Lankan army personnel: DMK

Scrap training programme for Lankan army personnel: DMK

Rediff.com4 Sep 2012

Key United Progressive Alliance ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Tuesday demanded that the Centre should immediately scrap the training programme for Sri Lankan army personnel in the country, arguing that such exercises create doubts in the minds of people of Tamil Nadu about the government's intentions.

LTTE accuses Lankan army of committing war crimes

LTTE accuses Lankan army of committing war crimes

Rediff.com16 Mar 2009

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on Monday appealed to the United Nations to investigate possible war crimes by the Sri Lankan Army and said it has 'plenty of evidence' to prove its claim. But the Tamil Tigers made no mention of the UN's allegations that the LTTE may also be committing war crimes by killing innocent civilians in the ongoing offensive."The Sri Lankan government is carrying out genocidal massacres by deliberately targeting civilians," the LTTE said.

Lankan army chief in Pak to discuss arms purchase

Lankan army chief in Pak to discuss arms purchase

Rediff.com6 May 2008

Lt Gen Fonseka, who left for Pakistan on Sunday on an official tour, is slated to discuss several issues including defence purchases, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. During his stay, the visiting army chief is scheduled to meet President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani and several other defence officials.

Over 20 held in Lanka for observing slain LTTE chief Prabhakaran's birthday

Over 20 held in Lanka for observing slain LTTE chief Prabhakaran's birthday

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

At least 24 people were arrested by the security forces for defying the ban on celebrations, officials said.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

As Prabhakaran was leaving his house, Rajiv Gandhi called his son Rahul and asked him to fetch his (Gandhi's) bulletproof jacket. He put the jacket on Prabhakaran's back and remarked with his usual charming smile: "Take care of yourself."

Lankan army denies 'manhandling' Fonseka

Lankan army denies 'manhandling' Fonseka

Rediff.com11 Feb 2010

'Military police personnel who went to take Fonseka into custody on charges of military offences have neither beaten him nor harassed him on that occasion as reported in a section of the media,' the army said in a statement.

Sri Lankan army general assassinated

Sri Lankan army general assassinated

Rediff.com26 Jun 2006

It is suspected to be a suicide attack of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

'Lankan army killed surrendering LTTE leaders'

'Lankan army killed surrendering LTTE leaders'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2009

Sri Lankan forces eliminated surrendering Tiger leaders on the orders of the defence secretary who had instructed that 'all Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam leaders must be killed,' ex-army chief General Sarath Fonseka has claimed, prompting the government to describe it as a 'great betrayal.'

When IAF Secretly Brought Prabhakaran To India

When IAF Secretly Brought Prabhakaran To India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2023

'With butterflies in our stomachs, but confident of our mission, we took off for Jaffna on the morning of 24 July 1987.' IAF Veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe recalls a conversation with Air Vice Marshal Harpal Singh Ahluwalia (retd), then a wing commander and mission leader for the clandestine operation.

Dhoni Overwhelmed, Lifts Jadeja

Dhoni Overwhelmed, Lifts Jadeja

Rediff.com30 May 2023

As Ravindra Jadeja struck the winning runs, the entire CSK dugout erupted with joy.

Sri Lankan army kills Prabhakaran's son

Sri Lankan army kills Prabhakaran's son

Rediff.com18 May 2009

The body of the 24-year-old Anthony, chief of the LTTE's air wing, was found during mop-up operations in the last rebel-held territory in the no-fire zone on Monday morning, the defence ministry said

LTTE spokesman killed, Lankan army advances

LTTE spokesman killed, Lankan army advances

Rediff.com11 May 2009

A leading Tamil Tiger leader Rasiah Ilanthriyan was believed to have been killed as Sri Lankan troops continued their march into the rapidly shrinking areas held by the rebels. The offensive is bringing army troops almost to a face to face confrontation with the Tiger top brass. But, the pace of advance appears to have been slowed down by heavy mining and fear of large scale civilian casualties.

Lankan army inches closer to Prabhakaran

Lankan army inches closer to Prabhakaran

Rediff.com16 Nov 2008

Fresh from their success in capturing the entire North-western coast, the Sri Lankan Air Force fighter jets on Sunday pounded bunkers of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and seized hundreds of arms and ammunitions while recovering the bodies of two militants, officials said.

Lankan army finds Prabhakaran's gun, body armour

Lankan army finds Prabhakaran's gun, body armour

Rediff.com5 Jan 2010

Sri Lanka on Tuesday claimed to have found slain Tamil Tiger chief Vellupilai Prabhakaran's personal gun and body armour, seven months after overrunning the last Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam bastion in the decisive battle at Nanthaikadal lagoon off the northern coast.The arms used by Prabhakaran were found buried 15 feet under the ground at Vellamulliwaikkal area in Mulaittivu along with scores of suicide kits and several anti-aircraft guns.

Tamil women soldiers recruited to Sri Lankan army

Tamil women soldiers recruited to Sri Lankan army

Rediff.com25 Mar 2013

A batch of 95 Tamil women soldiers of the Sri Lanka army held their passing out parade at the security force Headquarters in the former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam stronghold of Kilinochchi in the north.

Lanka parties to meet again after talks on Tamil rights ends in discord

Lanka parties to meet again after talks on Tamil rights ends in discord

Rediff.com27 Jul 2023

The all-party meeting aimed at reconciliation and conferring full powers to Sri Lanka's provincial councils will be reconvened in a month after initial deliberations on Wednesday failed to yield any agreements, party officials said on Thursday.

How the Lankan army crushed the LTTE

How the Lankan army crushed the LTTE

Rediff.com21 May 2009

A behind-the-scenes account of how the three-decade old conflict came to an end in the island nation.

Prabhakaran shot dead, says Sri Lankan army

Prabhakaran shot dead, says Sri Lankan army

Rediff.com18 May 2009

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran was on Monday shot dead by Sri Lankan special forces as he tried to stage a dramatic breakout from the army encirclement, a military spokesman said.

Prabhakaran shot dead, says Sri Lankan army

Prabhakaran shot dead, says Sri Lankan army

Rediff.com18 May 2009

Tamil Tiger supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran is dead, the Sri Lankan army stated on Monday.Earlier in the day, the SL army, which had closed in on the last foothold of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, killed several top rebel leaders.The body of Charles Anthony, Prabhakaran' son, was found during mop-up operations in the last rebel-held territory in the no-fire zone on Monday morning.

Lankan army captures last Sea Tiger base

Lankan army captures last Sea Tiger base

Rediff.com5 Feb 2009

Army tanks and infantry moved deep into the sea Tiger base in Chalai region in Northern Mullaittivu after killing four top LTTE leaders, including Vinayagam, number three in the hierarchy list of sea tigers.

LTTE supremo may have fled: Lankan Army

LTTE supremo may have fled: Lankan Army

Rediff.com18 Jan 2009

As Sri Lankan troops advance towards the last Tiger bastion of Mullaittivu, Army Chief Sarath Fonseka has said he was not sure whether Velupillai Prabhakaran was on the island nation but felt that it was not possible for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam supremo to find a shelter in India. The Lankan Air Force had destroyed a vessel carrying arms and ammunitions for the LTTE just when it was being offloaded in the rebel coastal area, Fonseka added.

Lankan army kills scores of Tamil Tigers

Lankan army kills scores of Tamil Tigers

Rediff.com25 Nov 2008

Stepping up the momentum of their advance to capture the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam stronghold of Kilinochchi, the Lankan troops on Tuesday claimed to have killed scores of rebels after smashing through a string of LTTE bunkers. Government troops of the 53 Division, advancing from Kilaly village near Jaffna, carried out the ambush in the morning, a defence ministry official said

What is Army Chief doing in Sri Lanka?

What is Army Chief doing in Sri Lanka?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2021

In a statement released on the eve of General Naravane's visit, the Indian high commission in Colombo described Sri Lanka as India's 'Priority One' partner.

Sri Lanka rejects Trudeau's 'Tamil Genocide' comment

Sri Lanka rejects Trudeau's 'Tamil Genocide' comment

Rediff.com20 May 2023

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Trudeau's statements, asserting that they contained outrageous claims of genocide relating to past conflicts in the country.

Prez asks Lankan army chief to retire immediately

Prez asks Lankan army chief to retire immediately

Rediff.com13 Nov 2009

Sri Lankan Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka's resignation has been accepted by the president with immediate effect, rejecting his request to serve for two more weeks, officials said on Friday.

'Sri Lankan army missed Prabhakaran by a whisker'

'Sri Lankan army missed Prabhakaran by a whisker'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2009

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran and his top aides were recently missed by a whisker by the security forces, a top Sri Lankan commander said, claiming that the rebel leader had limited options right now."We got to know that Prabhakaran had moved through the Pudukudiryirippu-Iranmalai road on a day between March 29 and 31, just about two days before the army fully laid seige to that area," GoC 58 Division Brigadier Shavendra Silva said.

Lankan army kills 61 rebels; captures key area

Lankan army kills 61 rebels; captures key area

Rediff.com29 Jan 2008

The army captured the Viyattankulam area in Mannar after killing 22 rebels and destroying 16 bunkers

Lankan army captures key LTTE base; 23 killed

Lankan army captures key LTTE base; 23 killed

Rediff.com23 Dec 2007

At least 22 Tamil Tigers and a soldier were killed in separate clashes in restive northern Sri Lanka as government troops captured a key base of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam hours after taking control of two defence lines in the region, the army said on Sunday.

Sri Lanka: Is Mahinda Taking Charge?

Sri Lanka: Is Mahinda Taking Charge?

Rediff.com2 Apr 2022

There have been reports that the Rajapaksa brothers, which dominates the current Sri Lankan government, are not on the same page. Gota, it is said, is not on the same wave length as his elder brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former president, or Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is seen to be the family's strategist.