Enhanced security for Yala

Ranil Wijayapala in Yala

Increased security measures coupled with the strong presence of Army, Police and Civil Security Forces in villages adjoining the Yala National Park and Kataragama area have contributed to a better security situation in Yala and Kataragama.

Area Commandant, Hambantota, Area Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe said no incident has been reported in Tissamaharama, Kataragama and the Yala National Park after the claymore attack in the Katagamuva area, 35 kilometres away from Kataragama, on November 10.

"Villagers engaged in Chena cultivation adjoining the Yala National Park have also returned to their lands with the presence of Civil Security Force personnel to guard these villages," he said.

"We have a strong security plan for villages in Thambarava, Ranminitenna and others adjoining the Yala National Park and farmers can engage in their chena cultivations without fear," Brigadier Ranasinghe said.

He assured that there was no possibility for any terrorist group to operate inside the Yala National Park due to Commando and Special Forces presence the park.

"We have completely sealed off Block-I of the Yala National Park deploying troops along Manik Ganga and the coast blocking any infiltration by Tiger cadres," the Brigadier added. He said new security plans are also in operation along the Buttala, Kataragama road by establishing new security checkpoints at Gonagalara and Galge areas.

"Our troops are patrolling the roads and have deployed groups to see to the security along the road on a daily basis," the Brigadier added.

He said troops are also conducting search operations inside the Yala National Park to nab the LTTE group which infiltrated into the park from Kanchikudichchiaru jungle to launch the attack on the Thalagasmankada Army Detachment, according to information revealed by an LTTE cadre nabbed by Security Forces.

"There is no possibility for these LTTE groups to engage in terror activities as they are seemingly in a weaker position at present according to the information divulged by the nabbed Tiger cadre," he said.