SLA expands camps in Valaichenai

[TamilNet, Sunday, 05 October 2003, 15:28 GMT]
The Sri Lanka Army is expanding and strengthening its camps in Kumpurumoolai and Navalady in Valaichenai in the Batticaloa district, sources in Batticaloa said. Kumpurumoolai is located 30 km north of Batticaloa town, and the Navalady junction 36 km north, on the Batticaloa-Colombo road.

The security fences of the camps are being widened with massive sandbag fortifications.

The public is concerned and fearful about the motives of the SLA as the expansion is taking place during the peace process.

The SLA’s two camps are considered key camps in the Valaichenai area. The camp at Navalady is strategically located as the Batticaloa-Colomo road and the Batticaloa-Trincomalee road via Verugal meet at this junction.

Meanwhile, the SLA’s camp in Kalkudah, also in the Batticaloa district, was strengthened last week. Located close to the sea shore, this camp contains artillery and mortar positions. During the war, the SLA rained artillery and mortar fire on the villages of Valaichenai from this camp, the sources said.