2ND LEAD

SLA trooper killed in ambush, curfew re-imposed in Vadamaradchi

[TamilNet, Friday, 01 September 2006, 04:55 GMT]
A Sri Lanka Army Lance Corporal was killed and five troopers wounded in a Claymore blast when a group of SLA soldiers on a road clearing patrol were ambushed near Karaveddy Predeshiya Sabha (PS) office in Vadamaradchi, around 7:45 a.m., Friday. SLA announced over its radio that curfew has been re-imposed in Vadamaradchi sector from Friday noon and launched a cordon and search operation in Karaveddy. Several civilians were assaulted by the soldiers following the attack. Tension prevails in Vadamaradchi.

The attack took place at Navalarmandam in Karaveddy on Jaffna - Point Pedro road.

Lance Corporal Ratnayake was killed. Lt. Tharsan, 22, Lt. Thisanayake, 28, Corporal Nimal, 22, soldier Sandirasena, 28, and Thilakaratne, 43, were wounded in the attack and rushed to Manthikai hospital, SLA sources said.

A fire fight went on for nearly 10 minutes following the mine attack, the sources said.

Civilian sources said SLA casualties were evacuated in 3 ambulances. They said several civilians were assaulted by the soldiers following the attack.

SLA announced over its radio that curfew was re-imposed in the Vadamaradchi sector from 12 noon.