UNP says LTTE leaders were allowed to escape from Thoppigala

Ranil Wickramasinghe told journalists in Colombo that the soldiers wanted to stop supplies to the LTTE as they moved forward to capture Thoppigala.

However, the soldiers are dissapointed that an order was issued from Colombo to allow the top LTTE leadership to escape from the area, according to Wickramasinghe.

'Victory party'

The government is to celebrate capturing the LTTE's eastern stronghold on 19 July in Colombo.

Opposition and United National Party (UNP) leader questioned as to why the government pays tributes to President Rajapaksa for the military victories in the east.

When Jaffna and Vadamaarachchi was captured in early stages, UNP leader said, it was the soldiers not political leaders who were paid tributes.

Military personnel questioned as to why Rajapaksa is trying to take the credit for their victories, he said.

'Secret deal' with LTTE

The main opposition and two sacked ministers of Rajapaksa administration have accused the government of having a 'secret deal' with the LTTE.

Former Foreign Minister Mangala Samarawera and Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi accused Rajapaksa supporters of paying lump sum of money to Tamil Tigers before and after November 2005 presidential elections.

Samaraweera who was the campaign leader for Rajapaksa and Sooriyaarachchi said the monies were paid to influence LTTE to force Tamil voters to boycott the elctions.

The government has denied the accusations.