PM says military is 'very close' to LTTE stronghold Kilinochchi

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake has predicted that the LTTE’s stronghold might be captured by the military before the PC polls.

Elections for the Sabaragamuwa and North Central elections are to be held on 23 August.

"Our boys might even take Kilinochchi by 23 August," the PM told a gathering of ruling United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in Kuruwita, Ratnapura on Monday.

UNP 'anti-war'

“We are very, very close. Kilinochchi is not very far from our site,” Mr. Wickramanayake told the gathering.

He accused the main opposition, United National Party (UNP) of not supporting the government-led war against the LTTE.

	UNP says government 'politicising' the war against LTTE

Commenting on the low turnout of supporters for the campaign meeting on Monday, the PM said political leaders have to stay away from the public due to threats from terrorism.

The UNP however denied government’s accusations that the party does not support the war.

UNP Chief Ministerial candidate for the NCPC, Maj. Gen. (retd.) Janaka Perera told BBC Sandeshaya that his party has always supported eradicating terrorism from Sri Lanka.

LTTE 'paid by Mahinda'

“However, we do not agree on politicising the war and attempts to exploit the war to undermine democracy in the island,” the former deputy head of Sri Lanka army said.

I am puzzled as to why always these predictions coincide with elections Maj. Gen. Janaka Perera

The LTTE might have used Rs. millions allegedly offered by President Rajapaksa to purchase arms to fight against the military, the battle hardened senior military officer said.

Maj. Gen. Perera said the UNP would be delighted if the troops capture the LTTE stronghold before the elections.

“But I am puzzled as to why always these predictions coincide with elections,” he told BBCSinhala.com.