Water flows again after troops open Mavil Aru gates

by Norman Palihawadena The Island

Government forces yesterday captured the Mavil Aru sluice and re-opened the gates releasing water into the cleared areas after almost three weeks, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka said yesterday.

He said the LTTE cadres retreated in the face of advancing Government troops

Who opened the canal thus supplying water for domestic and irrigation purposes to over 15,000 families living downstream.

He added that after the Army succeeded in opening the sluice gates, the LTTE was now trying to take the credit whereas the LTTE was nowhere when the Army reached the anicut.

"The people in the area, who suffered without water since July 20, are now enjoying the benefits. The LTTE did not care for the suffering people. The people in the area are thankful to the Army for opening the sluice", the Commander added.

The water level at the Mavil Aru stood at six and a half feet as at yesterday, Police sources said. Military sources said 23 soldiers had been killed in the Mavil Aru episode and they believed that over 100 Tiger cadres would have been killed.