IDP resettlement: Malaysian delegation impressed with progress
A GROUP of Malaysians of Tamil origin who visited IDP camps, expressed their confidence that the remaining displaced families would be resettled within two or three months, the latest by January 2010. The twelve member delegation representing the Federation of Malaysian-Sri Lankan Organizations (FOMSO) visited welfare centres in Vavuniya including Camp Zero and Camp Two where they met and spoke to over hundred IDPs. Speaking to the press on Wednesday at the Cinnamon Grand, the delegation disclosed that the main requests of the IDPs were those for firewood, vegetables and tarpaulin, while they also yearned for the authorities to allow them to return home.
NORTH: TROOPS on their search and clear operations in the general areas of MIRUSUWIL, ILLUPPAKADAVAI, KILINOCHCHI, PUTHUKKUDIYIRUPPU and VELLAMULLIVAIKKAL recovered two thousand one hundred and fifty rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition, five hundred and twenty-two rounds of 7.62 x 54 mm ammunition, 1.5 kg of explosives, one Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG), one firing device, one hundred and eighty-three rounds of T-56 ammunition, eighteen rounds of 25 mm ammunition, one hundred and fifty rounds of 23 mm ammunition.....
A STOCK of agriculture and fishing equipment were distributed among some newly re-settled civilians living in Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaittivu areas by Senior Presidential Advisor and Parliamentarian Mr. Basil Rakjapaksa to assist them in continuing their livelihood. A ceremony in this connection was held on Saturday (21) at the Security Forces Headquarters-Wanni (SFHQ-W) premises. 34 tractors, 74 mud-wheels, 7 ploughs, 5 disk ploughs, 60 water pumps, 60 boats, 31 fish-collecting boxes and 64 fishing nets were among the items distributed among the civilians during the occasion. 
NORTH & EAST: ARMY troops during search and clear operations in MANIKKULAM, AMPAKAMAM, UDAYARKATTUKULAM, PUTHUKKUDIYIRUPPU, VELLAMULLIVAIKKAL and PULIYANKULAM areas on Saturday (21) recovered one pressure mine of 15 kg, one hundred and forty-two 81 mm mortar bombs, six Arul bombs, five hand grenades, one smoke bomb, 27 kg of C-4 explosives, fifty claymore mines, eighty-four anti personnel mines, two antitank mines, ten Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), seven rounds of Multi Purpose Machine Gun (MPMG) ammunition and three rounds of T-56 ammunition. 
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENCE, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa graced the final grandeur of the Corps of Signals’ 66th Anniversary Celebrations when he was felicitated as the Chief Guest during the Signal Officers’ Get-together on 21 November 2009. The occasion turned out to be an ideal reunion for the Secretary of Defence with his former Regiment since he commenced his military career as a Second Lieutenant of the Sri Lanka Signals Corps on 25 May 1972.
THE SEVA VANITHA ARMY BRANCH’s (SVAB) newest welfare project, “Wellness Resort for Dependant Disable War Heroes” received a further boost on Sunday (22) when the country’s most elegant dress designers showcased their latest fashions on stage in support of the soldiers who sacrificed their hands and limbs for the sake of the country. The SVAB organized Fashion Show at Mount Lavinia Hotel drew a huge crowd of enthusiasts including............
IN RECOGNITION of the yeoman service of Lieutenant Colonel Lalith Jayasinghe of the Sri Lanka Army Special Force who paid the supreme sacrifice during Wanni Humanitarian Operation, Seva Vanitha Army Branch offered a new residence to his family Monday (23). The new house built in Avissawella, his own residential area at a cost of Rs. 4 million was handed over to the late War Hero’s wife Mrs. S.H.S.K. Rodrigo by MoD Seva Vanitha President Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa at an auspicious time. 
IN KEEPING with the theme “Api Vavamu Rata Nagamu” (Let’s grow to develop the country) initiated by Minister of Agriculture Development Maithripala Sirisena, a national level marathon runner V.H.P Simon of Dammina in Polonnaruwa conducted a marathon across Wanni and reached Jaffna on Friday (20) morning. Forty Six year old this marathon idol, member of Polonnaruwa District Sports Club....
SRI LANKA Air Force won the overall championship at the 5th annual Defence Service Sports Meet which culminated at Sugathadasa Stadium Monday (23). The games including a number of sports events commenced two months ago at different locations and final competitions commenced ceremoniously on Friday (20).Navy teams became the runners-up in the meet while the Army won the 3rd place. 