FCA Members Interact with the Commander

AGROUP of journalists/correspondents of the Colombo based Foreign Correspondents Association (FCA), belonging to some twelve world-renowned press agencies including AFP, Reuters, AP, BBC, PTI, Xinhua, The Hindu, New Indian Express, India Today, Hindustan Times, JNW News Wire, etc Monday (30) noon had a productive interaction with Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka at his office premises, following an appointment sought by the FCA.

The FCA correspondents that consisted of Sri Lanka based Bureau chiefs, editors, special and chief correspondents during their near two-hour meeting with the Commander focused largely on ongoing humanitarian operations in Wanni and North, Counter operations against terrorists, Fast losing enemy capability as a conventional force, Main reasons for most recent successes against the enemy, Overall military strategies, etc.

Commander, in response to queries made by the journalists pointed out how his troops with high morale are forging ahead in Mannar and Welioya fronts striking humiliating defeats against the enemy. “We have inspired our soldiers giving them necessary courage to launch offensives, defences, mobility methods while working to an overall plan. We have upgraded the Army and operations are going on smoothly. His Excellency, the President and the Defence Secretary are extending their maximum support for the operations,” he said.

Sri Lanka Army soldiers, perhaps now are the best jungle fighters in the world. This has been proved repeatedly since most of those clashes do take place in jungles. Earlier that capability was with the enemy but it is not the case any longer. He also in response to another query told them restrictions in place in the Jaffna peninsula are exclusively for the safety of ordinary civilians. “The Army is now conducting night operations in an effective manner but the LTTE has given up that practice also since all their strongholds are falling apart one by one,” Commander said. He also urged the media to act in a responsible manner verifying or cross-checking their facts and figures with the Army before reports are filed. Brigadier V.U.B. Nanayakkara, Director Media welcomed the FCA members and thanked them for their contribution on behalf of the Army.