An Information Department press release issued last night said, intense fighting continued in Ariyalai and Thanankillappu yesterday, throughout the day. Terrorists also launched a heavy mortar attack at Chavakachcheri. Meanwhile, terrorists managed to occupy a stretch of less than one km of the main highway of the Kandy-Jaffna road Troops in strength have succeeded in holding on to the bridge at Navatkulli, while repulsing many attempts of LTTE who were very eager in capturing the bridge. At the same time, the SLA succeeded in pushing them southward from the road, military sources said. According to the press release 149 troops have been wounded and they are receiving treatment at Palali Base hospital.
Terrorists too have suffered very heavy casualties, sources confirm.