Last modified on: 3/17/2009 2:32:34 PM

Navy rescues 139 Tamil Civilians fleeing from LTTE Clutches Sri Lanka Navy rescued 139 Tamil civilians who had been fleeing from the merciless LTTE clutches in Mulaithivu. The Navy rescued them on the 16th March 2009 in the seas between Chundikulum and Vettileikerni around 0950 hrs. The rescued consisted of 83 adults (47 males and 39 females) and 53 children. The group had been found on board 09 white flag-hoisted dinghies while attempting to flee from the LTTE clutches in the un-cleared areas of Mullaithivu. Upon rescuing, all were brought ashore at the Munai Beach and provided with much-needed food, refreshments and medical assistance. The rescued expressed their heart-felt gratitude to the Navy for coming to their rescue. After the preliminary investigations, the rescued civilians were handed over to the public relation officer of the SLA at Point Pedro. The exodus of the innocent Tamil civilians escaping from LTTE clutches is now on the rise. This is largely due to the confidence they have placed in the Government Security Forces whose humanitarian operations have helped Tamil civilians to extricate themselves from the terrorists' clutches. Sri Lanka Navy has made special arrangements to assist innocent Tamil civilians fleeing from the LTTE clutches. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams are on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the North-eastern seas. Courtesy : SL Navy