14. War Fighting
The LTTE army advanced from Elephant Pass to Kilali and Palaly, moving toward Jaffna. The LTTE offered a temporary ceasefire that would enable the government to withdraw 25,000 soldiers. The offer was rejected.
"LTTE advance may threaten Palaly airbase"
"Tigers claim control of Jaffna lifeline"
"LTTE offers cease-fire for safe withdrawal"
HTTP://WWW.TAMILNET.COM/REPORTS/2000/05/0801.HTML
A government statement "strongly refuted" claims that government troops were to be withdrawn, adding that the army had "effectively repulsed all attempts" by the LTTE to control Kilali. "Military officials" said that new weapons and ammunition are being "rushed" to Jaffna and that the army is preparing for an LTTE attack on the airport at Palaly.
"SLA dismisses ceasefire offer"
"Colombo denies it is withdrawing troops"
"Lanka army rushes weapons to Jaffna"
"Troops brace for LTTE attack"
The Sri Lankan government gave wide powers to the military, police, and administration to combat the LTTE. State authorities can now seize aircraft, ships, and other property without giving any reason, ban publication of newspapers and leaflets, and prohibit demonstrations and strikes that may harm the country's war effort. Also, the government censor now must approve in advance the text of all reports on the war by foreign news correspondents.
"Lanka invokes tough laws to battle Tigers"
Both "Dawn" (Pakistan) and the Hindu (India) argue that the Sri Lankan government must negotiate in good faith with the LTTE and must not let the Jaffna Peninsula fall militarily.
"Sri Lanka's losing war?" Editorial (Dawn)
HTTP://WWW.DAWN.COM/2000/05/03/ED.HTM#2
"Sri Lanka's hour of reckoning" Editorial (the Hindu)