Dec 01, Colombo: Sri Lankan government today reiterated that the ongoing operations in the North will cease only after all civilians are fully liberated from the rebel hands.

Making a special statement to the local media Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the operations in Wanni are being carried out successfully at the moment.

The Minister pointed out that the capturing strategically important Kokavil this morning is an example of the victorious path of the security forces. He said the LTTE threat to Jaffna ended with the capture of Pooneryn by the forces few weeks ago.

He said the government will reconstruct the Jaffna-Pooneryn A-32 road at a cost of around Rs. 500 million in the near future.

The Sri Lankan government has vowed to eradicate the LTTE terrorism from the country. It has repeatedly said a ceasefire with the LTTE could be considered only if the Tigers lay down arms and come to the negotiating table.