Dec 02, Colombo: Troops of Sri Lanka Army's 59 Division advancing from the East ahead of Mullaitivu front today entered the Periyakulam hamlet, the military said.

Defence Ministry reported that the soldiers continuing their westward thrust from Otiyamalai advanced for about 1 km distance eliminating all LTTE hideouts up to the Periyakulam hamlet situated 4 km east of strategic Nadunkerni town.

Another group of soldiers of the same Division marched eastwards amid heavy confrontations with the Tiger rebels in the Alampil area along the East coast during the day, the military said.

The military hopes that capturing more LTTE controlled areas will help to free the trapped civilians in the area allowing them to reach the government controlled areas.