Nov 20, Colombo: Emphasizing that the only option the LTTE has got is to lay down weapons as they are unable to contend with the advancing military, Sri Lanka on Thursday said that it was not a strategic move of the LTTE to leave Pooneryn but that they were forced to flee.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa at the weekly cabinet briefing said that the government troops are engaged in the Wanni offensives to liberate the region from the grip of terrorists.

“The humanitarian mission is being carried with the express objective of defeating the terrorists who show the worst fascist traits and liberate people,” the Minister said.

Minister Yapa said that it is the due responsibility of the Government to liberate the Tamils civilians from the tyranny of LTTE and preserve democracy whilst ensuring that peace and harmony is restored in the country.