May 18, Colombo: Commanders of the Sri Lanka's three Armed Forces, Chief of Police and the Chief of Civil Defence Force together with the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa officially formally informed the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Commander-In-Chief, of the end of the military operation against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) this evening.

This special and historical function was held at the Temple Trees this evening with the participation of the Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka and other government members. All the forces commanders congratulated the President for his brave leadership and guidance given to them during the entire operation. Following the event President held discussions with the three forces commanders, Inspector General of Police and Chief of Civil Defence Force along with the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa over the outcome. President Rajapaksa is to address the nation tomorrow from the parliament over the huge military victory over the world's most ruthless terrorist organization.

Picture by Sudath Silva