DATE=11/7/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SRI LANKA CENSORSHIP (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-255903
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Sri Lankan government has imposed
censorship on war news. And as Vandana Chopra reports
from Colombo, this comes after major losses by the
military in its civil war with the Tamil Tiger rebels.
TEXT: The government information department says
imposition of censorship is in the national interest
and to stop dissemination of false information.
The department said in a statement that no media
organization can print, transmit or broadcast
information on military operations being carried out
in the north and east of the country without the
clearance of authorities.
The government last imposed censorship, last year,
after the military lost the key town of Kilinochchi to
the rebels. That censorship was later eased.
Meanwhile, military officials say the command
structure of the army has been overhauled following
the recent defeats of the government army on the war
front.
The last few days of fighting have seen the government
forces lose key military bases in the Northern jungle
region, Wanni.
Defense analysts say the recent fighting has seen the
Sri Lankan military absorb its worst defeats in many
years.
Tiger rebels claim they have taken control of military
complexes at Ampkamam, Oddusuddan, Nedunkerni,
Mankulam and Kanagarayankulam in the
country's north.
Meanwhile, defense ministry officials say the
commander of the army has convened a court of inquiry
headed by three senior officers from the three
services to inquire into the recent incidents that
took place in the Wanni sector.
In a statement issued it said the inquiry will
identify officers responsible for the losses and
recommend action against them.
The government army has also called upon all troops on
leave or those who have not reported back to duty to
return in the next 48 hours.
Tiger guerillas have been fighting for a separate
homeland for the minority Tamil community in Sri
Lanka's North and East since 1983. (signed)
NEB/VC/PLM
07-Nov-1999 07:09 AM EDT (07-Nov-1999 1209 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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