DATE=4/30/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=LANKA/DEFENSE (L-O)
NUMBER=2-261844
BYLINE=VANDANA CHOPRA
DATELINE=COLOMBO
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Sri Lanka is shopping around for guns to
modernize its security forces, following recent
military losses. Vandana Chopra has details from
Colombo.
TEXT: The independent Sunday Times newspaper says Sri
Lankan officials, led by the defense secretary, are
meeting with arms manufacturer representatives.
The newspaper reports arms makers from Russia,
Britain, Pakistan, Iran, the Czech Republic, Israel,
and Singapore have been asked to confirm availability
and early delivery.
Government officials say the fast-track program is
intended to re-equip the security forces after Tamil
rebels captured Elephant Pass, a key military complex
serving as a gateway to the northern Jaffna region.
According to Defense Staff Chief Lieutenant General
Rohan Daluwatte, the military faces a difficult
situation and cannot launch an immediate bid to re-
capture Elephant Pass.
The arms build-up follows a pledge by President
Chandrika Kumaratunga to relentlessly pursue the
military option if the Tamil rebels do not join the
peace process.
In an address on state media last week, President
Kumaratunga admitted there were shortcomings in the
military strategy that contributed to the recent
setbacks.
The address followed a government decision to bolster
the armed forces by recalling to active duty all
military reserves. It is the first recall since the
outbreak of war against the Tamil rebels, 17-years
ago.
Analysts say the guerillas are likely to launch an
assault to re-capture their former stronghold, Jaffna,
which they lost to the military in 1995.
The rebels have been fighting for a separate homeland
for the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka's north
and east since 1983. (SIGNED)
NEB/VC/RAE
30-Apr-2000 09:25 AM EDT (30-Apr-2000 1325 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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