Colombo: Sri Lanka's Army Chief, General Sarath Fonseka, declared on Tuesday afternoon that the dead body of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has been recovered and identified. General Fonseka in his capacity as the Commander of the Army made the announcement on behalf of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at 12.15 p.m. "A few hours ago on Tuesday morning, our ground troops confirmed that they have recovered the dead body of the world's most ruthless terrorist leader. I make this disclosure with responsibility and pleasure as millions of Sri Lankans as well as the Army would be the most delighted at this news," General Fonseka said. Prabhakaran was known by many aliases such as Thambi, Kirubakaran, Thurai, Harry, Karikalan, Alipha, JUzo and Pirabhakaran. No details were forthcoming about the way Prabhakaran was killed. He is known to have been moving with two doubles. Moreover, the LTTE has denied he is dead.
- May 19, 2009