SLPP MP's claim of 11 military deaths, false

A senior officer in the Defence Ministry says that a statement made by SLPP MP - Piyal Nishantha de Silva during a live TV programme yesterday (26) is false.

Appearing on the 'Swarnawahini' TV channel, the MP had claimed that 11 security force personnel had died during last night’s confrontation in Kalmunai-Saindamarudu area between the extremists and the security forces.

Speaking to 'Sri Lanka Mirror', the official added that this statement could have intended to mislead and cause anger among the public.

The officer said this when inquired about the truth of MP's claim, for which the MP had taken full responsibility.

The officer said that no security forces personnel had been killed in last night’s confrontation, but added that four bodies suspected to be of the suicide bombers had been recovered from the area.