Sri Lankan forces capture important rebel stronghold

SRI LANKA captured a key town used by Tamil Tigers to target artillery at a major naval port, as the country’s president urged the rebels to return to peace talks.

Security forces have moved into Sampur, 10 kilometres across the Koddiya Bay from the Trincomalee naval and air complex, President Mahinda Rajapakse announced at a rally for his Sri Lanka Freedom party yesterday.

“Our troops have captured Sampur,” he said to thunderous applause during 55th anniversary celebrations for the main component of the ruling coalition.