Top LTTE leaders surrender; amnesty for Prabhakaran ruled out

Colombo, Apr 22: Under relentless military pressure, two top LTTE leaders surrendered to the Sri Lankan forces today as the noose appeared to tighten around Tiger supremo Vellupillai Prabhakaran with troops closing on in his possible hideout and the government ruling out amnesty for him.

As the over two-decades long war seemed to be nearing its endgame, there was no trace of the 54-year-old elusive Tiger head nor was there any report about the whereabouts of Prabhakaran or his family.

Velayutham Dayanidhi, or Daya Master, a former LTTE media coordinator and George, a close aide of slain Tiger political wing head S P Thamilchelvan gave themselves up to the army at Putumathalan in the no-fire zone where the battles are raging, defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.

However, the LTTE said that the two were arrested from a hospital where they were undergoing treatment.

Tiger cadres are known to swallow the cyanide pill they wear around their neck when under threat of capture.

Over one lakh Tamil civilians have crossed over to the government-controlled 'safe zones' in last two days as troops pushed deeper into the no-fire zone, capturing one-third of the 18 sq km area where the LTTE has dug itself in.

Ruling out amnesty, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said "LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has spurned the possibility of pardon by us. In doing so, by not giving up arms and surrendering as required, he must now face the consequences of his acts." PTI