(LBO) - Sri Lankan apparel exporters said they are considering expanding into the former war-zone in the island's north and east from where Tamil Tigers have been driven out.

Ajith Dias, chairman of the Joint Apparel Association Forum, an industry umbrella body, said the government is trying to encourage apparel companies to set up plant in the north and east to give employment in communities disrupted by war.

A day after the Sri Lankan Army captured the LTTE's last major settlement Mullaithivu, a Sri Lankan Cabinet minister has come forward and told TIMES NOW that Tiger chief Prabhakaran may still be on the emerald Isle.

Speaking exclusively to TIMES NOW, Lankan minister Douglas Devanand has confirmed that Prabhakaran is in Sri Lanka and is in fact using human shields in a last ditch attempt to save himself.

The conventional military game is up for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, or very nearly so. That is the message sent out to the world by the capture of the Tigers’ main garrison town of Mullaithivu, situated on a sliver of land between a lagoon and the Indian Ocean, by the 59 division of the Sri Lankan Army three weeks after the 57 division took Kilinochchi. With the territory controlled by Velupillai Prabakaran’s organisation shrinking from 15,000 square km in August 2006 to 350 square km today, with its fighting cadre strength believed to be down to about 1,000, with its senior leaders hiding in pockets of jungle or on the run, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka was not exaggerating when he announced that the 25-year war was “95 per cent over.” Desperate actions such as blowing up a tank bund to flood a section of the A-35 Paranthan-Mullaithivu main road and adjacent areas, and laying landmines to prevent civilians from fleeing to government-controlled areas say it all about the LTTE’s plight and character.

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa made an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, from 19 Jan 2009 till 24 Jan 2009. During the visit, Mr. Rajapaksa met with the Pakistani Interior Minister, the Secretary Defence and several other senior defence officials. 

Secretary Defence Rajapaksa, at the meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister and Special Advisor to Prime Minister Mr. Reheman Malik, extended his gratitude towards Pakistan and its people for the unwavering support given over the years to Sri Lanka amidst all odds.