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.

Reports had earlier suggested that Prabhakaran had fled the country as the Sri Lankan army got closer to LTTE's last stronghold of Mullaithivu. With the fall of Mulalithivu, the LTTE has lost its last major stronghold and now remains boxed in a tiny patch of jungle in the coastal district. The military had captured the LTTE's administrative capital Kilinochchi earlier this month.  

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will be leaving for Colombo later today (January 27) on a two-day visit.  

Mukherjee will call on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse. The two are expected to hold a discussion on the current LTTE issue. Sri Lanka had earlier said that it would extradite Prabhakaran if caught.  

Another issue that is expected to be discussed is the civilian casualties that have occurred in the intense fighting. This is an issue that has political importance back home since the DMK has been calling for the protection of Sri Lankan Tamils who have been caught in cross-fire. Mukherjee is expected to return back to India tomorrow night.

Courtesy:timesnow.tv