The LTTE, which undertook its first simultaneous air and ground assault on Sri Lankan government forces earlier this week, has said attack is the best form of defence. “The best form of defence is offence,” Tiger Military spokesperson Rasiah Ilanthirayan remarked hours after the Monday clash at an Air Force base north of the capital which killed around 34 people.

Ilanthirayan, however, did not elaborate if the remarks meant the Tigers had shifted from the defensive stance they had adopted earlier, the Morning Leader Newspaper said in a front page report on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the main opposition UNP on Tuesday told Parliament that 18 aircraft worth more than USD 439 million were damaged in the predawn rebel assault on Anuradhapura airbase, “despite the government claiming otherwise”.

Speaking during the debate on the Local Government and Provincial Councils (Amendment) Bill, UNP Anuradhapura District MP P Harrison asserted he was making the disclosure to the House with “responsibility” and challenged the government to prove him wrong.

He said the Tigers have launched three air strikes against military bases and in all cases returned to their hideout in Wanni without being intercepted.

“When the LTTE attacked the Katunayake base for the first time, the government blamed it on the poor radar system,” Harrison said, accusing defence authorities of not taking proper defensive measures against attacks by the Tamil rebels.

“The LTTE cadres hid behind gravel mounds within the airbase premises to attack. The Air Force chief should resign under these circumstances. If security provided to a city like Anuradapura with its religious and historical significance is thus, can you imagine the situation in other areas?” he asked.

Puttalam District UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara said the estimated loss of aircraft was more than USD 439 million, the Daily Mirror reported.

He said the Tigers might have taken advantage of the mega party organised the previous night after the Gajaba Super Cross motor show in Anuradhapura.