Informed sources said that there has been warnings of a major build up in the general north and east of Oddusuddan but the top brass has ignored these warnings.

Half hearted efforts to send in reinforcements in support of the frontline troops and establish a second line of defence south of Oddusuddan failed due to negligence, the sources said saying that the multi - pronged enemy attacks could have been halted if the top brass in the theatre acted swiftly.

Unlike the isolated Mullaithivu base which was overrun a few years ago, the troops at Oddusuddan had supply lines towards Mankulam and then southwards Vavuniya and also towards Nedunkerni. But there has been no evidence to suggest that any organised effort was made to resist the attack until Nedunkerni fell and Welioya came under threat.

Successive governments had ignored calls to take disciplinary action against officers or inquire into the conduct of the officers allegedly responsible for huge losses in the battle field.

As the government sought to control sections of troops who have declined to accept orders, certain changes in top command and control positions of the army had been made already. The sources said that more changes are expected to be expected within the next few days.

The restructuring of the army command is aimed at stabilising the deteriorating situation and boosting the flagging morale of troops. Meanwhile, defense ministry officials say the commander of the army has convened a court of inquiry headed by three senior officers from the three services to inquire into the recent incidents that took place in the Wanni sector.

In a statement issued it said the inquiry will identify officers responsible for the losses and recommend action against them.

General Rohan de S Daluwatte, Army Chief of Staff, Major General Lionel Balagalle, Major General Neil Dias and Brigadier Gamini Hettiarachchi were among the officers sent to Vavuniya as the government battled to stall LTTE's advance.

Major General Wasantha Perera, who was the Security Forces Commander Wanni until yesterday, relieved of his command with immediate effect. Taking over his posting was his brother-in-law, Maj. Gen. Neil Dias. Until last night Maj.Gen. Dias was Commandant of the Army's Volunteer Force.

Major General Wasantha Perera, Security Forces Commander Wanni was yesterday relieved of his command. Taking over his posting was his brother-in-law, Maj. Gen. Neil Dias. Until last night Maj.Gen. Dias was Commandant of the Army's Volunteer Force.

Maj. Gen. Perera has been posted as Commandant of the Army Staff College at Batalanda. Maj. Gen. Janaka Perera, Deputy Chief of Staff who held this post will now return to his substantive post.

There were also a number of other top level changes effected in the Army postings last night. Maj. Gen. Sarath Munasinghe currently GOC of the Army's 54 Division has been appointed as the Jaffna Commander. Maj. Gen. Lohan Gunawardena, the present SF Commander has been named as the Commadant of the Volunteer Force.

The other postings effected last night and coming into effect from November 10 are:
Maj. Gen. Neil Dias, Security Forces Commander Wanni. Maj. Gen. Lohan Gunawardena to be attached to Army Headquarters. Brig. T.M. Bohran, to be Commandant of Kotelawala Defence Academy. Brig. Gamini Hettiarachchi (present Commandant of KDA) to be Operation Co-ordinator, Security Forces Headquarters Wanni. Brig. Seevali Wanigasekara to be officiating GOC of the 55 Division. Brig. H.B. Thibatumunnai to be officiating GOC of the 56 Division. Brig. K.B. Egodawela to be officiating GOC of the 54 Division. Col Udena Munasinghe to be officiating Deputy GOC.

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