When the LTTE terrorists were confined to 6 km area, Security Forces stopped using heavy weapons like artillery guns and also stopped air strikes. Since then, the Security Forces had advanced one more km. confining the terrorists to a mere 05 km.

Then the government officially announced the end of use of heavy weapons, The ground realities do not permit the use of heavy weapons. Further the government has concentrated on rescuing the civilians trapped in the 05 km area. In this context, the interpretation that a ceasefire is in operation is clrealy malicious propaganda said Hon. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Defence Spokesman addressing the media briefing held today (29) at MCNS.

185,781 civilians have been rescued and are registered at the welfare camps. The government has made arrangements for the well - being of the IDPs. The rescue mission will continue untill all civilians trapped are rescued asserted the Defence Spokesman.

The issue of visa to Foreign Minister of Sweden has been delayed because essential diplomatic protocol has to be observed as in case of foreign diplomats. So it is totally false to interpret it as a refusal of visa, the Defence Spokesman explained.

Military Spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara

Troops recently captured an 700 m long earth bund 10 ft high and 08 ft deep ditch at Rektarvaikkal which had been built to prevent the exodus of civilians.

An explosive - laden truck driven to prevent the advance of troops was destroyed by troops. Seven suicide attempts had taken place last 24 hours, four of them human suicide attacks two suicide motorcycles and one a suicide cab Several soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice a few injured while advancing, facing the suicide attacks. Recently two six - wheel vehicles were found by troops. The Military Spokesman added

According to military intelligence sources terrorists' leadership ordered to set fire to all boats Vellamullavaikkal to prevent civilians fleeing via sea. There are six boats stand by for the use of LTTE leaders stored with essential items like food, intelligence sources have revealed.     Welfare Camps have been set up in Mannar, Vavunia, Pulmudai and Jaffna 185781 civilians are registered at these Camps, he added.

Yesterday troops who concluded a search operation had found 15 claymore mines, 11 land mines, 19 suicide kits, troops of 51 Division had found a suicide kit. Troops of 58 Division in Rekktavaikkal the troops of 58 Division inflicted heavy damages to the LTTE terrorists in the confrontations in subsequently troops recovered 06 LTTE male dead bodies and 03 female dead bodies along with the following military items in a search operation conducted in the area. Claymore mines  11, C4 Explosive 01kg, Detonators  75, Arul bombs 53, Hand grenades 46, T56 weapons  15, Sniper weapons  01, Antipersonnel mines  260, Exploding equipments 26, Communication sets 02.

Air Forces Spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara

Air operations continue to support the rescue mission essential items including 350 metric tons of food stuffs were airlifted. The Air Force will continue the humanitarian role in the rescue mission and also continue aerial surveillance.

Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara refuted the accusations against the STF troops posted in Tamil net about a murder of a woman T. Mahadevi. He pointed out consequent to investigations the husband of the victim K. Siveram had been arrested.