Sri Lanka spurns rebel ceasefire

Sri Lanka rejected a ceasefire offered by Tamil Tigers yesterday as the top United Nations humanitarian official pleaded for the safety of thousands of civilians still trapped in the war zone.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse said there was no need for a truce as the military was on the verge of defeating the separatist forces, who have fought for 37 years for the creation of an independent Tamil homeland.

"What is the need for a ceasefire when they are running away? They should first lay down arms, surrender and let the people go," Mr Rajapakse said.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), who are accused of holding thousands of civilians hostage, said its ceasefire was "in the face of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis" and in response to international appeals.

"All of LTTE's offensive military operations will cease with immediate effect," the rebels said in a statement. Rebel spokesman, S. Puleethevan, said the Tigers would maintain their ceasefire only if the government reciprocated.