Lanka says military operations in north over

T V Sriram

Colombo, Apr 27 (PTI) Sri Lankan government Monday said
the combat operations in the northern parts of the island have
concluded and security forces have been instructed to end the
use of heavy calibre guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons.

"The Government of Sri Lanka has decided that combat
operations have reached their conclusion. Our security forces
have been instructed to end the use of heavy calibre guns,
combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian
casualties.

"Our security forces will confine their attempts to
rescuing civilians who are held hostage and give foremost
priority to saving the civilians," a statement from the
President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Office said Monday. PTI