"As with the issue of censorship, while we understand the seriousness of the crisis that Sri Lanka faces, we call on the government to avoid restrictions of civil liberties that could undermine the country's democratic institutions," he added. More..

Only India had the "moral right" to intervene in the ethnic conflict in Lanka and other countries such as the USA, Israel and Pakistan should not be allowed to enter the scene, Dr Ramdoss said. More..

LTTE'S PLEA TO PM: Even the LTTE has faxed a letter from its international headquarters in London, urging Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to "kindly lift the ban so that we can talk to you." More..

While the Tigers claimed to have taken control over sections of the Navatkuli bridge, sources in the Sri Lankan army refuted it this evening saying that while there were ``gaps in the Navatkuli-Ariyalai sector, the bridge is still with us''. More..

As long as the LTTE was suffering reverses, these parties and individuals had maintained a low profile. More..

Reports of the fighting were delayed in Sri Lanka, where the government has used wartime powers to impose censorship on news reports and prohibit news organizations from gathering information in some cases. More..

The Tigers, in their statement say that commando units of the LTTE "in a dramatic offensive push took control of a section of the strategic Navatkuli bridge barely 3 kilometres from Jaffna town today and cut-off the A9 highway in that sector."

The rebels claim that fierce fighting erupted close to the vicinity of Jaffna town when "the combat formations of the Tamil Tigers launched a massive offensive assault on three fronts in the early hours of the morning today." The LTTE claims that Sri Lankan military bases at Thanankilappu, Ariyalai and Navatkuli came under intense fire as the Tigers opened up heavy artillery and mortar bombardment.

The LTTE say that the offensive, code named "Unceasing Waves 3" resumed today after the Government rejected an offer from the rebels for a ceasefire. The LTTE two days ago, offered to hold their fire until soldiers were withdrawn from the peninsula. The government rejected the offer reiterating that Lankan troops would stay and fight until the last man to hold Jaffna.

"Our soldiers will fight to the last man. We will recapture Elephant Pass," the tought talking General Ratwatte told Parliament when he opened the debate on the motion for the extension of emergency.

Giving casualty figures, the General said that 358 troops including 21 officers were killed while 2,368 including 128 officers were wounded during the Elephant Pass and Pallai battles. A total of 349 troops including three officers were missing in action.

The extension of the emergency was approved with 118 voting for and seven against. The UNP abstained from voting while the TULF, the UPF and the Progressive Front voted against.

Meanwhile a government press release issued yesterday said, "during the early hours of the morning today terrorists in large numbers launched two consecutive attacks on the troops manning defences north of Pallai."

"Troops fought back valiantly replusing both assualta of the terrorists. Terrorists were compelled to withdraw southwards with their casualties."

"The first assualt lasted for approximately thrity minutes while the second assault was repulsed within about fifteen minutes."

"Troops continue to dominate areas ahead of the Forward Defence localities and improve the defences."

Winding up yesterday's emergency debate Minister Ratwatte said "I only ask each member to provide 100 youth to the security forces," in view of both the opposition and government members calling for united support for the war.

Premila Divakara, Head of the Police Children and Women's Department told Lacnet that the foreigner had been evading arrest for a long period of time by masquerading as a social worker for locals living in and around the area.

Ms. Divakara said a statement given to police by the local youth "is damning." She reiterated that the German national will be held in remand till the 22nd of this month before being produced for trial. In the event he is deported he will stand trial in Germany on the new laws that are now in effect to counter child abuse in Sri Lanka.

But UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned that thousands of people were at risk from renewed fighting in the peninsula, on Sri Lanka's northern tip. More..

In New York, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative in the UN, Mr John de Saram, and the Israeli envoy, were finalising the logistics of establishing diplomatic relations, "Daily News" reported.

Air Chief Tipnis met Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumara-tunga yesterday. He also met Deputy Defence Minister General Anurudha Ratwatte and Army Chief General Srilal Weerasunga. More..

Deputy Minister of defence Anurudha Ratwatta admitting that the fall of Elephant Pass was major military setback told parliament today that the government would use all its resources to defend Jaffna. Speaking at debate to extend the state of emergency in the country the Minister said 337 soldiers and 21 officers were killed in the battle in fighting in Jaffna peninsula since March 27th while 346 soldiers and 03 officers were missing in action. 2240 soldiers and 128 officers were injured.

The Minister said the draconian regulation introduced last week which bans any kind of protests and imposed heavy handed censorship on the media the Minister said that the regulation were not aimed at repressing the people. The Opposition members criticised the government for imposing the regulations saying they were aimed at establishing a dictatorship in the Country. Opposition speakers said most of the regulations were not connected with the security situation and were not necessary to fight the war.

Fresh fighting has broken out in Northern Sri Lanka this morning after a three day lull in the fighting.A communique issued by the newly formed Special Media Information Centre said that the rebels launched two attacks on troops manning defaces north Pallai using small arms,machine guns ,RPGs and mortars. "The first assault lasted approximately 30 minutes while the second attack was repulsed within about fifteen minutes" the communique said without giving casualty figures.

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe last night welcomed a statement by the Indian Foreign Minister that his government was ready to negotiate a immediate ceasefire and a lasting solutions to Sri lanka's ethnic crisis if the Sri lankan government and the LTTE invited them to do so. The Opposition leader said the move is a welcome one."There is no military solution to this problem. We have been saying that for sometime" Mr.Wickramasinghe told a press conference last night. He said it was not possible for the government to accept the LTTE offer of a ceasefire to withdraw troops from Jaffna. " The government should have made counter proposals to de escalate the fighting and have a ceasefire before peace talks' Mr.Wickramsinghe said.

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