Security forces ``have reached the last phase in eliminating terrorism from our nation,'' the Media Center for National Security said in a statement today, before the latest explosion. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam group ``is fighting its last battle'' after being driven from the eastern region.

At least 12 people were killed and 17 others injured when the rebels targeted a bus in the north-central Ethavatunuwawa area, Defense Ministry spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said in a telephone interview from Colombo. The LTTE detonated a ``roadside bomb,'' the Ministry of Defense said in a statement on its Web site.

In a separate attack, a mine exploded in the southern town of Buttala today, killing one soldier and injuring two others. ``The soldiers were buying rations when the explosion took place. Two other minor explosions took place today and there were no casualties,'' Nanayakkara said. The LTTE hasn't commented on the attacks. More...>Discuss this story Published: Mon Feb 4 07:43:19 EST 2008

The Island newspaper said LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran will never be able to break Sri Lanka - 's will to stand up to his terror.

''Even if he were to explode all the bombs in his possession simultaneously or to make waves of suicide attacks in Colombo, he would still not be able to get anywhere near his goal,'' it said. ''It is high time he came to terms with the fact that the days of his terrorism are numbered, gave up violence and negotiated a settlement.''

Diplomats said there was an unprecedented presence of troops and police to secure the city as the celebration continued as planned, but an exhibition of weapons captured from the LTTE and the firepower ranged against the rebels due to open later Monday was postponed by three days.>Discuss this story Published: Mon Feb 4 03:30:10 EST 2008