Lanka says no ceasefire, rescue operations to continue

Sri Lanka on Monday said it has not declared a ceasefire with the LTTE, but has only announced that heavy caliber weapons will not be used while rescuing thousands of civilians trapped in the northern war zone.The Government said as the security forces are now close to victory it will in no form leave a breather for the LTTE or its leaders by offering a truce."There is no ceasefire. The Government will go ahead with their operation to get the civilians out of the 'No Fire Zone' who are being held hostage by the LTTE," Lakshman Hullagulle, Director-General of the Media Center for National Security, told PTI.He said the Government on Monday instructed security forces not to use of heavy caliber guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian casualties.Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said the Government's announcement is in line with its policy of 'Zero Civilian Casualty Policy' (ZCC).A senior official also refuted media reports that the Government has announced a ceasefire.The official described the logic behind the Government's decision "as an exhibit of its grave concern to avoid any form of collateral-damage while surging into the remaining 5 sq km swathe of coast, south of Valayarmadam and Vellamullivaikkal."