Colombo, April 15 (DPA) Security forces in Sri Lanka have resumed military operations in the north-eastern part of the country, ending a 48-hour suspension of military operations to mark traditional New Year celebrations, a military spokesman said.
The spokesman said the military will go ahead with operations aimed at rescuing some 50,000 civilians who remain trapped in Mullativu district, 395 km north-east of the capital.

The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) retains control of an area less than 20 sq km where the civilians are held.

During the 48-hour period in which the military suspended offensive operations at least one soldier was killed by sniper fire by the rebels and three others were injured.

But the rebels claimed security forces had carried out attacks during the period, a claim denied by the army.

Tamil Tigers called for a permanent truce Tuesday, but the Sri Lankan government has not accepted the offer.