COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka has ordered a two-day suspension of the military offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels to enable tens of thousands of trapped civilians to leave the war zone.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa directed the armed forces to restrict operations during the April 13-14 Sri Lankan New Year to a defensive nature.
He also renewed his call to the rebel group to "acknowledge its military defeat and lay down its weapons and surrender."
He said the rebels must renounce violence permanently.
The president's call came amid increasing international pressure on the government to protect civilians trapped along with the remaining guerrillas in a government-declared "no-fire" zone.
Britain welcomed the government announcement, but said it was vital that rebels also observe the suspension.
