Apr 27, Colombo: Sri Lankan government today announced that it has concluded all combat operations and would continue the rescue missions.

"Government of Sri Lanka has decided that combat operations have reached their conclusion. Our security forces have been instructed to end the use of heavy caliber guns, combat aircraft and aerial weapons which could cause civilian causalities," the Defence Ministry said in its web site.

"Our security forces will confine their attempts to rescuing civilians who are held hostage and give foremost priority to saving civilians," it further said.

The announcement comes after the Navy foiled another attempt by the Tigers to attack the ground troops from the sea. One Tiger boat was destroyed and four LTTE members were killed in the operation.