Jan 05, Colombo: Sri Lankans across the country today hoisted national flags to pay tribute to the brave soldiers and observed a two-minute silence for the fallen heroes as the Army continued its march to the last rebel bastion of Mullaitivu.

The country is celebrating the capture of the rebels' administrative capital, Kilinochchi by the government forces last Friday (02). Troops have now pushed the Tiger rebels deeper into the jungles of Mullaitivu despite their resistance blowing away their dream of a separate homeland.

. The government held national flag hoisting ceremonies, singing the national anthem and observing two minutes silence for the fallen heroes across the country starting at 8:30 a.m. today. Religious ceremonies were also held throughout to bless the soldiers and the President.

The officials of the Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order also this morning paid their tribute to the soldiers who liberated Kilinochchi.

Meanwhile troops boosted by the victory in Kilinochchi advanced further east to capture the remaining LTTE strongholds of Elephant Pass and Mullaitivu, the military said.