Sri Lanka's military says government forces killed at least 19 TamilTiger rebels and wounded more than 27 during fighting Saturday in thecountry's north.
Defense officials said Sunday the fighting broke out in the Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna and Welioya areas.
They said at least two soldiers were injured in the clashes.
Therewas no immediate comment from the Tamil Tiger rebels, and thegovernment figures could not be verified independently because ofrestrictions on journalists in the area.
In other news Sunday, apro-rebel website (TamilNet) has released pictures of Tamil Tigerleader Velupillai Prabhakaran commemorating the 21st anniversary of thefirst suicide attack by his group.
The website says more than350 Tamil suicide bombers, known as Black Tigers, have killedthemselves in attacks against the Sri Lankan military since 1987.
Tamilrebels are fighting for an independent homeland in Sri Lanka's northand east. More than 70,000 people died in the violence that began in1983.