The alleged attacks happened hours after the insurgents launched an air attack on a military base next to the country's main international airport.

The Sri Lankan military however rejected the LTTE allegation. Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe told BBC Sinhala Service that military was only engaged in defensive operations.

The rebel attack, early on Monday, was the first from the air.

Three airmen were killed and sixteen wounded. The Tamil Tigers said two planes took part in the bombing.

The civilian airport was closed for a time but later re-opened.