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S Lanka anniversary amid tensions S Lanka anniversary amid tensions
(about 1 hour later)
A large military parade is under way amid tight security in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, to mark the 60th anniversary of national independence.A large military parade is under way amid tight security in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, to mark the 60th anniversary of national independence.
The anniversary comes as fighting has intensified between the government and the Tamil Tigers.The anniversary comes as fighting has intensified between the government and the Tamil Tigers.
Security forces are on high alert after a series of bombings over the weekend.Security forces are on high alert after a series of bombings over the weekend.
At least 11 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at the main railway station on Sunday, while 18 died in a bus blast in Dambulla on Saturday.At least 11 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack at the main railway station on Sunday, while 18 died in a bus blast in Dambulla on Saturday.
Both were blamed by the government on the Tamil Tigers rebels, though the rebels have denied involvement.Both were blamed by the government on the Tamil Tigers rebels, though the rebels have denied involvement.
The BBC's Roland Buerk in Colombo says Monday morning's parade is a show of strength by Sri Lanka's armed forces - once again, officially at war with the Tamil Tiger rebels.The BBC's Roland Buerk in Colombo says Monday morning's parade is a show of strength by Sri Lanka's armed forces - once again, officially at war with the Tamil Tiger rebels.
Attack fearsAttack fears
"Our security forces are today achieving victories against terrorism unprecedented in history. Terrorism is receiving an unprecedented defeat," President Mahinda Rajapaksa said in an anniversary address in Colombo.
The parade is the first major event since the truce officially ended
"In less than two years we have liberated the large Eastern Province that was under the clutches of the terrorists and confined them to two districts, only."
The president said that "the defeat of the most ruthless terrorists of the world in Sri Lanka is also a victory of the developed world".
"We are also fully committed to carry on this battle while safeguarding human rights. This is the reality," he said.
"In short, two years ago, no one believed that terrorists could be defeated. But, during the last two years we made it a reality in our motherland."
The Tigers have marked independence day by once again saying they will fight on for a separate state for the Tamil minority in the north and east.
"This is not a day of independence nor is it a day of celebration for our people," rebel spokesman B Nadesan said.
"The Sri Lankan government are still continuing its ethnic cleansing and mass killings among the Tamil people."
Sea-borne attack
Ranks of soldiers, sailors and airmen were drawn up on grounds overlooking the Indian Ocean.Ranks of soldiers, sailors and airmen were drawn up on grounds overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Tanks and trucks carrying multi-barrelled rocket launchers rumbled past. Heavy guns fired a salute sending smoke drifting out over the blue water, our correspondent says.Tanks and trucks carrying multi-barrelled rocket launchers rumbled past. Heavy guns fired a salute sending smoke drifting out over the blue water, our correspondent says.
In a speech marking the 60th anniversary of independence, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka was facing the challenge of eradicating terrorism and poverty. The station blast was the latest in a series of attacks
The parade is the first major event since the truce officially ended
Much of the centre of Colombo has been sealed off by military checkpoint.Much of the centre of Colombo has been sealed off by military checkpoint.
Thousands of police and troops are on the streets and the navy has stepped up coastal patrols to combat a possible sea-borne attack.Thousands of police and troops are on the streets and the navy has stepped up coastal patrols to combat a possible sea-borne attack.
Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara told Reuters news agency that the armed forces were expecting the rebels to launch an attack.
"There have been recoveries of suicide jackets and an LTTE cadre (fighter) last week. They are trying to disrupt the independence celebrations," he said.
Civilians targeted
Last month, the government pulled out of the 2002 ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers, arguing the rebels had used it to re-group and re-arm.Last month, the government pulled out of the 2002 ceasefire with the Tamil Tigers, arguing the rebels had used it to re-group and re-arm.
Since then, fighting has intensified on the frontlines that surround Tiger-held territory in the north.Since then, fighting has intensified on the frontlines that surround Tiger-held territory in the north.
Civilians are also being targeted - there were explosions in a bus and at a railway station over the weekend.Civilians are also being targeted - there were explosions in a bus and at a railway station over the weekend.
Sri Lanka's army commander Lieutenant-General Sarath Fonseka has said he now aims to defeat the rebels by the end of the year. Sri Lanka's army commander Lt-Gen Sarath Fonseka has said he now aims to defeat the rebels by the end of the year.
The Tigers have marked independence day by once again saying they will fight on for a separate state for the Tamil minority in the north and east. The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for an independent state in the north and east since 1983.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been fighting for an independent state in the north and east since 1983.