At least three soldiers and 22 rebels were killed in fighting in the northern part of Sri Lanka, a military spokesman said Sunday, the dpa reported.
Weekend combat was reported from Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Welioya, Mullaitivu and the Jaffna areas, more than 300 kilometres north of the capital, the spokesman said.
On Sunday morning troops clashed with rebel forces in Muhamalai, Jaffna, killing at least one insurgent and injuring seven others, he said.
Three soldiers were killed by mortar fire in Mullaitivu Saturday while in the adjoining Kilincohchi district nine rebels were killed the same day, the spokesman said.
In the Welioya area six rebels were killed between Saturday and Sunday, he said.
Security forces are continuing a military offensive to capture rebel-held areas in northern Sri Lanka, one of the last insurgent strongholds.
There was no independent confirmation of casualty figures given by the military.