A move by the LTTEto secrue a truce through a UN involvement came a cropper, Government Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.

Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona had been informed by the UN of the request that the LTTEmade on Thursday stating that the armed forces were attacking the Tamil people in the Kilinochchi District on two fronts, Minister Rambukwell said.

But, the LTTEhad chosen to remain silent on the question of laying down arms, the Minister said.

The government had turned down the LTTE’s request.

He said the LTTE request for a ceasefire had come in the wake of massive military pressure it had come under in the Wanni and it was desperate for a breather.