The government yesterday denied opposition accusations that India has pressurised Sri Lanka,to halt "military operations" at Puthumathalan,in Mullaithivu.

Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, addressing yesterday’s cabinet press briefing in Colombo,claimed that there can be no such compulsion, because the government was carrying out a "humanitarian exercise" and not an "offensive.It is not correct to say that the visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon and National Security Advisor M.K.Narayanan,have appplied pressure on Sri Lanka, to halt military operations."

Yapa, also refuted opposition allegations that the government was paving the way for Prabhakaran and other senior LTTE leaders, to flee the country.

The Indian dignitaries,had called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday afternoon,but it would be premature to make any comments,he said.

"The opposition, is making foolish allegations when the government was engaged in a humanitarian mission.We welcome the UN’s call for the LTTE to lay down arms and permit all civilians under its control to leave."

Yapa,said that the President, has appointed a committee under his chairmanship, which includes the District Secretaries of Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kandy, to attend to the civilians needs.