Colombo - Government troops heading towards the administrative centre of Tamil rebels in northern Sri Lanka had reached the outer perimeter of the town and were expected it to capture it soon, military officials said Friday.

Security forces were advancing from the north, west and south towards the town of Kilinochchi, 380 kilometres north of the capital Colombo.

Troops advancing from the north on Friday had reached Karadipokku junction, two kilometres from the town, while troops from other directions were also closing in.

"The fall of the town is imminent within the next few hours," said a military official who did not want to be named.

Tamil rebels have been running a de-facto administration from Kilinochchi, establishing their political headquarters there and setting up their own police, courts and "tax office" in the town.

Civilians in Kilinochchi have withdrawn to the eastern side of the town. Some 350,000 people have been displaced by the fighting between government troops and rebel forces. (dpa)