Colombo, Jan. 2 : At least two persons have died and 30 injured on Friday in the Sri Lanka capital after a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) suicide bomber blew himself up near the Sri Lankan Air force headquarters.

The incident occurred after the news about Sri Lankan Army taking control of the LLTE's de facto capital of Kilinochchi went public.

The explosion caused damage to a moving civilian bus in the area. The wounded have been rushed to nearby hospitals.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has termed the capture of LTTE-held Kilinochchi as an "unparalleled victory" for the forces.

Colombo, Jan. 2 : The Sri Lankan army has seized the Tamil Tigers'' de facto capital of Kilinochchi.

Sources from President Mahinda Rajapaksa''s office said that the troops entered Kilinochchi from two locations and after a fierce confrontation with the tigers, the Lankan army was in control of the town.

"Presently the 57 division troops and one battalion of the Sri Lankan army have entered Kilinochchi town," military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara said.

Colombo  - The President of the Maldives Mohammed Nasheed arrived in Colombo Friday for a two-day official visit, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

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.

Colombo - Government troops have taken control a strategic town in northern Sri Lanka after weeks of heavy fighting around the area as the army continues its advance into rebel-held areas, military officials said Wednesday.

Paranthan a town located 385 kilometres north of the capital, was taken by troops on Wednesday evening as Mi 24 helicopters provided air support to advancing troops.

There were no details of any rebel casualties.

Colombo - The Sri Lankan government has offered a relief package to the public amidst pressure from opposition parties to reduce fuel prices and lower the cost of living.

The government has reduced fuel and gas prices with immediate effect and offered incentives for garment, tea and rubber exporters as well as the tourism industry as part of the economic measures.