Addressing the 61 session of United Nations General Assembly in New York, the president said the LTTE has “exploited” legitimate grievances of minority Tamils for their own advantage.

“In an age where the world seeks dialogue and peace, the LTTE devotes its full force to violence, suicide bombings, massacre of civilians, indiscriminate armed assaults and conscription of young children for war,” Rajapaksa said.

A roothless terrorist outfit in Sri Lanka, the LTTE, has been terrorising our people for over two decades President Rajapaksa

He accused them of ignoring promises they have given to the UN not to use child soldiers.

“Assurances given to the UN secretary-general's special representative on children and armed conflict on the conscription of children for armed combat have been blatantly violated.”

President Rajapaksa however reiterated his commitment to solve the national question through negotiations, Minister Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi told bbcsinhala.com.

“The President once again urged the LTTE to curb violence and come back to the table,” the minister said.

Sri Lanka President has also had talks with US President George W Bush, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg in New York.