SLA admitted five soldiers were killed infighting with the LTTE

Both parties say that fighting erupted near Muhamalai Forward Defence Line (FDL) early on Sunday.

LTTE military spokesman Rasiah Ialnthirayan told BBC Sandeshaya that they launched an attack on a reconnaissance team of the SLA who tired to enter Tiger-held territory through Muhamalai.

Ilanthirayan said there were no LTTE casualties.

"Preparing" for offensive

“We believe the military is gathering intelligence in preparation for a bigger offensive in the north,” he told bbcsinhala.com.

But security authorities rejected the LTTE accusation.

We don’t need to enter LTTE-held territories. We only retaliated when they attacked our position Brigadier Samarasinghe

Military spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe told BBC Sandeshaya that the LTTE launched artillery attacks on SLA positions near FDL.

“We don’t need to enter LTTE-held territories. We only retaliated when they attacked our position,” Brig. Samarasinghe said.

The LTTE spokesman said they are treating a wounded SLA soldier captured on Saturday.

“He is now recovering in the hospital. We will decide whether to release him when he recovers”.