President accused 'some people' of helping the LTTE in their attacks

The President has make the remarks as he attended the funerals of the civilians recently killed in the south.

Director of the Presidential Media Unit, Sudath Silva, told BBC Sandeshaya that the relatives of those killed and the villagers gathered appealed Mr. Rajapaksa to take measures to eradicate terrorism.

37 civilians killed

"The President highly praised their patience and commitment towards peace. He urged them to be vigilant to prevent any such attacks," Sudath Silva told BBC Sinhala.com.

Tamil Tigers are accused of killing scores of civilians in the south within three days, last week.

The President highly praised their patience and commitment towards peace. He urged them to be vigilant to prevent any such attacks Sudath Silva, President's Media Unit

At least ten people were shot dead in Thanamalwila, Moneragala district, allegedly by the LTTE on Thursday night.

Two brothers, 24 and 18 year old, are among the victims in Midddeniya, Kudagal Ara, Mr. Silva said.

There was hardly any space as two bodies were laid in the small house as President visited, he added.

Bomb attack on a bus

On Wednesday, 27 passengers were killed and more than 60 sustained injuries as suspected LTTE launched a claymore mine attack on a passenger bus in Buttala.

	At least 27 people were killed in the bus bomb in Buttala

Eyewitnesses told BBC Sandeshaya that the attackers, clad in black, had shot at them and fired in the air after the attack.

President Rajapaksa who made a surprise visit to the village has also expressed his anger that "some people are helping the attackers".

"He said the terrorists are helped by some to find their way to these areas," Sudath Silva said.

Sri Lanka Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka, has earlier accused 'various Sinhala groups supporting the LTTE cause' of attacking civilians and the armed forces in the south.