Around the World: Sri Lanka

Dozens killed in battles

Sri Lankan troops and ethnic Tamil rebels fought a series of battles in the island's restive north, killing 35 guerrillas and three soldiers, the military said yesterday.

Separate clashes on Saturday in Welioya district killed 14 rebels and three soldiers, the military said in a statement.

Another 21 insurgents were killed on Saturday in scattered battles across Vavuniya and Jaffna districts, the military said.

(China Daily 03/24/2008 page6)