US journalist in Sri Lanka clash

Ms Colvin was moved to a hospital in Colombo

A journalist working for the British Sunday Times newspaper is recovering in hospital in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, after being wounded in a clash between the army and Tamil Tiger rebels.

The government says the rebels opened fire first

Marie Colvin, who is American, was injured apparently trying to cross over from rebel lines to the government side in northern Sri Lanka on Monday.

Doctors said she had four shrapnel wounds to her head, chest and arms, and described her condition as stable.

A US diplomat, who visited Ms Colvin in hospital, was quoted as saying her injuries were not life threatening.

Search operation

Defence ministry spokesman Sanath Karunaratne said troops discovered Ms Colvin during a search operation after a gun battle near Vavuniya.

He said the Tigers had opened fire at a military patrol which retaliated with automatic gun fire and grenades.

"The terrorists fled the area leaving the journalist behind," Mr Karunaratne said.

Ms Colvin was treated initially at a military field hospital in Vavuniya and later transferred to a better facility at Anuradhapura.

On Tuesday, she was moved to the Eye Hospital in Colombo.

Accreditation

Sri Lankan officials said that 44-year-old Ms Colvin did have accreditation from the authorities, but had not obtained permission to enter rebel-held territory.

However, correspondents say that permission to cross the frontlines is rarely granted.

There have been a number of clashes in recent days between the Sri Lankan army and Tamil Tigers - despite both sides declaring separate ceasefires.

More than 63,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the 17-year-old conflict since the rebels began their fight for an independent homeland in the north and east of Sri Lanka.