Tiger leader's photos on display

The pictures purportedly show the Tiger leader relaxing in luxury

The Sri Lankan defence ministry has released what it says are recently captured pictures of the Tamil Tiger leader, Velupillai Prabhakaran.

It says that the images "unravel dark corners of Mr Prabhakaran's duplicitous and pampered life style" and show him to be "smiling psychopath".

The ministry does not say how or when it obtained the images.

There has been no word on the images from the rebels, who are now surrounded by the army in the north-east.

'Glorified bandit'

"Had the army failed to bring the terrorists down to its knees, these images which reveal the duplicity of its terror leader Prabhakaran would never have come to the public domain," the defence ministry website says.

The rebel leader is seen here with his family, many years ago

"Here a man who had deceived his people, turned thousands of young men and women into butchers - causing death and destruction on a massive scale - enjoying the company of his family.

"Had they been aware of the lifestyle of their so-called liberator - who was nothing more than a glorified bandit - they would have banished him before the army fought its way into the last rebel stronghold - a thin ribbon of coastal land in the Mullaittivu district."

The defence ministry says that the photographs show Mr Prabhakaran, his wife Madivadini, children and some of his top commanders.

The rebel leader's son and daughter - who are seen in the photos as young children - are now adults so the photos would span many years.

One photograph shows the rebel leader having a swim in what appears to be an inflatable pool inside rebel-held territory. Another shows him wearing a beret similar to those warn by UN peacekeeping troops.

It says that they "bare evidence of his luxurious life as thousands of forcibly recruited children were thrown into battle".

The ministry has also released video footage - which it says was similarly captured from rebels - showing them forcing civilians to assist their war effort.

One part of the video shows an insurgent in street clothes firing a heavy machine gun.