Colombo (PTI): A fervent appeal by Catholic and Anglican bishops for a ceasefire with the LTTE during the Christmas and New Year season has failed to evoke a positive response from the Sri Lankan government, which vowed to continue with the offensive against the Tamil Tigers.

The government on Thursday said it would not go in for a truce despite an appeal made by the Catholic and Anglican bishops.

It would declare a ceasefire only if the LTTE laid down its arms and agreed to a political discussion to settle the issue, Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) Director Lakshman Hulugalla told 'Daily Mirror'.

"The government has categorically said that it will go in for a ceasefire only if the Tigers lay down their arms. Till then there will be no decision of a ceasefire," he said.

Catholic and Anglican bishops on Thursday called for a truce between the government and the LTTE during the Christmas and New Year period.

The bishops from Colombo, Kurunegala and the conflict areas in the North requested a period free from military action that would in turn benefit the civilians, the 'Daily Mirror' said.

The move was aimed at depicting a politically mature image of Sri Lanka to the international community, the bishops had contended in a statement.

They said they believed the season would be an ideal time for restoration of severed ties between the races, when people from all faiths would be brought together in celebrating a holiday that inspires giving, sharing and forgiveness.

The bishops, the paper said, requested the government to work in coordination with the International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) and set up safety zones for civilians where they could be saved from the ongoing violence.