The defence ministry in a statement said the visit of Marapana, who left for Israel Thursday, was pending for over six months, but could not be undertaken earlier because of the "Middle East politico-military environment."

"The minister and the commander of the navy visited Israel at the first available opportunity in view of their duties and it was by coincidence that these two visits took place at the same time, and not to respond to the developments that have taken place in Sri Lanka, as insinuated in some media reports," the statement said.

The visits came as tension rose between the Sri Lankan navy and Tamil Tiger rebels following the sinking of a second Tiger merchant vessel in disputed waters.

Israel is a key supplier of weapons to Sri Lankan security forces and the visit sparked protests from pro-rebel Tamil politicians who accused the government of trying to strengthen the military while talking peace.

The Tamil rebels and the Colombo government opened peace talks in September last year with the help of Norwegian peace brokers, but the process has been on hold since April.

WAR.WIRE