Colombo - Government troops continuing their search operations to recover arms left behind by the Tamil rebels who were defeated last month have recovered a small submarine, military officials said Monday.

The 24-foot submarine was recovered on the coast 390 kilometres north east of the capital on Sunday, the military said.

The area was one of the locations where Tamil rebels fought their final battles against the security forces before they were defeated on May 18.

A military spokesman said they believe the rebel leadership may have had the craft ready for an escape but they could not use it because they were surrounded.

Troops have recovered a large quantity of weapons left behind by the rebels of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. (dpa)