The island's three-billion-dollar apparel export industry said shipments through the sea port of Colombo were not affected and cargo flights would be re-scheduled following night-time bombing raids by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

"The security situation is under control and there is no need for undue apprehension," industry apex body JAAF (Joint Apparel Association Forum) said in response to recent rebel air attacks on fuel depots near the airport.

The Bandaranaike International Airport will close for six hours at night from Thursday after four daring night-time bombing raids. The military has also restricted domestic flights within the island.

Foreign governments have also warned citizens against non-essential travel to Sri Lanka after the LTTE demonstrated their air capability in March with two light aircraft.

"Production and export of apparel from Sri Lanka remains unhampered by concerns on the recent attempts by terrorists to destabilise the economic activity in the country," JAAF Chairman, Ajith Dias said.

The clothing industry earned three billion dollars in revenue last year, accounting for over 50 percent of the island's total exports and provides jobs to nearly one million people.

Top international brands, including Victoria's Secret, Marks and Spencer and Triumph source their undergarments from Sri Lanka, which is bidding to become the world's lingerie capital.

Tamil Tigers have waged a 35-year campaign for independence that has claimed more than 60,000 lives.