In northern Sri Lanka, at least 33 government troops and 11 Tamil Tiger rebels were killed in clashes over the weekend. Another 48 troops were wounded and three are missing, the defence ministry said on Monday. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government rejected a demand by the EU to conduct a probe into human rights abuses. The EU gives trade concessions to Sri Lanka under a scheme called the Generalised System of Preferences, or GSP Plus, which has helped boost textile industry. The scheme is due to expire in December. And before renewing it, the EU wanted an investigation to ensure Sri Lanka was complying with international human rights standards.