A high-level Indian delegation led by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan arrived in Colombo on Friday for talks with Sri Lankan leaders amidst intense speculation on the nature of the visit, kept under wraps.

The presence of Defence Secretary Vijay Singh [Images] in the delegation set tongues in political circles wagging in the backdrop of reports that with no let up in LTTE attacks Sri Lanka [Images] would like military assistance from India.

Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon is also part of the team.

The delegation is expected to hold talks on bilateral issues and security arrangements for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation summit in Colombo in August. It is expected to meet Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday.

Officials at the Indian High Commission were not available for comment, while in New Delhi there was no word from the external affairs ministry about the team making an unannounced trip to the island nation.

The three Indian officials are scheduled to meet their counterparts and other top Sri Lankan officials during their stay.

The closely guarded visit comes a day after Sri Lanka offered to hold talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam following a two-year gap, saying the outfit does represent a "fair amount" of Tamils.

India favours a political solution between the two sides.

The visit also comes amidst reports that China and Pakistan have offered arms assistance to the island nation in its fight against Tamil rebels.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama recently visited India to personally invite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] to the SAARC summit and for talks on bilateral and regional issues with Indian leaders.