Suicide Bomb Attack - Anuradhapura

Over 25 civilians including Maj Gen Janaka Perera killed in LTTE suicide bomb attack - Anuradhapura

An LTTE suicide bomber blew up himself targeting a function organized by the United National Party (UNP) in Anuradhapura this morning (Oct 6).

According to the defence sources, over 25 civilians including, Opposition Leader of the North Central Province (NCP), Major General (Retired) Janaka Perera and his wife were killed in the bomb attack that was taken place around 8.45 AM.

Also, over 90 civilians were injured, out of which 15 are in serious conditions, said the sources. Among the diseased, UNP district manager for Anuradhapura, Mr. John Pulle , his wife and several other prominent opposition party activists were also there , the sources added.

The bomb attack was taken place at a ceremony organized to open the newly built UNP office situated near old bus stand in the Anuradhapura town.

Major General Janaka Perera joined Sri Lanka Army as cadet officer in 1966 and retired after 34 years of service in 2001. After retirement he was appointed as the Sri Lankan Ambassador in Australia. In 2008, he contested for the NCP as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the UNP.

Major General Janaka Perera (Retd), RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds, psc also served as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army (2000-2001). He was educated at the St. Joseph's College. He received his basic training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ceylon Engineers. Maj. Gen Perera is a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist organization that has been engaged in a brutal terrorist war against Sri Lankan citizen since 1983. Influenced by their psychopathic leader, Prabhakaran, LTTE terrorists have been unleashing violence against Sri Lankans by way of suicide bombings, bus bombings, train bombings, ethnic cleansing raids , village massacres etc during last 3 decades. Over 70,000 people have been killed due to the terrorist war during this time.

Also, LTTE has assassinated number of political leaders who took strong stance against terrorism including late President Ranasingha Premadasa, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi , UNP Presidential candidate in 1994 Gamini Dissanayake , and many others.

Story by defence.lk Pix by Daily Mirror

Bus Bomb

LTTE explodes bus bomb targeting civilians: Public vigilance averts chaos

A bus bomb explosion was reported near the 'Horton place', Colombo, Tuesday (16) at around 1.50p.m.

According to available information, the bomb has exploded inside a public transportation bus (SLTB) plying from - Moratuwa - Mattakkuliya (Route No:155).

No civilian fatalities were reported due to the explosion, Colombo National Hospital sources said, adding that 4 people have been admitted due to shock caused by the explosion.

Commuters are here advised to use alternative routes to avoid heavy traffic, Police said.

Passengers have immediately got-off the bus and reached safety distance after bomb fear raised of an unattended parcel inside the bus, our correspondent said citing civilian sources. "The bomb has exploded within minutes" the sources further said. "This is a heavy traffic hour and many school children are on the roads", our correspondent said adding that the alertness of the bus conductor and driver have saved the day for many, which needs special commendation.

No doubt this explosion marks another LTTE attempt to cause mayhem in the island's capital targeting innocent civilians, when it is facing fierce assaults by the security forces in the Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts.

Pix by Daily Mirror - News by Defence.lk

India

India celebrates 62 years of Independence

A flag hoisting ceremony was held at the residence of the High Commissioner of India today to celebrate the 62^nd Independence Day of India.

Daily Mirror