Minister Maithripala Sirisena escapes suicide bomb attack, deputy minister injured
2008-10-09 13:35:24

(UPDATE -7) Minister Maithripala Sirisena narrowly escaped a suicide bomb attack at Boralesgamuwa around 1.15 p.m. today, but two vehicle of the minister's convoy was caught in the blast killing a civilian and injuring six others including Deputy Minister of Agrarian Services Siripala Gamlath , Brigadier Udaya Nanayakakara said.

The Minister was reported to be returning to Colombo aftrer taking part in a Wapmagul ceremony in Bandaragama.


At least six persons injured have been rushed to the Kalubowila hospital.

A female suicide bomber was involved in the attack.

Director National Hospital Colombo said that two persons with serious injuries have been admitted to the National hospital.

One of them was idenfied as mr. Vithanage and the other mr. Wijetillake, Secretary to the Agriculture Ministry.

He said five others are being trated at the Kalubowila hospital.

The vehicles caught in tbe blast have been identified as KD-0935 and GS-2576.

Three eyewitnesses have been taken to the police stations for questioning. They had been manning a nearby king coconut stall when the bomb went off.

The woman suicide bomber had been seen on the opposite side of the road, according to eyewitnesses.

A search operation is currently underway in the area. .