Claymore mine detected at garage near Premadasa Stadium

By Asif Fuard

A powerful claymore mine was detected yesterday close to the Premadasa Stadium where more than 1,000 soldiers were camped for Independence Day duties, Police said.

Two civilians detected the 2.5 kg mine concealed in a box with the wordings ‘Udey Kema’ (Breakfast) and placed on a three-wheeler which was under repair at a garage along Bodhiraja Mawatha at Maligawatta. The route was being used by buses carrying Army personnel for duty.

The claymore mine which was detected yesterday

Maligawatta Chief Inspector S.A.S Suraweera said he believed the soldiers were the target.

The box was detected by the three wheeler garage owner’s brother who informed one of his neighbours. After they inspected the box they informed a policeman who was on guard in the area and the Army bomb disposal unit was called in.

While four suspects were being questioned, a massive house-to-house-search operation by the Army and the police was also carried out. Nearly 600 houses in the area were searched. Vehicles and individuals who passed the area were checked.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up in and around Colombo for the 59th independence day celebrations at Galle Face this morning.

Nearly 5,000 troops from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police will be taking part in today’s event. The Army’s Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers, tanks, radars and artillery guns will be on display. The Air Force jets and nearly 12 Navy craft will also be on display.