31 Dead in Buttala Attack

The attack at 2nd Milepost at Helagama, Buttala last morning has claimed 31 lives so far. The IED placed on a Hillock near 2nd Milepost was detonated by suspected LTTE cadres clad in black who then jumped on to the bus and started firing indiscriminately at women, children and men who were sttempting to escape the carnage left behind by the blast. Over a month ago, a gunman was observed threatening civilians at this location. Reports also indicated that a group of suspicious men were observed moving in the same area yesterday. Complaints made to the Buttala Police Station had been ignored. The attack came less than 12 hours before the official conclusion of the SLMM's monitoring mission.

A special team of Commandos has been deployed to search the area. It is believed that the attack was launched by the same LTTE team that attacked the Thalgasmankada Army detachment in neighboring Yala several months ago. An SLA Commando team which ambushed an LTTE team at Yala following the Thalgasmankada attack managed to kill and recover the remains of a female LTTE cadre. According to eyewitness accounts from the Buttala attack, a team of about 4 attackers had carried-out the attack, with possible spotters hiding in the thicket for reinforcement.

Meanwhile the government has decided to issue firearms to civilians in the area. The first batch of 500 arms will be provided shortly. Around 1000 Homeguards (Civil Defence Force) will also be recruited and trained in the coming weeks. Married victims with families will be compensated with Rs. 100,000 each. Unmarried victims will be compensated with Rs 50,000 each with child victims to be compensated with Rs. 25,000 each.