13 Killed in Welioya 'Independence Day Attack'

13 people, including 5 soldiers from the 224 Brigade and 8 civilians were killed and another 16 civilians were injured when a powerful Claymore Mine tied to a tree on Welioya Ethawetunuwewa road exploded at a CTB bus bearing license plate number GE 0147 at around 3.50pm today. The High Powered Claymore had twisted the tree in half.

The Sri Lanka Army, Police and Civil Defence Force members have started a search operation in the area. Several civilians, including a small child are lying in a critical condition at Anuradhapura Base Hospital.