Bomb Kills 18 at Nugegoda

Update 2

The death toll of the bomb explosion at NOLIMIT has risen to 18. 10 are women. The cause of the explosion is said to be a parcel kept at the entrance to the dress boutique.

Update 1

A powerful bomb laid near the Nolimit garment boutique in Nugegoda killed 17 persons (16 civilians and 1 policeman) at around 5.55pm today. 40 others were also injured. A number of motor bicycles, bicycles and three-wheelers parked nearby and also traveling along the High Level Road were destroyed in the blast. The traffic flow towards Colombo South is still held up by the blast.

In the attack against Douglas Devananda, a person identified as Stephen has been killed. His close associate, Nelson was not involved in the attack.

01 killed and 2 injured in Colombo blast

At least one person killed other than the female suicide bomber,at the bomb blast in front of the Social Services ministry in Isipathan Road,Colombo this morning.
Feamle suicide bomber blew her self up,when security froces perssonel tried to check her,police said.03 pepole were injured and one succembed injuries,Dr.Hector Weerasinghe,Director,Colombo National Hospital said.
It is not clear whether the minister was inside the office,but he is unhurt,according to the police.

Devananda Unhurt in Suicide blast

Minister Dougles Devenanda unhurt but at least two others injured in a suicide blast in Colombo a short while ago.
Female suicide bomber blew herself up in front of Minister's office near Isipathana College in Thimbirigasyaya when security personnel tried to check her.

Blast in Colombo

Suicide bober blasted her self at Dougles Devandnda's Office in Colombo few minutes ago.Awaits Details

Tiger Leader seeks support from Tamils,as Air Force destroys VOT

LTTE leader Velupullai Pirbhakaran seeks Tamil diaspora's help to revive his struggle while blaming the international community on breakdown of the peace process,as Air Force destroyed Tiger official Radio station barely two hours before his annual heroes day speech.
Pirabhakaran made his annual speech in an undisclosed location in Wanni this evening and requested support from Tamils around the world to fight against the Sinhalese government.
"I wish to express my love and gratitude to you for your past participation in the building of our nation,bringing together your abundant intellectual, material, monetary and many other resources in the service of our nation and ask that you stand with us in the coming years of our freedom struggle"he said
Just two hours before his speech two of Air Force No.10 squadron's Kfir jets pounded bombs on Voice of Tigers a clandestine radio station situated near Kilinochchi town,along the A9 high way.
The VOT building was flattened and many were feared dead,according to the latest information.
The attack was one of the series of attacks carried out by Security Forces to disrupt the Heroes day celebrations all over the Killinochchi.
Military used two methods of strategy,both in land and air,a senior military official confirming the destroying of VOT told defence wire,a short while ago.

4 civilians killed in a boarder village as LTTE leader marks his birthday

At least four civilians were killed by a group suspected to be LTTE in Willachchiya,a boarder village in Anuradhapura district as LTTE supremo marks his 53rd birthday today.
"Bullets ridden bodies, including a female were found at around 08.45am,all were farmers according to villagers",a senior military official said.
Army has started corden and search operation in the area and hundreds of heavily armed soldiers seen in the area, residents said.
Similarly 05 civilians were killed in two different incidents in Ranminithenna,a boarder village near Yala National Park early this month.
Security forces have arrested at least 08 persons regarding those incidents and all are Sinhalese,police sources said.

Another Heroes Day: Business As Usual

The Sri Lanka Air Force bombed a LTTE communication site in Kilinochchi last morning. The location was completely destroyed. Ground forces believe around 4 LTTE cadres had been killed in the attack. LTTE as usual claims they were all civilians. The Tiger communication site had around 4 satellite dishes. In recent months, the LTTE has taken steps to distribute its communication assets evenly among several locations to avoid losing them in a single attack. Some of these sites are located in civilian neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile pro-LTTE media have claimed LTTE units had killed a 'DPU' trooper at Kaddaiyadampan in Mannar. There are no LRRP troops (referred to as DPU by LTTE) in this area. Kaddaiyadampan is situated in close proximity to the Army's readjusted FDL. Only regular infantry troops are deployed in this sector, which does not rate high on the LRRP's list of places to infiltrate. Tigers have also accused the 'DPU' of attacking civilian ambulances in Oddusudan and Pooneryn yesterday ahead of LTTE Leader Pripaharan's annual 'Heroes Day' speech tomorrow. Although LRRP units have infiltrated the area many times, they have not engaged in any attacks on civilians. The LTTE has taken many precautions ahead of the 'Heroes Day' speech. Large numbers of LTTE troops and paramilitary units have been observed picketing along many of the roads and byroads in Kilinochchi and Mullaithivu to prevent LRRP strikes against LTTE leaders traveling to Tiger ceremonies.

DefenceWire has also learnt that the Air Force is to take delivery of a new consignment of UAVs from a Middle Eastern Country. The UAVs procured are unarmed UAVs. Armed UAVs that can function in a reconnaissance, as well as a strike-role have been refused. Such units are sold only to 'Friendly' countries with specific government-to-government 'understandings'.