Colombo North region under red alert:

Deadly explosive found in Modera

BY ANANTH Palakidnar

The Colombo North region was put under red alert following the recovery of a C-4 type deadly explosive near the Kelani Nadi Vihara in Modera at 10.30 a.m. yesterday.

DIG Pujith Jayasundara told the Daily News that the C-4 type explosive weighing one and a half kilograms was very destructive and could create extensive damage.

"The explosive was found near a wayside garbage dump, stuffed inside a 'crisco' biscuit tin.

Following a tip-off by residents, the Modera police found the explosive and removed it with the help of Army and the Special Task Force bomb squads," DIG Jayasundara said.

Modera and the suburb in the Colombo North region were cordoned off immediately with police radio cars and other mobile patrol units involved in the search operations along with the STF and Armed Forces, DIG Jayasundera said.

He added that in the previous Presidential polls, the LTTE was successful in reaching closer to their targets.

"The security measures have been tightened soon after the filing of nominations. Round the clock police patrols have been deployed in and around Colombo.

The Police Department appeals to all civilians to inform police stations if they come across any suspicious person or objects. I can be reached on 077-3502727," Jayasundara said.

The recovery of a C-4 type explosive follows a discovery of a cache of lethal weapons including a sniper rifle with 82 rounds of ammunition and two micro pistols with 42 rounds of ammunition at the Lunu Oya in the Marawila region on October 10.