Blast in Fort, none injured

Ranil Wijayapala

A suspected parcel bomb placed in a telephone booth opposite Lake House roundabout and adjacent to the Regents flats was exploded last night just few minutes after Air Force Commander Roshan Gunatilleke passed the location.

The Air Force Commander had left the Air Force Headquarters a few minutes earlier to proceed towards his official residence.
The blast occurred at 7.50 p.m. just a few minutes after the Air Force Commander's escort was withdrawn and the traffic caused due to the closure of the road for Air Force Commander's movement was eased.No casualties were reported though the sound of the explosion was heard all around Colombo Fort. No vehicles were damaged in the blast.

Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Gunatilleke told the Daily News that the blast took place just few minutes after he passed the location and his escort was removed.

The Police rushed to the scene and arrested three suspects from the location soon after the incident. However, there was no official confirmation about the arrests made by the Police.

According to observers the blast could have been a diversionary tactic to cause panic among the public.