Two planes shot down at Colombo, Katunayake:

LTTE AIR RAID FAILS

50 injured, two dead in Colombo

Body of Tiger pilot, LTTE aircraft found

Rafik JALADEEN

Two LTTE light aircraft were shot down by Security Forces yesterday night in Colombo and Katunayake following an LTTE attempt to bomb the Colombo city and create mayhem.

Air Force spokesman Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara said following the detection of two LTTE aircraft by the radar, the air defence system was activated.

There was a blackout in the Colombo City and suburbs for about an hour after 9.20pm.The Tiger aircraft which dropped a bomb on the Inland Revenue Department was immediately shot down by the Air Force and its remnants were found in the premises. The building was severely damaged.

Fifty persons who sustained injuries were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. Two succumbed to their injuries later. Among the injured were six women and a 12-year-old child.Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said another LTTE light aircraft was shot down at Katunayake.

He said the bodies of the Tiger pilot and the wreckage of the LTTE aircraft shot down at Katunayake were recovered. According to Negombo Hospital sources six injured were admitted to Hospital.

Among them were four women.Eye witnesses said there was a blackout in the whole area and they heard a barrage of firing in the air. Residents later said they have seen two light aircraft flying at a low altitude.

The Inland Revenue Department was damaged. Buildings in the neighbourhood were affected.