Ministers recall suicide bombing

RASIKA SOMARATHNA

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After the initial shock I saw that my clothes were covered with blood

- Minister Mahinda Yapa

Cultural Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene: We were proceeding in the procession. Close to the mosque there was a blast.

First I thought they were fire crackers. After the initial shock I saw that my clothes were covered with blood. I thought I was injured, but did not have any difficulty when moving. Later I started running.

We walked for about 10 minutes when the blast took place.

- Minister A.H.M.Fowzie

Petroleum and Petroleum Reso-urces Development, Minister, A.H.M.Fowzie: I went to participate in the festival around 9.40 am. Minister Chandrasiri Gajadheera had organised a colourful procession with a large number of Muslims in attendance. However the procession did not arrive at the mosque at the scheduled time.

It got delayed by about 45 minutes. Some Ministers and I went to a nearby building for the procession. Later we joined the procession and was proceeding towards the Mosque. Minister Mahinda Wijesekera got delayed, but later we asked him to come to the front.

We walked for about 10 minutes when the blast took place. I was covered in blood and flesh. Many bodies were sprawled all over the place. Initially I thought I was injured, but later I found out that I was not. After the initial shock I was assisted to my vehicle by my security personnel.

Non Cabinet Minister for Disaster Relief Services Ameer Ali: We were proceeding towards the Godapitiya, Jumma Masjid Mosque in a procession.

There was a large gathering which included schoolchildren.

Ministers A.H.M.Fowzie, Mahinda Wijesekera, Pandu Bandaranayake and Mahinda Yapa

We walked for about 10 minutes when the blast took place.

- Minister Ameer Ali

Abeywardene were among the gathering.

The procession was nearing the entrance of the mosque (about 50 metres) when there was a loud sound. Initially I was numb with shock. Later I saw several bodies strewn all over the place. Minister Wijesekera too was down.

I was not sure I was injured or not initially, nevertheless I ran with the rest. Later I came to know that one of my security officers had got critically injured.