Suicide vest is five years old- Govt Analyst

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

Explosives experts confirmed that the suicide vest that was found by Police at a rest house in Kataragama yesterday was made five years ago.

Police Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ajith Rohana said, the suicide kit was defused after it was examined by the Government Analyst's Department.

Government Analyst W A R Fernando reportedly told the Police after checking the ammunition that the device had been planted there by LTTE cadres for some action several years ago.

Fernando determined that it does not present any form of an emerging threat against civilian life.

The jacket was first found by a repairman who came to find tools for his work from the stores of the rest house around 9 am.

The suicide vest was a used tyre in the room, said SP Rohana.

"Police believe that some LTTE cadre had brought this to the rest house during the period of war. It has lain there for years without being touched by anyone," he said.

Kataragama Police have conducted a search following the detection of the jacket.

They have questioned all the pilgrims who were staying at the guest house at the time.

No one has been arrested, SP Rohana said.

Police have recorded statements from the manager of the rest house and its employees.

Kataragama Police are investigating.