Fifteen years after LTTE attack on Dalada Maligawa

Special religious ceremony at Maha Maluwa

Indika Polkotuwa and Asela Kuruluwansa

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the LTTE attack on the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

A bomb laden lorry driven by the LTTE from the direction of the Natah Devalaya in Kandy crashed on to the main entrance of the Maligawa at 6.05am on January 25, 1998 causing destruction.

Nearly, Rs 150 million was spent on repairing the damage caused by the LTTE, under the rehabilitation programme. Sixteen devotees who arrived at the Sri Dalada Maligawa for veneration died in the attack and many others received injuries. Three LTTE suspects arrested in this connection were sentenced to death by courts.

A special religious ceremony to mark this bomb attack will be held at the Maha Maluwa of the Sri Dalada Maligawa today morning, organised by the Jathika Hela Urumaya, Central Provincial Council member Thushara Swarnathilaka said.