Landmine kills seven at National park [Monday, May 29, 2006 -10.30 GMT]

Seven local visitors were killed when their vehicle drove over a pressure mine at the Wilpattu National Park 176 km north of Colombo, on Saturday (27th). They were tracking elephants in the park which had for 17 years been closed due to conflict and was reopened just three years back in 2003.

Speaking to PRIU military spokesperson Brig. Prasad Samarasinghe, said they suspected the LTTE “as no one else operates those areas”. He said the LTTE wanted the Park closed to civilians so as to allow the LTTE to have free access and movement there. “I also believe the army was targeted, as they might have expected the Army to come to those areas”, said Brig. Samarasinghe.

According to the Army website this killing of innocent civilians has been brought to the notice of the SLMM as a CFA violation.

Wilpattu national park extends over 1,910 sq km (735 sq miles) and is a jungle area famous for elephants, leopards and sloth bears.

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Last Updated Date: May  29, 2006 -10.30 GMT