LTTE bus bomb kills 20 at Dambulla

[Saturday, February 02, 2008 - 07.47 GMT]

At least 20 people were killed and 50 others were injured in bomb blast in a crowded passenger bus in Dambulla this morning (February 2).

Among those killed an injured were many women pilgrims on their way to the Sacred City of Anuradhapura for a “pichcha mal pooja” – the offering of jasmine flowers in a Buddhist ceremony of blessing.

Defence sources said the blast was the work of LTTE terrorists, in their continued campaign of violence and terror against the Sri Lankan state.

The bus traveling to Anuradhapura from Kandy was parked at Dambulla (154 km from Colombo and 60 km from Kandy) when the blast took place at 7a.m.

The injured have been transported to the Kandy, Kurunegala and Matale Hospitals.

Defence sources said the explosion had all the signs that it was a terrorist act carried out by the LTTE.