More than 40 persons have been injured in a bomb explosion, suspected to be caused by the LTTE that took place in the busy shopping area of Pettah in Colombo, today (30). Initial reports say that all the injured are civilians.

The wounded have been rushed to hospital for treatment, with some being admitted for surgery, Colombo National Hospital sources said.

Military sources said there was every indication the explosion was caused by the terrorist LTTE, as part of its campaign of terror to win its separatist demands.

The explosion took place in a small sidewalk shop in the Pettah that has many such shops lining its main streets. Police source say the number of casualties would have been much higher if the blast took place on a weekday when the area is heavily crowded.

Several recent plots by the LTTE to carry out bomb attacks targeting government installations, public transport and civilians have been foiled following informed of such terrorist plots being revealed by LTTE cadres who arrested by the Police in operations to eradicate terrorism.

Defence authorities called on the public to remain vigilant in the face of the LTTE’s attempts to disrupt public life and cause death and destruction, as it faces severe setbacks in military operations against it in the North.

Further investigations are in progress.