It is the latest in a series of attacks on public transport in the capital; the victims are all civilian, mainly women. The military points its finger at Tamil Tiger rebels.

Colombo (AsiaNew/Agencies) – At least 21 people were killed and 47 injured in the explosion which took place south of the Capital Colombo.

According the military spokesman, Udaya Nananyakkara, a roadside bomb was triggered by the vibrations of the commuter bus.  The victims, mainly women, were all travelling on the 225 which links Kottawa to Mount Lavinia, a few kilometres south of Colombo.

The army has cordoned off the area and is pointing its finger at the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, blaming them for the blast.  The LTTE have waged a decade’s long war for independence in the north and east of the island.  Since the beginning of the conflict in Sri Lanka in 1983, between 60 and 70 thousand people have died.

Today’s attack is the la test in a long line which over recent weeks have targeted public and civilian transport.  The LTTE are believed to have been behind the May 26 bombing of Dehiwela station, in the suburbs of the capital that left 9 people dead.

 

 

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