4TH LEAD

27 killed, 63 wounded, bus explosion in South

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 16 January 2008, 03:33 GMT]
27 civilians, including 3 school children, were killed and 63 wounded in a Claymore blast that targeted a bus in Helagama in Buttala DS division in Monaragala district in Uva Province at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday, Police said. The blast comes amid reports the Sri Lankan military leadership was trying to convince the government to shut down schools in the South for extended periods, ahead of major offensives, including bombardments likely to cause heavy civilian casualties, into the Vanni. The 6-years-old ceasefire expires today.

13 women were among the victims, according to initial reports.

The attackers also opened fire on the bus after Claymore explosion, Police said.

The schools in Uva province were closed until further notice.

More than 45 wounded persons were transferred to Monaragala district hospital from Buttala hospital.





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