Time bomb explodes in EPDP vehicle in Colombo

[TamilNet, Thursday, 06 October 2005, 05:20 GMT]
A time bomb placed inside the vehicle of Eelam People Democratic Party (EPDP) official Mr Anthonipillai Jeyaraja, a personal assistant of EPDP leader Mr. Douglas Devananda, exploded around 7:45 a.m. Thursday, Police said. The explosion occured at No. 16 Nelson Place Wellawatte, north of Colombo. A clerical staff member of Devananda's Ministry, Mr Sudarsing Vijayakanth, 26, sustained minor injuries in the explosion, sources said.

The injured person was admitted at Kalubowila Hospital.

The vehicle, a four wheel Toyota Town Ace, was parked outside the residence of Jeyaraja at Nelson place Wellawatte and the explosive was believed to be planted Wednesday night, Police sources added.

The explosion occurred a few meters away from the Thinamurasu weekly office located at Nelson place. The weekly is published by the EPDP.

The police are conducting investigations to determine if the explosion was targeted at Thinamurasu or at EPDP leader's personal assistant, sources said.

EPDP is a close ally of Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga. EPDP cadres operate as paramilitary cadres in the NorthEast.