Bomb explodes in Batticaloa

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 17 May 2000, 14:06 GMT]
At least 19 people, including 4 Sri Lanka Army soldiers and a police officer were killed when a powerful bomb exploded in the Batticaloa town around 5.50 p.m. Wednesday evening. Forty-two civilians and 21 members of the security forces were wounded in the blast police sources said.

The blast occurred near Mangalaramaya Vihare close to the Batticaloa police station.

Among those who were killed are the Officer in Charge of the Batticaloa police station, the sources said.

A large number of people had gatherd at the venue to see Wesak celebrations at the Buddhist temple when the bomb which was believed to have been fixed to a bicycle of an ice cream vendor exploded, the police said.

Hospital sources said several of the wounded are in serious condition.