The explosion took place in front of the 'NOLIMIT' building complex on S.De.S Jayasinghe Mawatha, at Nugegoda junction.

According to available information, the bomb was inside an unattended parcel which was found at the counter of the shopping complex.

Several civilians have suffered serious injuries and admitted to Kalubowila hospital and National Hospital Colombo. According to the Kalubowila hospital sources, 17 people, 8 females and 9 males have been killed and 39 injured in the explosion. Three children were also among the seriously wounded, hospital sources added.

Three victims including one school girl in critical condition have been transferred to National Hospital Colombo. Director National Hospital, Dr. Hector Weerasinghe speaking to defence.lk said, the school girl later succumbed to injuries, while undergoing intensive medical treatment.

Also, few of the vehicles have been caught fire following the explosion. Army, Police and fire brigade have reached the location and are now engaged in clearing operations.

Police requests commuters to take alternate route to avoid Nugegoda junction since there is a huge traffic jam in the area.

Earlier, this morning LTTE terrorists have carried out a suicide blast inside the Social Service and Social Welfare Ministry in Narahenpita.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit fighting for a mono ethnic, separate homeland for Tamils living in Sri Lanka since 1983. Its 25 years of terror campaign has caused over 65, 000 lives of Sri Lankan citizens. It has been a custom of the LTTE to celebrate the birthday of its psychopathic leader by killing maximum number of civilians.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence