7.10.2008
From Colombo News Desk

The Police and the Army are jointly conducting an extensive investigation into the suicide blast occurred in Anuradhapura this morning. Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekara says ten special teams have been deployed to probe the blast. Senior DIG Jayantha Gamage is now in Anuradhapura to investigate the incident under advice of the IGP.

Two SSPs have also been appointed to conduct investigations. The Magistrate’s enquiry is now being held. The police spokesman said the government’s analyst is also in the area to examine the site of the blast.

27 persons including Opposition leader of the North Central Provincial Council Major General Janaka Perera and his wife have been killed in the suicide blast occurred in Anuradhapura this morning.

Dr. Raja John Pulle and his wife have also been killed in the attack. The police say four lawyers and the UNP organiser of Vavuniya also died in the blast. Rashmi Maharoof, a provincial reporter of Sirasa TV was also killed. 80 persons were injured.

Director of the Anuradhapura General Hospital Dr. Sarath Weerabandara said that 15 of the injured are in critical condition. Name lists of the injured persons have been prepared. He requests the public not to enter the hospital unnecessarily disturbing the treatment of patients. The blast occurred at the opening of a new UNP office at Priman Road in Anuradhapura. The suicide bomber blew him self inside the office after invitees lighted the traditional oil lamp.

Major General Janaka Perera joined the Sri Lanka Army as a Cadet Officer in 1966. He retired from the service in 2001 after serving 34 years. The Major General received RWP, RSP, VSV, USP, rcds and psc during his carrier. He then acted as the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Australia and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia. He is coincided as one of the most distinguished generals in Sri Lanka who launched successful operations against terrorists.

He was played a major role during Operation Riviresa which lead to the liberation of the Jaffna peninsula, during which he commanded the 53 Division. Following the fall Elephant Pass in April 2000 which forced the SL Army units in Jaffna to fall back due to lack of fixed defence positions, Perera was appointed Overall Operations Commander and tasked with countering the LTTE offensive.

Launching several effective counter-offensives that halted the LTTE advance, removing the treat to the Jaffna peninsula and succeeded in established the current defense line in the Jaffna peninsula.