Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and 12 others killed in LTTE suicide bomb attack

Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and 12 others killed in LTTE suicide bomb attack LTTE terrorists have exploded a bomb targeting a road marathon organized in the Weliweriaya town around 7.30 this morning. Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, who was the chief guest to the occasion along with many civilians was reported killed in the cowardly bomb attack. According to latest reports received, at least 12 people were killed and over 90 injured in the explosion. K.A Karunarathne is also said to be among the dead who was a former national and South Asian marathon gold medalist.

The bomb has been exploded just before the Minister declared the start of the marathon at the Kanthi play ground, in Weliweriaya, corresponding with a 'Hindu-Sinhala New Year' event. Meanwhile, Gampaha Division SSP Hector Darmasiri was also seriously injured and admitted to the General Hospital at Gampaha. Gampaha Hospital sources, speaking to defence.lk said that over 90 people were admitted with serious injuries. 3 civilians were also admitted to the general hospital at Ragama and one was reported in critical condition, according to Ragama hospital sources.

Minister Jeyaraj was a politician who represented the parliament from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party since 1983. A lawyer by profession, Minister Jeyraj was a fluent speaker in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages. Being a faithful catholic the Minister expressed his concerns over LTTE's occupation of scared Madhu church and the removal of the Madhu statue. During his career, Minister Jeyaraj has held the many ministerial portfolios including, the Minster of Catholic Affairs, Minister of Ethnic Concession and National Unity, Minister of Port and Aviation, and Minister of Road Development. He was 55 years old and a father of two children.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit notorious for crimes against innocent civilians. In its pursuit for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils, the outfit has killed and maimed over tens and innocent children, Tamil and Sinhalese political leaders in indiscriminate bomb attacks. FBI in a recent report called LTTE the most dangerous terrorist outfit in the world. More information will follow...