Explosion near Chandrika's house

By Nirupama Subramanian

COLOMBO, APRIL 25.A parcel bomb exploded in the high-security zone near the President, Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga's home today and another explosive device found in the same area was defused by security personnel.

Two security guards of a private firm have been detained for questioning.

Police said the parcel bomb went off as it was discovered during a routine check of an abandoned building in the Fort area, less than 100 yards from the home of the President.

A policeman from the President's security guards who found the parcel was injured in the explosion.

The road, where a devastating blast in 1996 destroyed the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, was sealed off by security forces for a search immediately after the explosion.

Panic gripped the area, the commercial hub of the capital, as security personnel evacuated other buildings and found a second explosive that was defused by security personnel.

Ever since Mrs. Kumaratunga moved into the official home of the President four months ago, there has been saturation security in the entire Fort area.

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Section  : International
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