Investigations Commence on LTTE Suicide Attack on Hon Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle

GAMPAHA: POLICE AND ARMY commenced special investigations on the LTTE suicide attack that killed Hon. Minister of Highways and Road Development Mr. JEYARAJ FERNANDOPULLE in the WELIWERIAYA town along with twelve others this morning (6).





Hon. Minister was the Chief Guest at a sports event organized to mark the oncoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year festival, the main cultural function annually celebrated by Sinhalese and Tamils.



The LTTE suicide bomber has triggered his suicide jacket at the very time that Hon Minister was to flag down to start the marathon on the road in front of the KANTHI playground in WELIWERIAYA.

The blast killed the Hon Mister on the spot.

Lieutenant Colonel P.S.S.R. UDAYADHEERA, National and South Asian marathon gold medalist Mr. K.A KARUNARATHNE, National Coach Mr. LUXMAN DE ALWIS and Chief Inspector KANNAGARA were also among the dead. Over eighty had been injured while four were transferred to National Hospital COLOMBO in critical condition.

Hon Minister Mr. JEYARAJ FERNANDOPULLE, was a senior politician who represented his people in GAMPAHA District more that twenty five years. A pious Catholic by birth, the slain Minister always attacked the LTTE, specially their activities in Holy MADHU area, in his eloquent speeches delivered in Sinhalese, Tamil and English languages.