Military thwarts another LTTE attempt

Sri Lanka Air Force activated its air defence systems in Colombo and Katunayake due to a suspicious air movement in the early hours of today. It is believed that the LTTE Tigers made another unsuccessful attempt with one of their light aircrafts.

Power supply to Colombo and suburbs was cut off around 1.30 a.m. today as the majority of people were watching the live television coverage of the ICC World Cup Cricket final in Barbados.

Security forces opened fire in the air after activating their air defence systems. Explosions were heard and paralights were fired into the air from various locations.

Residents said they heard continuous firing as security forces began firing tracer bullets in the air. Sri Lanka Air Force sources said they were compelled to activate their air defence system after radars detected two suspicious aircrafts.

Gas and oil storage tanks, belonging to a private gas company in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala were hit, and three oil tanks are on fire, the residents confirmed.