Magnetic bomb - an eye-opener

The magnetic bomb should be an eye-opener to all concerned. It is timely reminder that the enemy could resort to sophisticated devices to disguise explosives, said retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Edward Gunawardena.

He said the magnetic bomb is not a new device. I remember some years ago it was a magnetic bomb stuck to the undercarriage of the car that killed the deputy leader of the Conservative Party within the Parliament premises.

We need to realise that a grave danger exists in parking vehicles in places accessible to all and sundry.

It is a common sight to see hundreds of private buses and school vans parked unguarded on public roads at night. Vans are parked near schools and the drivers are either asleep or busy playing cards.

It should be made mandatory that vehicles be equipped with undercarriage examining devices (eg. The device with a mirror fixed to a long handle used by security personnel).

The drivers of buses and school vans should be instructed to examine the undercarriages of their vehicles prior to starting, he said.