Queen Elizabeth's b'day bash:

12 admitted to hospital

Twelve of the 175 guests attending a high profile function to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's birthday at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, on Friday night were admitted to hospital with symptoms of food poisoning. Police Spokesman's office confirming the incident said the guests were admitted to Nawaloka and Durdans hospital for treatment. They were discharged on Saturday.

The management of Cinnamon Grand Hotel issuing a statement on Saturday, confirmed 12 guests attending an event at the Oak Roam had fallen ill and that the hotel had facilitated their transfer to hospital.

"Samples of all food and beverages served at the function have been handed to the various government authorities to carry out an independent investigation," it stated, adding that the hotel will also carry out an internal investigation.

Assuring that the hotel will extend its fullest cooperation to ascertain what caused the sickness, it said the results of these investigations will be shared with all concerned.

The function was an annual event organised by the Sri Lanka - UK society.