The government condemns the brutal LTTE attack on two passenger buses in Meetiyagoda on the Colombo – Galle highway today (06) and in Nittambuwa yesterday (05) which has killed over 16 and injured around 75 civilians. The government extends its deep sorrow to the relatives of the dead and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

The government believes that the LTTE is attempting to divert attention from the continuous defeats they have been suffering at the hands of the security forces during the recent past. At a moment when the security forces are successfully carrying out counter terrorist measures to restore civil administration in the North and East, the LTTE has resorted to engage in terror attacks in the south in a bid to disrupt normalcy.

The government reiterates that terror attacks will not deter its efforts to find a peaceful solution to the National problem or its counter terrorism masseurs to defeat terrorism. LTTE's terror attacks will only strengthen the governments' resolve to defeat terrorism and restore normalcy in the North and East.

As a security measure, the government requests the Sri Lanka Transport Board, all bus terminals and railway stations to check luggage and other parcels of passengers before they board buses and trains for transportation. This request is made to ensure the safety of all passengers, vehicles and infrastructure. The general public is advised not to travel in buses and trains that do not carryout security checks on baggage and other parcels. The government reiterates that the general public has the right to influence the bus drivers and conductors to conduct security checks before boarding buses and trains

The government also requests the general public to be more vigilant about suspicious persons or activities. The general public can report such suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station, Security Forces establishments or contact emergency telephone numbers on 118 and 119.  The government requests the continuous cooperation of the general public to ensure National Security.    

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