Diyatalawa explosion caused by grenade

Initial investigations have revealed the sudden explosion in the bus travelling from Bandarawela to Diyatalawa reported this morning was due to a grenade explosion.

In response to an inquiry made by MP Dinesh Gunawardena in Parliament this afternoon, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake said the Army and the Government Analyst are carrying out further investigations.

The Prime Minister meanwhile said it is believed that a passenger travelling from Jaffna might have carried the grenade in their luggage.

19 persons were injured in the explosion reported around 5:30 this morning.

Seven Army soldiers and five Air Force personnel were also among the injured.

However, the Army clarified the explosion was not a terrorist act. Further investigations have been launched into the incident.