EXPLOSION IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA NEIGHBORHOOD

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000216 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DS/RD/SCA, DS/ITA, DS/OSAC, SCA/INS SECDEF/SECNAV PLEASE PASS TO PACOM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PTER SUBJECT: EXPLOSION IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA NEIGHBORHOOD ¶1. (U) An alleged LTTE member detonated a bomb around 0615 hr. local on 02/29/2008 in a northern Colombo neighborhood. Police stated that the SUBJECT initiated the bomb as police officers, acting on a tip, attempted to search his room in a lodge on Aluth Mawatha in Modara, located in Colombo 15. At least four officers were injured in the blast and were hospitalized. Police discovered the SUBJECT's body in the blast debris. The body and the walls showed evidence of damage from steel ball bearings that appear to have been part of the improvised explosive device. ¶2. (U) The Deputy Inspector General for Western Province Intelligence told RSO Colombo local investigator that the SUBJECT was not a suicide cadre, but a bomb maker who had apparently been working in the LTTE Logistics Wing. Police believe SUBJECT detonated the device to avoid capture. The Embassy has received no reports of AMCIT injuries or deaths. Investigation is continuing. ¶3. (U) Point of contact for this message is Special Agent Michael Perkins, Regional Security Officer. S.A. Perkins may be contacted at 94.11.249.3756, 94.11.249.8888 (Marine Post One after regular business hours),and via email at perkinsmv@state.gov (unclassified) or perkinsmv@state.sgov.gov (classified). BLAKE