LTTE suicide bomber attacks Mosque - Akurassa [Updated]

The explosion which occurred in the Godapitiya area in Akkurassa Matara a short while ago was at the National Milad festival which was attended by several Ministers.
Ministers Mahinda Wijesekara, A H M Fowzi and Chandrasiri Gajadeera have attended the function.

According to the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) about 10 people were killed while another 20 odd were injured in bomb attack.

It is also reported that Minister Mahinda Wijesekara is among the injured.

More information will follow...

An explosion has been reported near a mosque at Godapitiya in Akuressa, Matara this morning (Mar. 10).

Several people have been killed and many others wounded, including a government minister attending a celebration in the religious place, in what first reports indicate a suicide blast.

According to the Media Centre for National Security, eight people have died and 20 others sustained injuries in the suspected LTTE attack.

A cyclist had targeted a procession on its way to the mosque which was celebrating the national Milad Un Nabi Festival around 10.35 am.

It is not yet clear whether the bomb had been concealed in the push cycle or the man had been carrying it on his person.

Initial reports also say several ministers were attending the Muslim festival.

Minister Mahinda Wijesekara has been slightly injured in the incident, while ministers A.H.M. Fowzie, Chandrasiri Gajadheera and Amir Ali have been unharmed in the incident, reports added.