Ministry of Defence - Sri Lanka

High explosives and detonators found near Kotmale Oya

July 08, 2020

On information received, the Nawalapitiya Police apprehended a cache of explosives near the Kotmale Oya at Nawalapitiya on Tuesday (July 07) evening.

Approximately 1kg of high explosives, 99 detonators and 8 smoke bombs have been uncovered from a cave in proximity to the Kotmale Oya following a tip-off given by a group of youths who had sighted the items, Police said.

Subsequently, the 99 detonators were safely exploded by officers of the Kandy Police Special Task Force (STF) with extreme caution, Police added.

The Nawalapitiya Police is conducting further investigations.

Meanwhile, the person, who sustained severe injuries due to an explosion inside a house at Iyakkachchi in Palai, Kilinochchi on July 03, succumbed to his injuries this morning (July 08) while receiving medical treatment at Anuradhapura hospital.

The 44-year-old deceased, said to be an ex-LTTE cadre, was alleged to have attempted manufacturing a bomb.

Wife of the deceased, a school teacher was taken into custody, the Police said.

Further search by the Police in their house recovered three more locally manufactured bombs and a banner with an LTTE commemoration message.

The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) is conducting further investigations.