HON. FOREIGN MINISTER KADIRGAMAR SHOT AND KILLED

Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. LAKSHMAN KADIRGAMAR, one of the most illustrious sons of Sri Lanka was seriously wounded and killed after suspected sniper gunman directed fire at his residence from a distance outside his COLOMBO residence late Friday evening at about 10.30 p.m..

Hon. Foreign Minister who has been very outspoken against LTTE terror tactics died in hospital after he was seriously wounded in his chest while he was inside his compound.

For the last several years LTTE terrorists have been targeting the life of Mr. L. KADIRGAMAR because he was vehemently opposed to the division of this island nation. Following the shooting a massive security operation has been launched by the Police and Security Forces in and around COLOMBO with a view to arresting assassins.

All residents in and around COLOMBO are kindly requested to remain indoor unless there is an urgent requirement until the security operation is over.

Early this month two Tamils suspected to be from LTTE were arrested while they were gathering information on movements of the slain Hon. Foreign Minister. As this report was being filed, Security Forces and the Police in COLOMBO have been placed on alert. Special Police teams have been rushed to the scene for investigations.