Feb 02, Colombo: A deadly bomb has struck a civilian bus in Dambulla, killing at least 20 people. Another 50 are reported to be injured.

The explosion occurred around 7 AM this morning at the Dambulla central bus stand as the bus stopped while traveling from Kandy to Anuradhapura. Many of the victims were Buddhist pilgrims traveling for a religious event – a “Pichcha Mal Puja” – to be held in Anuradhapura today.

Military spokesperson Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara has said the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) are behind the attack. Sri Lanka last month pulled out of a six-year Ceasefire Agreement with the LTTE.

Today’s attack occurred despite heightened security as Sri Lanka prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its independence on Monday.