18 Killed in Rebel Attack on Capital

Eighteen people died after a bomb exploded and gun battles raged through Colombo’s business district in one of the worst outbreaks of violence in the Sri Lankan capital in 14 years of ethnic war. The dead consisted of 12 civilians, one soldier and five suspected Tamil Tiger rebels, officials said. At least 110 people were wounded. The explosion, which could be heard several miles away, sent glass and debris flying over a wide area and devastated three hotels, the stock exchange and several other buildings in the vicinity. The casualty figures could have been much higher if offices and financial markets had not been closed for a national holiday.