The IAAF is saddened to receive the tragic news of the bomb blast today at the start of a marathon in Sri Lanka which among others killed a government minister, a former Olympian and a national coach.

On Sunday morning (6 April), scores of runners and onlookers gathered at the starting line of the marathon in Weliweriya, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the capital Colombo, as part of the national celebrations of the upcoming Sinhalese New Year.

Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister of Highways, approached the starting line with a flag he planned to wave to start the race when the bomb exploded.

The Minister died on the spot, along with 13 others including former Olympic marathoner K.A. Karunaratne and national athletics coach Lakshman de Alwis, in total more than 90 were wounded.

Karunaratne competed in the 1992 Olympic marathon and the 1993 World Championships. He won gold in the marathon and 10,000 metres at the 1991 South Asian Games, defending his marathon title in 1993.

IAAF President Lamine Diack condemned the attack:

“The IAAF utterly condemns this outrage. To target those innocently involved in a sporting event is reprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers go to the bereaved families.”

The IAAF is saddened to receive the tragic news of the bomb blast today at the start of a marathon in Sri Lanka which among others killed a government minister, a former Olympian and a national coach.

On Sunday morning (6 April), scores of runners and onlookers gathered at the starting line of the marathon in Weliweriya, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the capital Colombo, as part of the national celebrations of the upcoming Sinhalese New Year.

Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, the Minister of Highways, approached the starting line with a flag he planned to wave to start the race when the bomb exploded.

The Minister died on the spot, along with 13 others including former Olympic marathoner K.A. Karunaratne and national athletics coach Lakshman de Alwis, in total more than 90 were wounded.

Karunaratne competed in the 1992 Olympic marathon and the 1993 World Championships. He won gold in the marathon and 10,000 metres at the 1991 South Asian Games, defending his marathon title in 1993.

IAAF President Lamine Diack condemned the attack:

“The IAAF utterly condemns this outrage. To target those innocently involved in a sporting event is reprehensible. Our thoughts and prayers go to the bereaved families.”

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Now sri lanka goverment start to feel how Tamil people suffer when Sr iLanka Air force drop bombs in Tamil areas. So, Sri lanka goverment need to pay for all the Tamil people life who got killed by SL Army and Goverment.

Now sri lanka goverment start to feel how Tamil people suffer when Sr iLanka Air force drop bombs in Tamil areas. So, Sri lanka goverment need to pay for all the Tamil people life who got killed by SL Army and Goverment.

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Colombo Bishop denounces LTTE brutal act
The Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chikera denounced the LTTE suicide attack on Sunday which killed 14 people including Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, and urged all right thinking people to condemn this type of brutal killing without reservations.

The Bishop made these comments while extending condolences of the Church to all those bereaved on account of this brutal attack. The Church assured all grieving parents, spouses, and children will be in their prayers.

The massacre of innocents anywhere benefited no just cause and has no place whatsoever in any agenda for dignity and peace for Sri Lankans, the Bishop emphasised.

All peace loving people of this beloved land should even now speak in one voice and strive together to replace violent confrontation with dialogue and negotiations, he further said.

Colombo Bishop denounces LTTE brutal act
The Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chikera denounced the LTTE suicide attack on Sunday which killed 14 people including Minister of Highways and Road Development Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, and urged all right thinking people to condemn this type of brutal killing without reservations.

The Bishop made these comments while extending condolences of the Church to all those bereaved on account of this brutal attack. The Church assured all grieving parents, spouses, and children will be in their prayers.

The massacre of innocents anywhere benefited no just cause and has no place whatsoever in any agenda for dignity and peace for Sri Lankans, the Bishop emphasised.

All peace loving people of this beloved land should even now speak in one voice and strive together to replace violent confrontation with dialogue and negotiations, he further said.

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Arbour condemns Weliweriya bomb attack

The High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has strongly condemned the suicide bombing which killed a Government minister and at least 14 other people at the start of a marathon in Sri Lanka, on April 6.

She also extended her condolences to the bereaved families of the Victims, as the funerals of the victims continued to take place on Thursday, states the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Right's (OHCHR) in a press release.

"Such violence shows a complete disregard for the right to life and security of Sri Lankans, and breaches the most fundamental principles of international law," Arbour said.

The attack is alleged to have been committed by he Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been accused of other recent attacks, including bombings of public transport and in other public places.

"I remind the LTTE and other armed groups that attacks which directly or indiscriminately target civilians are crimes under international law," High Commissioner said. "Violent attacks on people taking no active part in hostilities are strictly prohibited."

Such acts of violence also undermine efforts for a meaningful dialogue on improving the situation of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, she said.

Arbour condemns Weliweriya bomb attack

The High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has strongly condemned the suicide bombing which killed a Government minister and at least 14 other people at the start of a marathon in Sri Lanka, on April 6.

She also extended her condolences to the bereaved families of the Victims, as the funerals of the victims continued to take place on Thursday, states the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Right's (OHCHR) in a press release.

"Such violence shows a complete disregard for the right to life and security of Sri Lankans, and breaches the most fundamental principles of international law," Arbour said.

The attack is alleged to have been committed by he Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which has been accused of other recent attacks, including bombings of public transport and in other public places.

"I remind the LTTE and other armed groups that attacks which directly or indiscriminately target civilians are crimes under international law," High Commissioner said. "Violent attacks on people taking no active part in hostilities are strictly prohibited."

Such acts of violence also undermine efforts for a meaningful dialogue on improving the situation of the Tamil minority in Sri Lanka, she said.

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