6 Sri Lankan cricketers were reported injured including skipper Mahaela Jayawardene, wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara and Tilan Samaraweer in a shootout at Lahore in Pakistan this morning (March 3). According to Pakistan news sources, the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers were on their way to the Gaddafi international stadium minutes before commencing of the 3rd day's play of the second test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Reports received confirm that seamer Chaminda Vaas, open batsman Tharanga Paranawithana, spin sensation Ajantha Mendis also among the injured including 4th umpire Ashan Raza.
Latest information from Lahore confirms that the Sri Lankan players are now out of danger and had received minor injuries.
At least 5 Pakistan policemen providing security to the Sri Lankan players were reported killed who had valiantly fought with the unidentified gunmen. According to available information, 4 unidentified gunmen who had arrived in a white car had opened indiscriminate small arms and RPG grenade attacks at the bus and the escort vehicles that were transferring the Sri Lankan cricketers to the stadium. Tension prevails in the area with Pakistan security forces and Police engaged in hot-pursuit of the gunmen. Speaking to media hours after the attack, the Sri Lankan players were all praise for the bus driver who had continued driving the bus to safety into the stadium amidst the flurry of gunfire and grenade attacks. They all forwarded their condolences to the family members of the brave Pakistani Policemen who succumbed while protecting the Sri Lankan players from the indiscriminate gun attack.
Meanwhile, the Punjab provincial governor making an initial comment to media has said that the attack bears hall marks of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack on 2008.
Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona speaking to news agencies on the Lahore attack said that this incident is unlike to cause restraints between the two countries who also emphasized commitment from the cricketing world to certain the presence of Pakistan as a major player in the game. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India are all nations that are making stringent efforts to defeat the terrorist outfits in the South Asian region including the LTTE terrorists.
Also, praising the Pakistani security forces for securing the safety of the cricketers, Foreign Secretary Kohona evoked the solidarity shown by both Pakistan and India towards the island nation during the famous 1996 cricket world-cup, when Sri Lanka was blacklisted as an 'unsafe' destination by foreign propagandists.
Answering to a question raised by a foreign journalist on the probability of shadows of LTTE terrorists behind the attack, Dr. Kohona said that, "We have to wait until Pakistan conclude initial investigations before drawing speculations", yet admitted the very existing links between LTTE and extremist terrorist organizations in the troubled borders of the south Asian region.
Also commenting on the Sri Lankan situation itself, Foreign Secretary viewed hope of returning peace in the island, with the elimination of LTTE terrorists who are now cornered in a mere 40 Sq.km patch in Puthkkudiyirippu. Earlier, the terrorists refused all avenues provided by the GoSL to enter mainstream politics.
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