Within 48 hours of the claymore mine explosion in Kebithigollewa ADP, a fresh attack was launched in yet another World Vision Lanka Area Development Programme (ADP) in Mannar, north-west coast of Sri Lanka.

Reports revealed that grenades were thrown into the Church of Our Lady in Mannar, where civilians had taken refuge.

Six civilians – including the father of a World Vision sponsored child* – were fatally wounded and succumb to their injuries, while 36 others injured in the blast were rushed to the Mannar and Anuradhapura hospitals.

Over 6,000 residents in Mannar had left their homes fearing the escalation in violence: “The situation is tense here in Mannar,” said Mannar ADP Manager Reggie Jayapalan. “Shops have been closed and streets are pretty much deserted.”

The Australian funded ADP has partnered with government officials and five aid agencies in an emergency response to help displaced families temporarily residing in four churches near Mannar town.

World Vision, in coordination with other NGOs, provided midday meals to 6,000 people. “This evening we provided bread and dry rations to community based societies to prepare dinner for the displaced,” Jayapalan said.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that around 25 LTTE cadres and six navy sailors were killed in a fierce sea and land battle in Pesalai, Mannar, around 6:45am on June 17. The Mannar ADP office is located just 15 kilometres from the scene; all World Vision staff are safe.

Reports also indicate that three suspects had been taken into police custody following two explosions off the coast of Pamunugama (20 kilometres from the capital, Colombo). They are being questioned to ascertain any involvement in an attempt to carry out an attack on Colombo harbour, a senior police official said.

In another incident, fishermen in Wennapuwa area (45 kilometres from Colombo) recovered two bombs. Armed forces tightened the security in Colombo and suburbs following the series of incidents today.

*The identity of the sponsored child has not yet been established.