Sri Lanka capital rocked by blast

Jan 28, 2008 (LBO) – A powerful blast ripped through the Sri Lanka's capital central business district in the Fort area, a reporter at the scene said. Ambulances rushed to the scene and a military bomb disposal squad is examining the area the reporter said.

The defence ministry said a bomb has been placed inside a phone booth.

The bomb went off within walking distance of several five start hotels including the Colombo Hilton, but police said no tourists were hurt.

It was opposite a state-owned newspaper publishing house Lake House.

Earlier in the day a roadside bomb just outside the capital killed a minister and one other person.