xplosion in Central Bus depot

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A minor explosion was reported, at the Central Bus depot at Pettah- Colombo, at around 11.25p.m.

No civilian casualties were reported Pettah Police sources said, adding that 2 buses including a public transportation bus bearing No: WP NA 3826, have sustained minor damages due to the explosion.

According to latest information from the blast site, the explosion was caused due to a parcel bomb which had been placed between the two busses that were parked at the location.

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Security News

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58 division troop capture Varnnerikulam in Kilinochchi district.

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Colin Powell Endorses Obama for President

Colin Powell, a highly respected decorated U.S. General and secretary of state in the Republican administration of George W. Bush (2001-05) this morning gave a politically powerful endorsement to Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama for president. Colin PowellColin Powell

In the widely viewed ‘Meet The Press’ in NBC General Powell called Obama a “transformational figure”. Powell also said "the approach the Republican Party and Mr. McCain" are taking on the campaign trail is getting "narrower and narrower" while Obama has been "inclusive."

Powell, speaking live in the studio, told moderator Tom Brokaw that he was "troubled" by the direction of the Republican Party and statements by the campaign of Sen. John McCain.

He said, "We've got two individuals — either one of them could be a good president. But which is the president that we need now — which is the individual that serves the needs of the nation for the next period of time.”

One of the nation’s most respected Republican in endorsing the Democratic presidential candidate further said: "And I come to the conclusion that because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities — and you have to take that into account — as well as his substance — he has both style and substance, he has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."