According to Army reports, as a result of the threats, normalcy in Trincomalee was disrupted with closure of many shops, public and private agencies. Absence of transport facilities caused inconvenience to many commuters who were seen stranded at the central bus stand since early morning..

Several schools were also affected according to reports. However, security in the coastal town has been strengthened after loss of lives in Monday (02) night explosion. "LTTE's latest strategy, as it appears, was meant to blame the Security Forces and the Police for its own failed machinations and thereby try to provoke the masses in order to bring discredit to the Security Forces and Policemen," army reports further claimed .

The accidental explosion of a hand grenade on the beachside at Trincomalee, near the library last night (02) at about 8.00 p.m. killed five young men and injured two others. Information further confirmed that some motorbike riding LTTE men were seen early this morning roaming around and asking the public to remain indoor, as a token of protest to the alleged 'killing' of five young men on Monday (02) night.

Discuss this story Published: Tue Jan 3 12:12:32 EST 2006

Ceasefire monitors said the killings resembled executions. "All five were shot in the head," a spokeswoman said.

It is the latest in a string of deadly attacks in the north and east linked to Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict.

The two students who survived Monday's attack told a post mortem inquest they had gathered at a popular meeting point near the beach in Trincomalee, about 250km (150 miles) north-east of Colombo, when the truck pulled up.

They could not confirm the identity of their attackers.

The army has ruled out an inquiry into the killings, saying the police are conducting one.

A statement on the army's website said the youths died when a hand grenade in their possession went off by accident. It accused them of plotting to attack security forces. More...

Discuss this story Published: Tue Jan 3 17:10:55 EST 2006