LANKA: Breaking news about air attack on Colombo

Please see SAJAforum tips on covering Sri Lanka, with sources and resources - and two SAJA webcasts

As the civil war in Sri Lanka heads for what seems like an end, all the coverage has focused on the fall of the rebel areas in the north. Today, there is breaking news that the capital, Colombo, is facing attack. Please post updates and news below. Or e-mail saja[at]columbia.edu. If you are a journo on the ground or an expert available to speak to reporters, please post your details below.

[UPDATE: The final numbers - two people dead, 40 injured. See Saturday's NYT story.]

FRIDAY, 12:19 pm EST:

AS APNewsAlert
The Associated Press
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Official says at least one rebel plane has dropped a bomb on Sri Lanka's capital. LINK: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gnKz6JKf1o0Bic6UrduEAAlxyQ1wD96FDPE02

APNewsAlert
The Associated Press
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka military fires anti-aircraft guns
amid sound of explosion in capital. LINK: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gnKz6JKf1o0Bic6UrduEAAlxyQ1wD96FDGSO0

12:27 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

I am typing this on my Blackberry en route to the airport. Around an hour, the LTTE launched an air raid on Colombo. One bomb suspected to be dropped in the heart of the city. No casualties reported yet. One plane shot down near international airport and body of pilot found. Flights grounded. Hopefully will be able to make it off the ground. We are driving in darkness on the main road. Tracer gun fire lights up the sky sporadically. Street lights coming on, which means situ is now under control. Armoured Personnel Carriers of Army on road. Traffic very heavy - possible road blocks/closures up ahead. 

12:30 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

38 injured persons brought to National Hospital, two in serious condition-hospital director. Air defence now deactivated-SLAF spokesman

12:40 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

Fireball seen in skies of Anamaduwa, Puttalam. Puttalam police suspect the second LTTE aircraft may have been shot down-Daily Mirror

12:46 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

Still going towards airport. Touching high speeds now. Roads empty. Odd person looks up at sky. Police lolling, gun flailing aimlessly. Not a policeman in sight when the air defences were still on and we were driving in darkness. Guess they are scared too. No check points yet. Situation calm from what I can see.

Life goes on.
Sent via BlackBerry®

12:54 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

Hit road block. No way through. Must be close to where first plane was shot down. Don't really know what to do - whether to press on or turn back. Will wait a while. Ambulance accompanied by army escort passes by. Voice telephony on the blink. Vehicles turning back now. No horns - strange.

1:04 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

Traffic moving slowly. Cops out. A bit chaotic and confused. Maybe part of LTTE plane in the middle of the road ahead. Three lanes merging to two only to expand to four lanes and then down to one - you get the picture. Just turning into airport now. All seems quiet on approach road.

1:04 pm EST:
From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

Airport approach road blocked closer to airport. Must be extra security checks. Armed personnel present more than usual, as expected. No chaos or panic. Pedestrians walking around.

1:49 pm EST:

From Sanjana Hattotuwa in Colombo:

In airport. Air con on low. Or maybe people just running high temperatures. Absolute chaos to get in. No vehicles allowed near departure gates. Only a shuttle bus. Crowded. Sweaty. Confused. Smile, speak in Sinhala and engage in friendly chatter with Navy guard. Allows me through without checking my luggage. Hear shouting to check a Tamil's luggage. "Oka demalek - balapan machang hodata" (he's a Tamil - examine him). I smile, get on bus, smile my way through to lounge, where 'ayubowan' and a smile are a welcome break from the madness outside.