Two killed in grenade attack at concert

A grenade exploded at a concert featuring leading Indian movie stars in the Sri Lankan capital today, a day before the anniversary of the death of a leading Buddhist cleric, the military said.

At least two people were killed and 12 wounded in the attack in Colombo at the end of the three hour show.

None of the Indian stars were hurt and were said to be safely back in their hotels.

Military spokesman. Brigadier Daya Ratnayake said the grenade was thrown at the crowd as the show was nearing its end. Among the victims was a woman and a child.

Earlier, police dispersed demonstrators after they broke through barricades and attempted to reach the concert venue.

The show, titled “Temptation 2004,” featured Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan and other artists.

Earlier, concert organisers met a group of monks and presented verbal and written apologies, which the clergy accepted. But the monks’ lay supporters protested the decision, accusing them of betrayal.

Sunday is the first anniversary of the death of Gangodawila Soma – a popular preacher who campaigned against conversions of Buddhists by Christians – and the monks wanted only religious activities over the weekend.

Monks are a powerful political force in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka. In the past, politicians have often sought guidance from Buddhist leaders, and monks have succeeded in halting legislation and reforms.

The show was to feature Indian stars such as Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Javed Khan and Celina Jaitly.

Protesters burned images of some of the Indian artists Saturday.

Khan said in Colombo on Friday that he respected the Buddhists’ wishes, but that it was not possible to postpone the concert. He promised to observe a two-minute silence before the show to honour the late monk.