Ambassadors hurt in Sri Lanka mortar attack

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake and his Italian counterpart were “slightly injured” when mortars fell near a helipad after their helicopter had landed in eastern Batticaloa, Sri Lankan officials said.

“Both the ambassadors are fine and they have suffered slight injuries,” said Sri Lankan government Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, who accompanied them.

Officials said Italy’s ambassador, Prio Mariani, needed medical care. They had gone to Batticaloa to take part in a development meeting.