Oil Tanks Ablaze In Sri Lanka; Explosions Blamed On Rebels

A string of explosions blamed on Tamil rebel bombers ripped through Sri Lanka’s two main oil depots before dawn today, setting storage tanks ablaze and prompting thousands of people to flee Colombo suburbs.

A gunbattle broke out between attackers and authorities at one of the storage sites outside Colombo, killing at least eight police and soldiers and wounding four police, officials said.

A British journalist also was hurt in the shootout.

The government immediately imposed a curfew in Colombo and surrounding areas until noon today, and state radio and television urged people not to panic and to stay in their homes.

But thousands carrying suitcases and bundles fled in fear of more explosions. Many took refuge in temples or camped in the streets, while others stayed with friends or relatives away from the depots.

At least 11 people were injured in the crush.

Two of five huge storage tanks were ablaze at the main Kolonnawa storage depot outside Colombo, while another fire burned out of control at the smaller Orugodawatte tanks one mile away.

The intense heat of the blazes kept firefighters from approaching.