Sri Lanka tour 'not under threat'
England are pressing ahead despite Sri Lanka's civil war
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Thursday, 06, Dec 2007 04:02
England will continue their tour of Sri Lanka despite the threat of further terrorist attacks.
At least 15 people died on Wednesday evening near Anuradhapura, to the north of the capital Colombo, when a crowded civilian bus was bombed on November 28th.
Rebel group the Tamil Tigers have been blamed for the attack.
But, despite this blast, England have reiterated their commitment to continuing the tour.
Cricinfo.com reported that the side's security adviser Reg Dickerson had received approval from the British High Commission.
England media liaison officer Andrew Walpole said: "Their travel advice has not changed.
"The players are able to leave the team hotel although, as is normal in this situation, they must inform the security manager of where they are going."
Sri Lankan government officials are voicing concern about the threat of further attacks, however. Media minister Anura Yapa told reporters that the Tamil Tigers were a "desperate organisation" likely to attempt further bombings in the near future.
"We, the government, condemn this and the government will take appropriate action to protect the people," he said.
"Why they are targeting civilians is because they are weak and desperate. We are trying our level best to destroy these terrorists in their own places."
England begin the second Test in Colombo on December 9th and the third Test in Galle on December 18th. They currently trail 1-0 in the series.