An explosion inside a train last week that killed nine persons was blamed on Tamil Tigers.
Tamil Tiger attacks on civilian targets in the south of the island had intensified after a ceasefire agreement between the warring parties broke down.
The Tigers and the military had been trading accusations of civilian killings.
The Tigers who are fighting a three decade long war for separate state in the north of the island claimed a roadside bomb had killed civilians yesterday in an area under their control.
Updated-death toll Police spokesman Ranjith Gunesekera said a hunt was launched for a suspected bomber who fled the scene. At least 18 people including three women had been injured in the blast, the security media centre said. Engine driver K Jayawardene told LBO that he heard a loud explosion and brought the train to a stop.
There was minor damage to the second and third carriages and several