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Message: <blockquote data-quote="rapa" data-source="post: 144340" data-attributes="member: 212">***The bullet proof BMWThe BMW in which Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was travelling was specially acquired from Germany after the Town Hall bomb, which targeted President Chandrika Kumaratunga. It is one of 14 such vehicles purchased at that time. Several more ballistic proof vehicles have been purchased since then. An informed officer familiar with the particular vehicle said though the vehicle can withstand the impact of an explosion there is a level to that capability. Obviously the attackers did not know the particulars of the vehicle, if they did the result would have been different,the officer said. Initial police reports said that up to 10kg of explosives were used in the bomb, which completely destroyed seven vehicles.The BMW suffered only external damages even though it was riddled with dozens of pellet impact marks. The windscreen was also intact, having taken several hits. The tyres of the BMW were burned but this particular vehicle is designed in such a way that it can still be driven off even if the tyres are damaged.***Emotional scenes at Temple TreesThere were emotional scenes at Temple Trees on Friday morning, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his brother Basil were momentarily worried for the safety of their sibling, Gotabhaya. As his usual practice, Basil Rajapaksa had come to Temple Trees early on Friday morning, where several Muslim representatives were gathered to discuss the Haj quota issue with the President. Among them were Alavi Moulana and A.H.M Azwar. Several TV crews and press cameramen were also there to cover a book-launching event. At around 10.40, the gathering heard a massive explosion and the President immediately inquired from his personal assistant, Daya Galage, as to what the noise was. The latter offered an explanation that it must be a noise from the second floor of Temple Trees. At this point the President said that it was definitely a bomb. Then he requested his brother Basil to find out where the Defence Secretary was. Gota is due to come, please check with him, Basil,said the President walking out of the room. Basil Rajapaksa after failing to get through to his brother tried Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando at the Defence Ministry. He was also not available. The President then proceeded to ask his security personnel what the huge sound was. They said it might be a Navy drill, which had been going on during the last few days. At that moment a message came through one of the communication sets that a bomb had exploded targeting the motorcade carrying Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The sound of gunfire could also be heard at that time. Hearing this, the President went down the passage way at Temple Trees saying Gota..Its Gota. As he was approaching the porch, the Defender carrying the Defence Secretary arrived at Temple Trees. The driver of the vehicle collapsed immediately, he had suffered a neck injury but yet managed to drive the Defender to safety. The Captain in charge of the Commando contingent was also injured and was taken to hospital from Temple Trees. The TV crews and press cameramen who had gathered to cover another event were able to capture the emotional moment when the President embraced his brother who had arrived safely at his destination. There is no doubt in the Rajapaksa family that Gotabhaya was saved by the deities, since he is a pious Buddhist and a vegetarian.</blockquote>

Verification: Hath warak paha keeyada? (hatha wadikireema paha)

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