Blast in Sri Lankan International airport claims 3

According to military officials in Sri Lanka, Tamil Tigers’ rebels have bombed the country's Air Force base at the International airport before dawn on Monday, killing three officers and wounding 16 others.

A representative for the Tamil Tiger rebels has said the bombing is a preemptive measure to protect Tamil civilians and has warned more attacks will follow.

Air Force spokesman, Group Captain Ajantha de Silva, says a light tiger aircraft flew over the airbase dropping two explosives.

Witnesses also said they heard gunfire.

The adjoining airport has been closed and all departures and arrivals put on hold.