Colombo, Aug 30 (IANS) An explosion in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital Saturday morning wounded at least 44 people, including four women and two children, police and hospital sources said. According to police, the explosion occurred near a small watch outlet at Olcott Mawatha in Colombo Pattah around 12.15 p.m.

Hector Weerasinghe, director of the Colombo National Hospital, said there were four women and two children among the 44 wounded who have been taken to the hospital from the blast site.

“Only a couple of them have suffered major injuries while others have already been treated and released to the respective wards after small surgeries,” Weerasinghe told IANS.

Police and military personnel have cordoned off the area and are conducting search operations.