The Colombo World Trade Centre Bombing was a terrorist attack which occurred on 15 October 1997 and was carried out by the LTTE during the separatist civil war in Sri Lanka between the government and the Tamil Tigers.
Shortly before 7:00 am on 15 October 1997 a group of up to six fighters from the LTTE’s Black Tigers drove a truck laden with approximately 350 kg (770 lb) explosives into the car park of the Galadari Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel, located in the heart of Colombo’s business and government district, where they shot and killed four unarmed security guards.
By then, the Army's QRT (Quick Reaction Team) - a specialized group trained for emergency deployment using trailer motor cycles - rushed to the scene.
Air force airlifted the Anti hijacking & hostage release group of Sri Lanka Army Commandos under Capt.
While they are arriving, Colombo based 112 Brigade who already outside Lake House managed to rescue 20 hostages by killing one terrorist.
Since the Colombo World Trade Centre was inaugurated a few days before, it was suspected to be the main target of the LTTE.
[3] The government set aside a $25 million assistance package for all buildings damaged in the attack, with the Galadari Hotel reopening in January 1998 and the World Trade Center in June of the same year.