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Lankan players arrive home after Lahore attack

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Reuters

Posted: Mar 04, 2009 at 1339 hrs IST

Colombo Sri Lanka's cricketers were reunited with their families after returning home early on Wednesday following an attack by gunmen in Lahore.

The players were welcomed home to Bandaranaike International Airport by friends and families, cricket officials, sports minister Gamini Lokuge and a large media contingent.

Around a dozen gunmen attacked the team's bus on Tuesday with rifles, grenades and rockets, wounding six players and a British assistant coach and killing at least eight Pakistanis.

"It's great to be back in Sri Lanka with our families and loved ones," Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said after the team's arrival home at 3.20am (2120 GMT).

"We are still shocked by what has happened but we are relieved that no one in the team suffered more serious injuries or were killed," he added.

Five players and assistant coach Paul Farbrace were transported straight to Nawaloka hospital in central Colombo for checks on their injuries.

The most seriously injured player was Thilan Samaraweera, who was shot in the leg. Doctors will decide on Wednesday whether to try to remove the bullet.

Early reports suggest he would be unable to play cricket for between six to eight weeks.

Tharanga Paranavitana, a 26-year-old playing his first international tour, was the next most seriously injured after being shot in the chest. The bullet, which narrowly missed his heart, was later removed by Pakistan doctors.

"I am fine now," Paranavitana said at the airport. "I feel very lucky."

The other players injured, all of whom suffered minor shrapnel wounds, included Jayawardene (ankle), Kumar Sangakkara (shoulder), Ajantha Mendis (head) and Suranga Lakmal (leg).

Jayawardene was the only player not sent to hospital on the team's return.

Sangakkara paid tribute to the team's bus driver, Mohammad Khalil, for saving lives.

"The truth is that we owe our lives to Khalil for the courage he showed in getting the bus going again after the initial attack and into the stadium," Sangakkara said.

"After the first shots the bus had come to a halt on the roundabout and we were sitting ducks for the terrorists, but he got us out of there just in time."

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Shameful act by Riyaz on 04 Mar 2009

Dear Hammad. Hatred only comes naturally. The pakistanis have for a long time now exported terror and it has not only hurt India but also hurt muslims all over the world who have to live with an unnecessary burden of being branded terrorists. Pakistanis have hurt Islam to every extent possible.

pak terror by shyam kishore on 04 Mar 2009

Dear Hammad .We are shocked as well .We are not a sadistic society to enjoy your plight .our empathy is with you always . What we are worrying here is the Pakistan Goverments double standard is dealing with the terror . they continue to support the terror elements in oneside and try to milk the US in the name of the fighting terror .all the comments from Pakistani leaders are not aimed at eleminating the terror .but aiming at the US for providing more fund . Pakistan is using terror to generate funds .this is a worrying point

Pleasure by P. Suresh on 04 Mar 2009

Attack on pakistan terrerisam.

Pakistan - Peace by Dibyendu on 04 Mar 2009

Dear Hammad Sab, No one in India is Happy abouit the attacks. We are equally disturbed and want peace across the border. We all love our cricket and crickters and attack on them comes as rude shock. We wish and pray Pakistan to recover and maintain healthy relations with India. Not make any plans to destabilise India and try to benefit from the growing INdian economy.

Terrorism by Harsh on 04 Mar 2009

It’s a huge relief that no one gets seriously hurt and returns home safely. However, it is duty of Sri Lanka cricket board to award handsomely to the driver of the bus who drove all the player safely with courage and bravery. So, in future people will not hesitate to give their 100% in fighting of terrorism.

terrable news by javed on 04 Mar 2009

helloi am very sad by listening that the team was attacked and i am very pleased with indian captain not making a tour to pakistani think now no team should make any tour to pakistan

Lahore Attack by S_Hammad on 04 Mar 2009

……….I have seen yours comments. I can’t find even a single comment without hate. In contrast, you can see our blogs after “Mumbai Attack” no one in our side looked happy at that particular incident. Please Indian please leave this hate and sensibly think about peace. South Asia is really in trouble now a day. Lahore Attack is one of example of this horror. This was a “Three Dimensional” attack to create more problem between three nations. Please Indain Please. Beware it unless it will destroy all.

You are right Hammad, I agree with you.. by Giri on 04 Mar 2009

I do understand your feelings hammad. I am sure the majority of people on both sides of the border want peace and get rid of terror elements. If only our respective goverments take steps to eradicate extremists elements, each one of us can live in peace and harmony. At such times, we need to stay united, so that the terrorist enemies can be destroyed. The major point here I would like to suggest/think about is how to get rid of the existing mistrust between Ind-Pak? Are Paksitani extremists ready to accept the soveriegnity of India, and refrain from taking up arms agains innocent people? Can they lay down the arms and talk about the problems instead? Cant dialogue be an answer to resolving issues?

Lahore Attack by RK Bobb on 04 Mar 2009

I agree with these comments. But it also applies to Pakistan. Both the countries should to stop hating at other side and try to find an emicable solution in fighting the terrorism

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