Minister 's bodyguards died in blast in southern part of Colombo . Colonel Sirisena heads the police department . The rebels , formally known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam , are fighting for the creation of an independent nation , citing discrimination by the Sinhalese . Authorities blamed the attack on Tamil Tigers rebels .
Minister 's bodyguards died in blast in southern part of Colombo . Colonel Sirisena heads the police department . Authorities blamed the attack on Tamil Tigers rebels .