Military spokesman said the bomber targeted the convoy of the agriculture minister, Maithripala Sirisena.

Attack happened in Boralasgamuwa. He was not injured in the blast. The spokesman blamed Tamil Tiger rebels for the attack.

There's been no comment yet from them. The incident came amid intense clashes between the security forces and the insurgents in the northern region.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Siripala Gamlath was wounded in the attack, but "is out of danger," Defence spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella has told the news agencies.