The Italian and US ambassadors to Sri Lanka were "slightly injured" when their helicopters were targeted by mortars fired by suspected Tamil Tiger rebels in the east today, officials said.
The helicopters used by US Ambassador Robert Blake and Italian counterpart Pio Mariani had just landed in Batticaloa when several mortars landed close to the aircraft, said Sri Lankan government minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, who accompanied them.
"Both the ambassadors are fine and they have suffered slight injuries," Mr Samarasinghe said.
Seven Sri Lankan security personnel who were on the ground also were wounded.
The Sri Lankan Defence Ministry blamed the attack on separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, who are banned in the United States and in European Union countries as a terrorist group.
There was no immediate comment from the rebels today.