At least two persons were killed and nine others injured in a hand-grenade attack in a busy area in the suburbs of Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on Saturday night.

"The incident took place at around 9 pm (Local time) opposite a pharmacy in Welawatta area when many shoppers were around," a military spokesperson said.

He said two persons were killed and nine others injured, when a man hurled a hand-grenade at the crowd before fleeing from the spot.

"Investigations are on and we are trying to find out whether the incident is related to underworld gang rivalry or is the handiwork of Tamil Tigers," the spokesperson said.

He said efforts were on to ascertain if the attacker was aiming at any specific target.