A series of explosions hit high-end hotels and churches across Sri Lanka on Sunday, April 21, killing at least 156 people and leaving over 400 injured.
#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 156, including 35 foreigners: police pic.twitter.com/WUMt3qtLIt
— AFP news agency (@AFP) April 21, 2019
The blasts are reported to have occurred in three luxury hotels — the Cinnamon Grand, Kingsbury and Shangri-La — located in the heart of Colombo while the three Catholic churches which were targeted during Easter Mass are St Anthony’s Church in the capital, St Sebastian’s in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo, and a church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Meanwhile, another explosion, the seventh, has been reported in Dehiwela, near the Sri Lankan capital, Reuters has reported quoting police. An official told AP that at least two of the blasts were suspected to have been caused by suicide bombers.
The first explosion was reported at St Anthony’s Church. The other blasts followed within half an hour.
#Breaking
3 churches, 3 hotels attacked in Colombo, #SriLanka on #EasterSunday.#Christian community attacked!
Explosions at :
St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade
St.Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya
Church in Batticaloa
Kingsbury hotel
Shangri La hotel
Cinnamon Grand Hotel pic.twitter.com/yYI8OUwoPK— Geeta Mohan ____ ____ ____ ____ (@Geeta_Mohan) April 21, 2019
Sri Lanka’s president, Maithripala Sirisena, expressed his shock in an address and appealed for calm. The President also said he had ordered the police special task force and military to investigate who was behind the attacks and their agenda.
The prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, wrote on Twitter: “I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today.
“I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.”
In the wake of the heinous attacks in Christchurch, I offer my condolences and support to New Zealand. It is a country with a strong history of peace, multiculturalism, and tolerance, and I have no doubt that its people will not allow this incident to undermine those values.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) March 15, 2019
Colombo – I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she is in constant touch with the Indian high commission in Colombo and is keeping a watch on the situation.
Colombo – I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
For Indian citizens in Sri Lanka seeking any sort of assistance or clarification, the Indian embassy in Sri Lanka has tweeted a few helpline numbers.
Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019
In addition to the numbers given below, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019
Out of Sri Lanka’s total population of around 22 million, 70% are Buddhist, 12.6% Hindu, 9.7% Muslim and 7.6% Christian, according to the country’s 2012 census. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility.
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