COLOMBO: Sri Lankan police say 207 people were killed and 450 wounded in a series of blasts in and around the country's capital. Six nearly simultaneous blasts went off Sunday morning in three churches where worshippers were celebrating Easter and in three luxury hotels frequented by foreign tourists.
Hours later, a blast at a guesthouse killed at least two people. After the eighth explosion near an overpass in the area of Dematagoda on the outskirts of Colombo, the capital, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara says three police officers were killed when they went to question suspects following a tip.
Two blasts went off shortly after the officers entered a house in Dematagoda.
Officials say seven suspects have been arrested.
The magnitude of the bloodshed recalled Sri Lanka's decades-long civil war, when separatist Tamil Tigers and other rebel groups targeted the Central Bank, a shopping mall, a Buddhist temple and hotels popular with tourists.
So far, no one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's blasts.
"Many casualties including foreigners," said Harsha de Silva, the Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution. Only around six per cent of mainly Buddhist Sri Lanka is Catholic, but the religion is seen as a unifying force because it includes people from both the Tamil and majority Sinhalese ethnic groups.
Indian citizens in Sri Lanka in need of assistance or help can dial the helpline numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789.
⚡️ Seventh explosion reported near Dehiwela near #SriLanka's capital. Death toll in the #SriLankaBlasts is on the rise. #Colombo
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 21, 2019
Read here: https://t.co/nSZRPv7nmVhttps://t.co/6EoQZ0LVMP
(With inputs from Agencies)
I have just spoken to the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka H.E. Mr.Tilak Marapana. He confirmed that unfortunately, 207 persons have lost their lives and more than 450 are injured in the terror blasts. /2
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
In the midst of this tragedy, it's reassuring to see the outpouring of solidarity as people donate blood. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim & others are donating because we are humans with the same blood & same spirit of compassion.Nobody can deny our common humanity. #lka
— Mangala Samaraweera (@MangalaLK) April 21, 2019
World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed more than 150 people on Sunday, including dozens of foreigners -- with British, Dutch and American citizens believed to be among them.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expressing "deep shock" over the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka that killed more than 200 people. Netanyahu issued a statement on Sunday saying that "Israel stands ready to assist the authorities in Sri Lanka at this difficult time." The prime minister says that "the entire world must unite in the battle against the scourge of terrorism." (AP)
Suicide bombers were involved in at least two of the deadly blasts that ripped through churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Sunday killing around 207 people, according to police and hotel officials.
#FlyAI: In view of the situation in #Srilanka #AirIndia has waived off all charges for rescheduling/cancellation of bookings on its flts to/from Colombo for travel till April 24, 2019.Passengers are requested to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike Int'l Apt.
— Air India (@airindiain) April 21, 2019
Sri Lanka's defense minister says most of the eight blasts that rocked the capital and surrounding areas are suspected suicide attacks. (AP)
The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 21, 2019
We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear.
The suicide bomber waited patiently in a queue for the Easter Sunday breakfast buffet at Sri Lanka's Cinnamon Grand hotel before setting off explosives strapped to his back.
Carrying a plate, the man, who had registered at the hotel the night before as Mohamed Azzam Mohamed, was just about to be served when he set off his devastating strike in the packed restaurant, a manager at the Sri Lankan hotel said.
Chinese state media report that a Chinese citizen has died in the Sri Lanka attacks. Earlier, China's embassy said four Chinese nationals were hospitalized and in stable condition. It is not clear if the deceased was among them. And Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that one victim was a Portuguese citizen. (AP)
Authorities have imposed a 12-hour overnight curfew beginning at 6 p.m. after a series of coordinated deadly blasts rocked the heavily touristed island nation.
Sri Lankan officials say the death toll in eight bomb blasts that struck in and just outside of the capital, Colombo, on Easter Sunday has climbed to 190, and that several suspects have been arrested. The foreign minister says at least 27 foreigners were among those killed and that two police officers were killed during an operation to capture suspects from a safehouse in Dematagoda, the area outside Colombo where the eighth blast occurred.
President Donald Trump offers "heartfelt condolences" after the attacks in Sri Lanka but mistakenly says 138 million people have been killed, corrects tweets later.
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
President Donald Trump is offering "heartfelt condolences" after the attacks in Sri Lanka but mistakenly says 138 million people have been killed.
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Foreign tourists in Sri Lanka have hurriedly contacted loved ones around the world to say they were OK after the blasts. Local tourism workers were shocked and dismayed by the attacks. "After so many years we've started again," said Gamini Francis, a longtime hotel worker. "A lot of people are going to lose their jobs. 100% sure. It's tragic. Crazy people killing innocent people." (AP)
Violence can never be the final solution to human disagreements. Ironic that the island that spawned the word serendipity is not able to find it. My deepest sympathies to those affected by the bombs in Srilanka. The government should be impartial and swift in rendering Justice.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 21, 2019
Pakistan's foreign ministry has condemned explosions and terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.
Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal said in a statement that the people and government of Pakistan stand by Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday blasts that killed at least 138 people.
Sad how some have no respect for the dead. Why can’t we not circulate photos of the dead? Also some are desperately working on creating racial disharmony. This is despicable. Please stop hate posts on social media. If not it will have to be stopped in the interest of peace.
— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) April 21, 2019
Sri Lanka's defense minister has blamed religious extremists for what he called the "unfortunate terrorist incident" involving a series of blasts at churches celebrating Easter Sunday services and luxury hotels. Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardena told reporters that he believed police and military forces had identified the perpetrators of the blasts. He said those "involved in this unfortunate terrorist incident will be taken into custody as soon as possible." (AP)
Pope condemns Sri Lanka attacks as “such cruel violence,” says is close to Christians hit by “mourning and pain” at Easter, reports Reuters.
I’m saddened & disturbed by reports of multiple bomb blasts in #Colombo in which over 100 people have died & more than 300 injured.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 21, 2019
I strongly condemn this diabolical act of terrorism.
My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery.
Multiple blasts in #SriLanka leaves over 150 dead. View pictures here: https://t.co/VD9wGiycmc pic.twitter.com/iAnYbbjZ3p
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 21, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds telephonic conversation with Sri Lankan President and PM after serial blasts hit island nation: Sources
The Archbishop of Colombo is calling for those responsible for the Easter Sunday blasts in Sri Lanka to be punished "mercilessly."
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith called on Sri Lanka's government to launch a "very impartial strong inquiry" and to punish those found responsible "mercilessly because only animals can behave like that."
Passengers should report to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) four hours before flights - 21st April 2019 ! pic.twitter.com/kP675HdDPZ
— SriLankan Airlines (@flysrilankan) April 21, 2019
A woman hailing from Mogral Puthur of Kerala's Kasargod district was killed in the serial blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as Rafeena, who was in Sri Lanka to meet her family in Colombo.
Kollywood actress Radikaa Sarathkumar, who was staying at the Cinnamon Grand Hote - one of the four hotels where the blasts happened - had a narrow escape.
The country's police chief Pujuth Jayasundara sent an intelligence warning to top officers on April 11 setting out a threat of country's prominent churches being targetted by the suicide bombers.
It is absolutely barbaric to see such violent attacks on such a holy day. Whoever is behind these attacks must be dealt with immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones and all of Sri Lanka.
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) April 21, 2019
Sri Lankan government declares curfew across country from 6 pm Sunday to 6 am Monday.
The explosion in Dematagoda was at a house in Mahawila Housing Scheme in Dematagoda, Colombo.
Another bomb blast reported from Sri Lanka's Dehiwala, where two people have been reportedly been killed. This was the seventh blast that ripped through the island nation.
All schools in the island will be closed tomorrow (22) and Tuesday (23): Minister Of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam
A statement issued in Jerusalem said the blasts were particularly sad as they "came while Christians celebrate Easter".
"We pray for the souls of the victims and ask for speedy recovery of the injured, and ask God to inspire the terrorists to repent of their killing and intimidation," the statement said.
Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019
Leave of all police personnel has been cancelled. Doctors, nurses and health officials who were on leave have been asked to report to work, Health Ministry sources said.
Heavy security has been deployed at the Bandaranaike International Airport after the multiple explosions in the country. The riot police and the Special Task Force, extra police security has been deployed around the airport, state-run Daily Times reported.
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.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019
The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.
Three explosions were reported in morning from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury in Colombo.
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
The Sri Lankan government has summoned an emergency meeting. All necessary emergency steps have been taken by the government
