Sri Lanka Church Bomb Blast Today LIVE News Updates: At least 215 people, including 35 foreigners, were killed and over 400 injured after simultaneous blasts rocked Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Seven suspects have been arrested as police launches investigation into the serial explosions.
At least eight explosions were reported including at least three in churches and three in hotels frequented by tourists, reported Reuters. Condemning the attack Pope Francis said, “I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event.”
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held an emergency meeting and 200 troops have been deployed to carry out relief operations. The motive for the attacks remains unclear. However, as per AFP reports, Sri Lankan police chief had issued alerts of possible attacks in “prominent churches” 10 days ahead of the blasts. The first explosion was reported from St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade in Colombo, the second from St Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo and third from a church in Batticaloa. Three five-star hotels from where the blasts were reported are the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury. The blasts occurred at around 8.45 am (local time) when Easter Sunday masses were in progress. It is pertinent to mention here that out of Sri Lanka’s total population of about 22 million, around 7.6 per cent people are Christian.
Kerala to send 15-member medical team to assist treatment of Sri Lanka blast victims
Kerala government will send a 15-member member expert medical team to help with the treatment of terror attack victims in Sri Lanka, Health Minister KK Shylajaunder announced. The team will be headed by Dr SS Santosh Kumar, deputy superintendent of Trivandrum Medical College
This world needs love and peace: Viv RichardsView image on Twitter
The U.S. condemns in the strongest terms the Easter morning terror attacks in Sri Lanka. These attacks demonstrate the brutal nature of terrorists whose sole aim is to threaten peace & security. We offer our deepest condolences and stand with the government & people of #SriLanka.
The U.S. condemns in the strongest terms the Easter morning terror attacks in Sri Lanka. These attacks demonstrate the brutal nature of terrorists whose sole aim is to threaten peace & security. We offer our deepest condolences and stand with the government & people of #SriLanka.
The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.
The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.
Police yet to confirm if all explosions were by suicide bombers
Police spokesperson, Ruwan Gunasekera said the police was not able to confirm at the moment if they were all suicide attacks. He, however, said that one of the blasts at the Katuwapitiya (Negombo) church has signs of being what looked like a suicide attack. An unnamed official said a suicide bomber blew himself up at the restaurant of the Cinnamon Grand hotel. Gunasekara said that 66 bodies were kept at the National Hospital while 260 injured were receiving treatment there and 104 bodies were placed at the Negombo Hospital and 100 injured were receiving treatment at the Hospital.
25 unidentified bodies believed to be of foreigners
The Sri Lankan ministry of foreign affairs listed the known nationalities of foreigners killed as three from India, one from Portugal, two from Turkey, three from the UK and two holding US and UK nationality. It said that there are a further 25 unidentified bodies believed to be foreigners
Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lokashini, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh, according to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
MEA: “PM renewed the offer of all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges such as those posed by terrorism. He also wished the injured speedy recovery and offered any required assistance for their treatment.”@IndianExpress
Just In: Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lokashini, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh, according to External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. @IndianExpress
Victims of the serial explosions come from across countries including Britain, Turkey, India. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s minister of finance says that the country’s different communities have been pulling together in the wake of the attacks.
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
Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in Sri Lanka that has killed more than 200 people. Besides, the airline has requested passengers to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
“New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating,” she said in a written statement. “New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence.”
Seven people have been arrested during a raid on a house in Colombo on Sunday, according to local media in Sri Lanka. Three officers reportedly died in the raid. We’ll bring you more details when we get them. (Guardian)
The police have said that 207 people have been killed and 450 injured in the serial explosions. The police are conducting raids at various places to nab the culprits.
Netizens troll Donald Trump for tweeting Sri Lanka attack toll as ‘138 million’
US President Donald Trump became the butt of jokes on Sunday when he erroneously tweeted the death toll in serial blasts in Sri Lanka as ‘138 million’ instead of 138. Trump later deleted his tweet. Expressing his condolences to the island nation, Trump tweeted, “Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels that have killed at least 138 million people and badly injured 600 more. We stand ready to help.”
Minister @RWijewardene addressing the press just now says action will be taken to stop activity of all extremist groups in the country. Social media temporary banned. 12 hour curfew from 6pm. The Dehiwela n Dematagoda blasts seem to be by those in the ring running from the law.
@RWijewardene says 7 people under arrest for morning attacks that killed at least 160 people including perhaps close to 30 foreigners (Source: Sec/Foreign Affairs) at meeting now w heads of media. Asks for responsible reporting. pic.twitter.com/kKrwdr0uJt
Rahul Gandhi condemns attack in Sri Lanka
The Congress on Sunday condemned the serial blasts at multiple locations in Sri Lanka, with party president Rahul Gandhi terming it a “diabolical act of terrorism”. More than 160 people were killed and over 450 injured in a string of near-simultaneous blasts at churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. “I’m saddened and disturbed by reports of multiple bomb blasts in Colombo in which over 100 people have died and more than 300 injured, Gandhi tweeted. “I strongly condemn this diabolical act of terrorism. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery,” he said.
I’m saddened & disturbed by reports of multiple bomb blasts in #Colombo in which over 100 people have died & more than 300 injured.
I strongly condemn this diabolical act of terrorism.
My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery.
US President Donald Trump condemns attack
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!
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! (Source : Outlook)
