Tuesday, 19 March 2024, 02:37:01 pm

Over 200 killed in explosions at churches, hotels in Sri Lanka
April 21, 2019

In Sri Lanka, over two hundred people were killed and more than four hundred others injured in explosions in Colombo, today (Sunday).  

According to media reports, more than 50 people were killed in St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Katuwapitiya while 25 people were also killed in an attack on church in Batticaloa.

The three hotels hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

The first six explosions were all reported within a short period in the morning just as church services were starting.

Later there have been two more explosions one was at a hotel near the national zoo in the Dehiwela area near Colombo while the other explosion was in a house in Colombo.

Talking to newsmen in Colombo, Junior Sri Lankan Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said government declared a curfew following explosions.

He said curfew will remain in force until things settle down while major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, have been blocked inside the country to prevent misinformation and rumors.

According to hospital sources, foreigners including British, Dutch and American citizens were also among the dead in explosions.

Sri Lakan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called a national Security Council meeting and called upon all Sri Lankans to remain united and strong at this tragic time.

Four Pakistani citizens, including a child got minor injuries in explosions in Sri Lanka: FO

Foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal says four Pakistani citizens, including a child got minor injuries in explosions in Sri Lanka. In a statement, he said the injured have been discharged from hospital after first aid.

PM, SAPM on Information express profound condolences

Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter resulting into the loss of precious lives. 

In a tweet, he expressed his profound condolences to Sri Lankan brethren.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan in a condolence message said Pakistan has offered great human and material sacrifices in war against terrorism and its people could realise the pain of bereaved families.

She said Pakistan shares the grief of the bereaved families of Sri Lanka.

FM telephones Sri Lankan Prime Minister

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe to express deepest condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Imran Khan and the people of Pakistan in the wake of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.

He conveyed sympathies for the families that lost their loved ones in the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He stressed that Pakistan fully understands the pain of their Sri Lankan brethren.

The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and completely understands the trauma and agony suffered by the people of Sri Lanka today.

He said being a victim of prolong terrorism itself, Pakistan stands with Sri Lanka in its difficult hour.

The Foreign Minister also extended Pakistan's all out help and support to the Government and people of Sri Lanka in this moment of tragedy.

World leaders condemn series of blasts in Sri Lanka 

World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed more than 140 people, including dozens of foreigners.

Pope Francis has condemned attacks in Sri Lanka as cruel violence.   

In his Easter message in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis expressed his affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence.

In a tweet, British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as appalling.

She said her deepest sympathies go out to all those affected at this tragic time.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have also condemned series of explosions in Sri Lanka.

They showed their solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and their thoughts go out to all victims’ relatives on this Easter Day.