SRI LANKA BOMB BLASTS: EIGHTH EXPLOSION HITS COLOMBO, OVER 185 DEAD!

The first blast occurred at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochcokade in Colombo, the second at St. Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo and third at a church in Batticaloa.

Over 185 people including 35 foreigners were killed and over 400 were injured after consecutive bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. So far, at least 8 explosions were reported including 3 churches and 3 hotels. 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.

AFP reports claim that Sri Lankan police chief had issued alert of attacks in prominent churches 10 days ahead of the blast. Apart from the 3 churches, the 3 5-star hotels where the blasts were reported are the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury. The blasts occurred during Easter Mass, around 8.45am (local time). Out of the 22 million population of Sri Lanka, 7.6% are Christians.

Sri Lanka defence minister orders night curfew after blasts, also says it has shut down access to social media, according to reports. It is unclear on when it will be lifted.
Indians who need assistance or clarification may call to the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789, tweeted Indian High Commission.

Various leaders have condemned the act. People took it to Twitter to express their emotions. Tweeting about the bomb blasts, PM expressed his heartfelt condolences and condemned the act and said such "barbarism has no place in the region.” And that he strongly condemns the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka.
British PM Theresa May said on Twitter that "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. We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear.”

Pakistab PM Imran Khan tweeted “Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.”

Ranil Wickremesinghe tweeted “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.”

President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted “It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in #SriLanka costing the lives of so many people. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country. We stand ready to support.”