Sri Lanka blasts Highlights| Eight arrested in connection with serial blasts
At least 207 people were killed and hundreds more injured in eight blasts that rocked churches and hotels in and just outside Sri Lanka’s capital on Easter Sunday, officials said, pitching the South Asian island nation into the worst chaos it has seen since a bloody civil war ended a decade ago.Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardena, who described the blasts as a terrorist attack by religious extremists, told reporters Sunday evening that seven suspects had been arrested, though no one immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he feared the violence could trigger instability in the country and its economy.Media reported 25 people were also killed in an attack on a church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.Also Read| ‘138 million killed in Sri Lanka’: Donald Trump deletes tweet after gaffeFollow updates here:
Narrow escape for Andhra tourists in Sri Lanka blasts
Five persons from Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district had a narrow escape in the serial bomb blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday, killing over 200 people.
Amilineni Surendra Babu, who head SR Construction firm, sustained minor injuries while his friends escaped unhurt when a bomb went off at Shangri La Hotel in Colombo, where they were staying.
The group, which was on a tour to Sri Lanka, was having breakfast at the hotel when a bomb ripped through the premises, reports news agency IANS.
10:05 pm ISTBritons killed in Sri Lanka attacks: UK Foreign Office
Britons killed in Sri Lanka attacks: UK Foreign Office
9:31 pm ISTSeveral Americans killed in Sri Lanka attacks: Mike Pompeo
Several Americans killed in Sri Lanka attacks: Washington secretary of state Mike Pompeo
9:09 pm ISTEight arrested in connection with serial blasts, says Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe
Eight arrested in connection with serial blasts, says Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe
8:40 pm ISTUS Catholic bishops’ group condemns attacks
The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is condemning “this great evil” that targeted Easter Sunday worshippers and others with deadly blasts in Sri Lanka.
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo in a statement offers prayers for the victims and says the attack cannot “overcome the hope” found in the holiday.
8:22 pm ISTMuslim groups in Sri Lanka condemn attacks
Two Muslim groups in Sri Lanka are condemning the attacks on churches and hotels in the country on Easter Sunday that killed more than 200 people.
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka says it mourns the loss of innocent people in the blasts by extremists who seek to divide religious and ethnic groups.
8:14 pm ISTSri Lanka verifies nationalities of 11 killed
Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry says the nationalities of 11 foreigners killed in the Easter Sunday blasts have been verified.
They include three Indians, one Portuguese national, two Turkish nationals, three British nationals and two holding U.S. and British nationalities.
The statement also says nine foreigners are reported missing.
A Dutch national and a Chinese national also have been reported among the victims.
8:05 pm ISTThree Indians killed in Sri Lanka serial blasts
Three Indians killed in Sri Lanka serial blasts: External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj
8:02 pm ISTUN chief outraged by Sri Lanka attacks
The United Nations secretary-general says he is “outraged by the terrorist attacks” in Sri Lanka.
A statement by the spokesman for Antonio Guterres notes the “sanctity of all places of worship” and hopes the perpetrators will be quickly brought to justice.
He also commends the unity of the Sri Lankan people after the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels that killed more than 200 people.
7:59 pm ISTNarrow escape for Tamil actress
Noted Tamil actress Radikaa Sarathkumar from Tamil Nadu had a providential escape from the blasts in Sri Lanka as she walked out of a hotel just before the premises was hit by explosions.
“OMG bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, God be with all. I just left Colombo Cinnamon Grand Hotel and it has been bombed, cant believe this shocking...so shocked,” the actress said in her tweet.
7:19 pm ISTSecurity tightened around Goa churches on Easter
Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant on Sunday while condemning the Sri Lankan terror attacks, said that the state government has beefed up the security around all the churches here on Easter Day.
6:54 pm ISTUK says citizens caught in Sri Lanka blasts
The British high commissioner to Sri Lanka says the UK government understands that “some British citizens were caught in the blasts” but it is too soon to say how many might have been affected.
6:48 pm IST4 Chinese injured in Sri Lanka blasts
Four Chinese nationals were injured in the multiple blasts that struck churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said, reports PTI.
The Chinese mission activated emergency response mechanism immediately after the blasts, and embassy officials have visited the injured who were in hospital for treatment, it said.
The injured Chinese nationals are now in stable condition, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The Chinese Embassy has reminded Chinese citizens and businesses in Sri Lanka to watch out for safety, it added.
6:41 pm ISTSri Lanka suspects suicide attacks in blasts
Sri Lanka’s defence minister says most of the eight blasts that rocked the capital and surrounding areas are suspected suicide attacks.
Police say 207 people were killed and 450 wounded in Sunday’s explosions, whose targets included at least three churches and three luxury hotels.
5:57 pm ISTSri Lanka bombings death toll passes 200
Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Colombo on Sunday as the death toll from a rash of bombings at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka rose past 200, police and local media said.
5:42 pm ISTSuicide bombers involved in two of Sri Lanka blasts: Report
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 160 people, according to police and hotel officials.
5:29 pm ISTCondemn blasts in Sri Lanka: Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemns blasts in Sri Lanka. “We condemn blasts in Lanka.one of the killed is a resident of Kasargode. We are in touch with the high commission to bring her body back.”
5:23 pm ISTWoman from Kerala’s Kasargode killed in Sri Lanka serial blasts that killed 190
A woman from Kerala’s Kasargode district was killed in the blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday morning. Raseena, 52, was killed during an explosion in a Colombo hotel. She had gone to Sri Lanka to visit her relatives.
5:06 pm ISTSeven suspects have been arrested following series of blasts that killed at least 190: Defence Minister
Sri Lanka’s defence minister says seven suspects have been arrested following series of blasts that killed at least 190, reports AP.
5:02 pm ISTSri Lanka’s deputy transport minister says 190 dead in series of Easter Sunday blasts
Sri Lanka’s deputy transport minister says 190 dead in series of Easter Sunday blasts.
4:21 pm ISTWe stand ready to help: Donald Trump on Sri Lanka blasts
US President Donald Trump tweets, “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!”
4:18 pm ISTColombo: People grieve after eight blasts struck various churches and hotels in Sri Lanka today
Colombo: People grieve after eight blasts struck various churches and hotels in Sri Lanka today.
4:14 pm ISTColombo: People grieve after eight blasts struck various churches and hotels in #SriLanka today. pic.twitter.com/pTjiQFLXt2
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2019
German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemns ‘religious hate and intolerance’ after Sri Lanka attacks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemns ‘religious hate and intolerance’ after Sri Lanka attacks, reports AFP.
4:07 pm ISTViolence can never be final solution to human disagreements: Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan tweets, “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”.
4:04 pm ISTFrance president Emmanuel Macron condemns ‘odious’ Sri Lanka attacks
France president Emmanuel Macron condemns ‘odious’ Sri Lanka attacks, reports AFP
3:53 pm ISTPope condemns Sri Lanka attacks
Pope condemns Sri Lanka attacks as “such cruel violence,” says is close to Christians hit by “mourning and pain” at Easter, reports Reuters.
03.10 PM ISTEyewitness explains aftermath of blast
Father Edmond Tillekeratne, social communications director for the Archdiocese of Colombo, said that the blast took place after Easter Mass, and that there were about 30 bodies lying in the area of the church. He said three priests had been celebrating the mass at the time of the blast. Two of them were badly injured by flying glass and debris, and one was only lightly injured because he was behind the altar, He estimated that more than a thousand people had come to the church for Easter Sunday “because it is a special day.” Many came from villages, quoted the news agency.
03.08 PM ISTSri Lanka shuts down access to major social media
“UPDATE: #SriLanka government says it has shutdown access to major social media, messaging services,” tweeted Reuters.
03.06 PM ISTEighth explosion reported from housing complex
Eighth explosion reported from housing complex in Colombo, quoted news agency.
03.00 PM ISTSri Lankan govt declares 12-hour curfew
Sri Lankan government declares curfew across country from 6 pm Sunday to 6 am Monday, quoted news agency.
02.50 PM ISTEighth blast hits Sri Lanka in capital, death toll rises to 160
Police said the blast hit the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital, but there were no further details on what was targeted. Nearly 160 people have been confirmed dead so far in the string of attacks targeting hotels and churches, quoted news agency.
02.48 PM ISTSri Lankan govt declares curfew with immediate effect
“UPDATE: #SriLanka government declares curfew with immediate effect, is unclear on when it will be lifted,” tweeted Reuters.
02.45 PM ISTEighth blast hits Colombo
02.42 PM ISTCongress chief Rahul Gandhi tweets on Colombo attacks
“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,” said Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a tweet.
02.15 PM ISTNew blast in Sri Lankan capital, two dead: Policeman
A fresh blast hit a hotel in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on Sunday, killing at least two people, a police spokesman said, after a string of explosions at churches and hotels.
02.10 PM ISTTwo dead in seventh blast
Two people died in the seventh in Dehiwela, near Colombo, reported news agency.
2.05 PM ISTSeventh explosion reported in Dehiwela, near Colombo
Another explosion, the seventh, reported in Dehiwela, near the Sri Lankan capital, reported news agency.
2.02 PM ISTSri Lanka attacks ‘truly appalling’: British PM
01.40 PM ISTThe 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.
Turkish president condemns Sri Lanka blasts
“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity. On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured, tweeted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
1.35 PM ISTSri Lankan PM meets with security body
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened Sri Lanka’s top military officials at an emergency meeting of the National Security Council following a series of Easter Sunday blasts.
01.30 PM ISTPakistan PM condemns Colombo blasts
“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,” said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.
01.25 PM ISTChurch’s roof blown out due to explosion
Much of the church roof was blown out in the explosion, with roof tiles and splintered wood littering the floor and pools of blood in between wounded worshippers.
01.20 PM ISTBritish, Dutch citizens were among those killed in blasts
A hospital source said Americans, British and Dutch citizens were among those killed in the six blasts, which also injured hundreds of people.
01.15 PM ISTToll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 156, including 35 foreigners
The toll in a string of blasts Sunday at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka has risen to at least 156, including 35 foreigners, a police official told AFP.
01.10 PM ISTLocal TV showed damage at hotels
Local TV showed damage at the Cinnamon Grand, Shangri-La and Kingsbury hotels. The Shangri-La’s second-floor restaurant was gutted in the blast, with the ceiling and windows blown out. Loose wires hung and tables were overturned in the blackened space.
01.05 PM ISTFinance minister Arun Jaitley tweets on Sri Lanka blasts
“Deeply saddened by the bomb blasts in #Colombo #SriLanka and killing of innocent people there. Such ghastly acts of violence are highly condemnable. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families. Pray for speedy recovery of injured,” tweeted the leader.
01.00 PM ISTPresident Kovind condemns Sri Lanka terror attacks
“India condemns the terror attacks in Sri Lanka and offers its condolences to the people and government of the country. Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka #PresidentKovind,” tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind
12.50 PM ISTPM Modi condemns Sri Lanka attacks
12.45 PM ISTStrongly 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
Sri Lankan prime minister condemns ‘cowardly’ attacks
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned a string of blasts that killed at least 137 people on Sunday as “cowardly” and said the government was working to “contain the situation.”
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today,” he said in a tweet from his verified account.“I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong... The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.”
12.26 PM IST138 killed, 400 injured in multiple explosions in Sri Lanka’s Colombo on Easter
Easter Day bomb blasts at three Sri Lankan churches and three luxury hotels killed 138 people and wounded more than 400, hospital and police officials said
12.22 PM ISTAt least nine foreigners dead in Sri Lanka blasts: Police official
At least nine foreigners dead in Sri Lanka blasts: Police official
12.19 PM ISTVice President of India tweets on Sri Lanka Blast
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of innocent lives in multiple bombings on Easter Sunday in Colombo #SriLanka. My heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved families and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
12.11 PM ISTSri Lanka Blast death toll rises to 129
Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 129: Hospital sources
12.03 PM ISTSri Lanka police chief warned of possible suicide attacks: Report
Sri Lanka police chief warned of possible suicide attacks before Sunday blasts: Document
11.59 AM ISTIndian mission in Lanka issues helpline numbers
‘Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789,” the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.
11.43 AM ISTCongress tweets on Sri Lanka Blast
We are deeply saddened by the terrible attacks on several churches in #SriLanka on the holy day of Easter. We stand with the people in their time of grief & pray for their recovery.
11.38 AM ISTEmergency security meeting called to review
An emergency security council meeting had been called to review the attacks that seem to be coordinated, Harsha de Silva, minister of economic reform and public distribution, said by phone.
11.33 AM IST‘Shocked and saddened’ tweets Shashi Tharoor on Sri Lanka Blast
Shocked & saddened by news of church & hotel bombings in SriLanka. Intolerance, bigotry & terrorism sadly know no borders or limits. Profound condolences to the families & my thoughts and prayers for that beautiful & tortured land.
11.20 AM ISTPhoto show damage by blasts
Photos circulating on social media showed the roof of one church had been almost blown off in the blast. The floor was littered with a mixture of roof tiles, splintered wood and blood. Several people could be seen covered in blood, with some trying to help those with more serious injuries. The images could not immediately be verified.
11.17 AM ISTAttacked Church seeks help via Facebook post
‘A bomb attack to our church, please come and help if your family members are there,” read a post in English on the Facebook page of the St Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo.
11.17 AM ISTAll forms of violence are unacceptable’, tweets Mamata Banerjee
Saddened and shocked at the disturbing news coming in from Sri Lanka. All forms of violence are unacceptable. Easter is a Festival of Peace. My thoughts and prayers with the grieving families, said the West Bengal state chief, Mamata Banerjee.
11.05 AM ISTSaddened and shocked at the disturbing news coming in from Sri Lanka. All forms of violence are unacceptable. Easter is a Festival of Peace. My thoughts and prayers with the grieving families
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 21, 2019
Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson tweets on Sri Lanka explosions
11.00 AM ISTPakistan condemns explosions and terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Churches & Hotels, that have led to numerous casualties and immense loss. People and Government of Pakistan stand by people and Government of Sti Lanka at this moment of tragedy and against terror @MFA_SriLanka
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) April 21, 2019
At least 42 dead: Police
At least 42 dead in Sri Lanka church, hotel blasts, reported news agency AFP quoting police.
10.54 AM ISTSushma Swaraj tweets on Sri Lanka blasts
Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation, said Sushma Swaraj.
10.50 AM ISTColombo - 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
280 injured in Sri Lanka blasts
The Colombo National Hospital spokesperson, Dr Samindi Samarakoon, said at least 280 people have been admitted with injuries.It was not immediately clear if the blasts had caused casualties, reported news agency.
10.44 AM ISTAttacked churches, hotels frequently visited by tourists
Sri Lanka security official says 6 near simultaneous blasts hit 3 churches and 3 hotels frequented by tourists, said police reported Associated Press.
10.40 AM ISTSecond explosion was reported at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo
A second explosion was reported at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, a Catholic majority town north of Colombo. The church has appealed for help on its Facebook page.
10.35 AM ISTFirst blast ripped through St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo
The first blast ripped through St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo. Alex Agileson, who was in the vicinity, said buildings in the surrounding area shook with the blast. He said a number of injured were carried in ambulances.
10.30 AM ISTTotal of six blasts at Sri Lanka churches and hotels: police
Explosions have hit three churches and three hotels in and around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, police said Sunday. The blasts hit several high-end hotels and one church in the capital, while two additional churches were targeted outside Colombo, police said.
10.15 AM IST80 injured as blasts hit two churches in Sri Lanka
At least 80 people were injured when multiple explosions hit two churches in Sri Lanka on Sunday as worshippers attended Easter services, officials and police said.