Over 150 people were killed and over 200 people were injured in multiple blasts in three churches, three hotels and two other locations in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. The deadly explosions were reported at three luxury hotels and a church each in Colombo, in Katana, some 50 km north of the capital, and in the eastern province of Batticaloa around 8.45 a.m. when hundreds were gathered to celebrate Easter. A seventh explosion took place near a reception hall at Dehiwala Zoological Gardens at around 2 pm. An eighth explosion was reported at around 2.45 pm. Curfew has been imposed in the country and security has been beefed up.
Leaders across the world have united to condemn the blasts. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the mass killings, saying India stands in solidarity with the island nation. "India condemns the terror attacks in Sri Lanka and offers its condolences to the people and government of the country," Kovind tweeted. "Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka."
"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
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
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 21, 2019
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
Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "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."
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.
The Congress party too offered condolences and said that it stands with the people of Sri Lanka in their time of grief.
“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,” the party tweeted from its official handle.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and other state chief ministers also tweeted their condemnation over the attacks.
Extremely sad news from Sri Lanka on Easter. Enemies of humanity cannot be allowed to succeed in any part of the world and acts of terror should be condemned in strongest terms
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 21, 2019
Shocked & grieved at the senseless #SriLanka blasts. The cowardly terror attack on innocent people is totally condemnable and requires collective action from one & all to destroy the inimical forces against humanity. My prayers & thoughts are with the victims & their families.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 21, 2019
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
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 21, 2019
Many global leaders from across the world too have condemned the blasts and have expressed solidarity with Sri Lanka. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and British PM Theresa May were among some of the leaders who condemned the attacks.
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) April 21, 2019
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.
Turkish President Recip Tayyib Erdogan called it “an assault on all of humanity.”
I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) April 21, 2019
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.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also condemned the attack. The German Chancellor's official spokesperson stated on Twitter: "We're horrified by the news that Christians in Sri Lanka were attacked and killed during Easter services. We mourn them and pray for the injured and their family members."
Entsetzen über die Nachricht, dass Christen auf Sri Lanka während der Ostermessen angegriffen und getötet wurden. Wir trauern um sie und beten für die Verletzten und Familien. Terrorismus, religiöser Hass und Intoleranz dürfen nicht siegen.
— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) April 21, 2019
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack and stated that Pakistan stands with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.
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.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 21, 2019
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that she was in touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo.
Indians in distress may please contact Indian High Commission in Colombo. We will provide you all assistance. @IndiainSL Our helpline numbers are :
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
+94777903082,+94112422788,+94112422789, +94112422789.
Pls RT