Multiple blasts hit Sri Lankan churches, hotels; 156 dead
What's the story
At least 156 people, including nine foreigners, died and nearly 400 were injured after three churches and three hotels were hit by explosions in Sri Lanka on Sunday. Explosions ripped apart the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade of the capital Colombo, the St.Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya of Negombo and another church in Batticaloa. Blasts were also reported from Shangri-La, Kingsbury, and Cinnamon Grand hotels.
Details
Near simultaneous blasts rocked Sri Lanka
The near-simultaneous blasts happened around 8:45 AM on Easter, one of the most awaited festivals of the Christian calendar. About the incident, St Sebastian's Church wrote on Facebook, "A bomb attack to our church, please come and help if your family members are there (sic)." A security official said blasts at two churches could have been carried out by suicide bombers. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Twitter Post
Here are the visuals from the spot
An explosion reported at the premises of the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade Colombo #lka pic.twitter.com/3qlNBvV0Q0
— Aashik Nazardeen (@aashikchin) April 21, 2019
What happened
Eye witness said buildings shook due to blast
Alex Agileson, who was in the locality, told CBS that the blasts shook buildings in the area. Pictures which have surfaced on social media showed the floor of one of the churches full of roof tiles, splintered wood, and blood. According to Local media MTVLive News, authorities have locked down Sri Lankan airports. Passengers will be allowed inside the building after further notice.
Message
Sri Lankan Prime Minister appealed to citizens to stay united
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the attack in a tweet and asked people to stay united. "I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation," he tweeted. Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution, Harsha de Silva, confirmed that an emergency meeting has been called.
Helpline numbers
PM Modi expressed condolences, Indian High Commission released helpline numbers
Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka released helpline numbers for citizens. The numbers are as follows: +94777903082, +94112422788, +94112422789, +94777902082, +94772234176. The High Commission said they were closely monitoring the situation. Expressing shock over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka."