Explosions in three churches and three hotels in and around the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo early Sunday resulted in hundreds of injuries and deaths.
The bombs were set off in St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, Zion Church in Batticaloa, and St. Anthony's Church, The Kingsbury Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, and Shangri-La Hotel in capital Colombo.
Sri Lankan Airlines and Air Asia issue travel advisories.
Passengers should report to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) four hours before flights - 21st April 2019 ! pic.twitter.com/kP675HdDPZ
— SriLankan Airlines (@flysrilankan) April 21, 2019
[TRAVEL ADVISORY] We are closely monitoring the situation in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AirAsia flights are continuing to operate as normal, however guests should monitor their flight status at https://t.co/Q4XduYDiS9
— AirAsia (@AirAsia) April 21, 2019
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the attacks and called on the people of Sri Lanka to stay united.
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.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019
Sri Lankan authorities are holding a meeting with security forces, government institutions and Cabinet members, regarding the attacks.
Meanwhile, police and security have reiterated that the perpetrators are still unknown and thus, to refrain from spreading misinformation and making false allegations.
At least nine of the dead were foreigners, according to AFP reports.
Media reports that there were two Maldivians at The Kingsbury Colombo, one of the three hotels attacked, at the time. However, they did not sustain any injuries and were escorted outside afterwards.
Telecom giant Ooredoo Maldives is offering reduced call rates to Sri Lanka, at MVR 1.00 per minute for the rest of the day (April 21) till 2359 hrs, in order to enable its customers to contact family and friends in the region.
"Our prayers and well wishes are with all those who were affected by this terrible incident", added the company.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo shared that the bomb was set off in a restaurant on the ground floor. The hotel stated that guests received aid immediately, and requested anyone that needed assistance to call 0112437437.
Number of foreigners killed in the blasts rise to 35.
A letter claiming that foreign intelligence had warned Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service in advance of attacks planned on churches, is circulating on social media. Authorities have yet to verify the legitimacy of the document.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed condemned the Sri Lanka attacks and extended his prayers to the victims.
Horrified by the events in Sri Lanka this morning. My prayers go out to those who have been affected. Whichever sick group or ideology is behind this deserves everyone’s rejection and condemnation.
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) April 21, 2019
New reports put the death toll at 185, with the number expected to increase.
Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon condemns the attacks in Sri Lanka, noting the historically close ties Maldives has with the South Asian neighbour.
The Maldivian people have strong historical and cultural ties with the people of Sri Lanka. I condemn the deadly attacks in #SriLanka today. My heartfelt condolences & prayers are with the families affected. #PrayForSriLanka #EasterSundayAttacksLK
— Yumna Maumoon (@yumna_maumoon) April 21, 2019
The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka condemned the blasts, calling them a "deliberate attempt to create panic and disrupt civil life".
— Meera Srinivasan (@Meerasrini) April 21, 2019
Sri Lankan police reported another blast at a hotel near Dehiwala Zoo.
Two people were killed in the blast that occurred in the hotel near Dehiwala Zoo.
Kalubowila Hospital confirms that two died while being treated for injuries sustained in the bombing at the hotel near Dehiwala Zoo.
The seventh bombing took place at a hotel called The Tropical Inn Hotel nearby the National Zoological garden, Dehiwala.
Police confirms another blast in a housing complex in Demetagoda.
Sri Lankan government has issued a nation-wide curfew from 1800 hrs on Sunday to 0600 hrs of Monday.
Sri Lanka’s Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has blocked social media networks such as Facebook, Viber and Whatsapp across the country.
The latest blast occurred in Nugegoda, Dematagoda. Lots of Maldivians reside in this area.
#Live Video Near Dehiwala Zoo#Update
— Sim (ސިމް) (@Simwarr) April 21, 2019
8th blast in #SriLanka . Total 242 killed including 46 foreigners in which atleast 16 are Indian National. #PrayforSriLanka pic.twitter.com/OiNrLxLPud
Authorities are currently attempting to dispose of a parceled bomb uncovered in Pettah.
Sri Lankan government has implemented the curfew initially scheduled to begin at 1800 hours today.
Police are inspecting a house in Dehiwala regarding reports that explosives were present.
A police officer died in the explosion at Nugegoda. The two killed in the blast in Dehiwala were also police personnel.
The Maldives High Commission in Lanka repeatedly advises Maldivians to stay indoors. The Maldivians government asks all citizens to exercise caution as blasts are still going off in some areas.
Arrests have been made in Nugegoda, where the last explosion took place. However, police have not confirmed whether or not the arrests were made in relation with the bomb blasts.
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka as a special ambassador from the president. He will depart to Lanka late Sunday night.
Sri Lanka's Defence Minister declared that the perpetrators behind the blasts have been identified. However, their identities were not revealed. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that the perpetrators behind the attacks were a small group of people.
(Developing ...)
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