Sri Lanka witnessed one of the black days in thier history since independence. Churches and hotels were hit by six explosions on Easter Sunday, wounding several people. According to reports, 185 people are dead and 400 injured. The death toll also includes 35 foreigners. As per police spokesperson, two blasts took place, hours later. Sri Lankan government has declared a curfew. It is not clear until when the curfew will be in place. The government has imposed a temporary ban on social media as well.
The three hotels where the blast took place are the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo and the three churches are in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. The seventh blast was reported in Dehiwela, near the capital. Colombo National hospital said several wounded had been brought in for treatment.
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the attack on Sri Lankan people and urged everybody to be together in these horrific times. He also added that the government are taking actions to control the situation.
“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 said.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also condemned the attack and said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. Security has been stepped up at the country’s main Bandaranaike International Airport. Also, the roads were almost empty after the government implemented the curfew.
Twitter Reactions
Saddened to hear about the terror attacks in various parts of Sri Lanka. Strongly condemn these acts of terror. Hatred and violence will never overpower love, kindness and compassion. ?? #SriLanka
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 21, 2019
Deeply saddened & shocked to hear about the terror attacks in Sri Lanka. No one should ever have to go through any of this ever. My prayers and thoughts are with people of #SriLanka. Stay Strong!
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) April 21, 2019
Devastated to hear about the attacks in Srilanka. It’s a brutal act of inhumanity. My thoughts & prayers with the victims & families!
— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) April 21, 2019
My Word! #SriLanka
The most beautiful country with the most wonderful people.
Completely heartbreaking! ??
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) April 21, 2019
I am shocked and saddened by these despicable acts of barbarism.
My heart breaks for the victims and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to extend my love and… https://t.co/BkZWiXDz2e
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) April 21, 2019
Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the senseless and horrific attacks in Sri Lanka! #prayforsrilanka
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) April 21, 2019
Dear Sri Lankan’s ??
I am deeply disturbed with the untimely and unfortunate happenings of this am in Sri Lanka
Sad I am ! Please be patient – We must be strong but calm we are a country of great resilience
Stay Safe and Stay Peaceful
— Dimuth Karunarathna (@IamDimuth) April 21, 2019
Shocked to hear about the blasts in Srilanka. It’s extremely heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers with the people of Srilanka. #PrayForSrilanka
— Sandeep sharma (@sandeep25a) April 21, 2019
Absolutely shocking news. A sad day for ALL of Sri Lanka. Thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this cowardly acts of horror #PrayForSriLanka #SriLanka
— Jeffrey Vandersay (@Vandersay) April 21, 2019
Extremely sad from the tragic and highly condemnable acts of terror in Sri Lanka. My heart, thoughts and prayers goes out to all Sri Lankans at this difficult moment. #PrayForSriLanka
— Mushtaq Ahmed (@Mushy_online) April 21, 2019
Very sad day for all of us in SL.. After 10 years of peace we see inhumane attaks on inocent again. While condeming and praying for the lost its time for us to stay calm and unite. Proud… https://t.co/IVD9qYdLO8
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) April 21, 2019
In this dark hour let us pray as one nation for all those loved ones who lost their lives . We stand united and good will always triumph over evil. pic.twitter.com/2B6D0qqVjA
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) April 21, 2019
We as a county need to put away differences and get together at this crucial time to look after one another or we will not have this beautiful country for us or for our children.please don’t spread rumors on social media.We surely don’t need another war.#nototerrorism
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) April 21, 2019
Sad day for our country! Shoucking news to wake up to. Please stay indoors and praying for all effected. Faith in the almighty??
— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) April 21, 2019