Three Indian nationals among 215 killed in Sri Lanka blasts | A run-through of events through the day

Tamil actress and entrepreneur Radikaa Sarathkumar tweeted: "OMG bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, god be with all. I just left Colombo Cinnamon Grand hotel and it has been bombed, can’t believe this shocking."

The UN leadership strongly condemned the string of attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

In a statement issued by his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, UN Secretary-General Guterres said he was "outraged by the terrorist attacks" on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, which is a "sacred day" for Christians around the world.

The UN Chief "recalls the sanctity of all places of worship. He hopes the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice," the statement added.
Expressing his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and Government of Sri Lanka, Guterres commended the Sri Lankan leadership and unity of the people of the island nation in the wake of the attacks.

"The Secretary-General reiterates the support and solidarity of the United Nations with the people and the Government of Sri Lanka in this difficult moment for the nation," the statement said.

In a tweet, UN's Resident Coordinator for the Indian Ocean island Hanaa Singer said the UN "strongly condemns the horrific attacks carried out against civilians and worshippers...Heartfelt condolences to the families, victims, Government and people".

She also urged Sri Lankans to stand united in the face of the carnage.
President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa also expressed her "deep sadness" over the blasts.

She said her thoughts were with the people of Sri Lanka, "affected by yet another act of senseless violence".

"We must unite in our common humanity to condemn these heinous acts and stop targetting innocent people, practising their faith in peace," Espinosa said.

The death toll has risen to 215.

Three Indian nationals were killed in the Sri Lanka blasts, Sushma Swaraj has informed.

She tweeted: "Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lokashini, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh. We are ascertaining further details."

Political parties in Tamil Nadu Sunday condemned the near-simultaneous blasts in Sri Lanka.

The ruling AIADMK said the blasts have brought indescribable grief and made one shudder at the merciless act carried out when innocent people had gathered to offer prayers.

"We strongly condemn the blasts," the party said in a statement, adding that they took place in areas that had a large population of Tamil Christians.

Conveying their condolences, party top leaders O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami, said they prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the bereaved to bear with the grief.

"We pray for the brothers and sisters who were killed and for the early recovery of all those injured," they said.

DMK president M K Stalin, in a statement, said the trend of targeting places of worship in several countries -like in New Zealand where an attack took place recently - was a big challenge to humanism that should be thwarted by humanitarian forces.

Noting that Tamils too have been largely affected by the blasts in Sri Lanka, he said: "Justice should expeditiously be rendered to Tamils, other communities and foreigners affected by the blasts in Sri Lanka."

Stalin demanded firm and fair steps from the Lankan government over the blasts that tantamount to allegedly intimidating the Tamils more and aimed at creating a 'permanent fear' in the minds of religious minorities.
He sought identification of forces behind the explosions and punishment for them.

Noted Tamil actress Radikaa Sarathkumar, who had checked out of a hotel just ahead of a blast there, in her twitter handle, said, "OMG bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, God be with all. I just left Colombo Cinnamongrand hotel and it has been bombed, cant believe this, shocking!"

MDMK chief Vaiko, in a statement, demanded stringent punishment to the perpetrators of the crime and noted that places of worship, including the Saint Antony's Church, were located in places where a large number of Tamils lived.

Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader T T V Dhinakaran, in a statement, said the blasts were an outcome of cowardice, and were barbaric and unacceptable. "I condole the deaths, and pray for the early recovery of the injured," he said.

PMK chief S Ramadoss, in a press release, said the explosions were shocking and a "painful irony" that it was on Easter Sunday which commemorated the resurrection of Jesus who preached only love.

BUT there are only 21 million people in the country. THE RESULT: He got trolled.

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.

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.

Police have told the local media that as many as seven suspects were arrested.

The death toll in eight blasts has risen to 207. And around 500 people have been reported to be injured.

One suspect has been arrested in connection with the blast near the Zoo. The suspect is being questioned by police, local TV reported.

The death toll following eight blasts has risen to 188, hospital sources said, adding that more than 450 people have been injured in these attacks.

At least 11 foreigners, including two Chinese, were reported killed in the attacks, they said. Americans and British citizens were also among the dead.

Suicide bombers were involved in at least two of the eight attacks that struck three churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

The Goa government Sunday beefed up security at the churches across the state following the string of blasts in Sri Lanka.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he has given instructions to state Director General of Police Pranab Nanda to step up security around the churches.

"Security has already been tightened around the churches. I will also be talking to the Archbishop of Goa seeking his help to ensure security of churches," he said.

"Goa needs to take extra precaution as the number of churches in the state is more," Sawant said while condemning the blasts in Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep concerns over the explosions which took place on Sunday morning.

In the message, she prayed for peace and salvation of the departed souls and offered her condolences to the grieving families. 

Hasina also hoped for a quick recovery of the injured. 

A month after dozens of Muslims were killed in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as "devastating".

"New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was thinking of those killed in a "horrific terrorist attack".

"To the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies and our prayers and our support -- and our offer to do whatever we can to support you in this terrible time of need," he said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as "truly appalling".

"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," she tweeted.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka.

"Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels... We stand ready to help!," Trump tweeted.

The near-simultaneous blasts targetting three churches and as many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday may have an "adverse impact" on the upcoming summer holiday season in the country, a well-known tourist destination, tour operators and hoteliers said.

India is the largest source market for Sri Lanka, which received 2.3 million tourists from around the world in 2018.

Around 450,000 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka last year and the island nation was expecting the total Indian tourist arrivals to cross one million mark in 2019.

The explosions at the start of the travel season is likely to impact the annual tourist footfalls. The tourism authorities said they were worried that the attacks will affect the industry in the coming months.

Tourism revenues in Sri Lanka increased to USD 362.7 million in November from USD 284 million in October 2018, according to a media report.

"There will be a downward trend, Tourism will get affected. There may be fund outflows," Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Harith Perera said it was the first time that hotels have been directly attacked, asserting that it was unprecedented and had not happened even during the 30-year-old brutal conflict.

He said the attacks were likely to have an "adverse impact" on the summer holiday season that is coming up, the Sunday Times reported.

Abhishek Bachchan sent his prayers and thoughts to the neighbouring country.

"‏Stay strong #SriLanka!" the actor wrote on the microblogging site.
R Madhavan tweeted, "So very heart breaking and tragic. Heartfelt sympathies to all families of the victims. God give them courage to handle this cowardice."

Arjun Kapoor said he was "disturbed to hear about the monstrous attack in Sri Lanka on such an auspicious day". 

Parineeti Chopra tweeted, "Could never have thought a quiet country like #Srilanka could be attacked like this. What is the world coming to? Thinking of all the families affected. All my love and prayers always."

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic act of violence in Sri Lanka. We are praying with you in this painful moment of sorrow, grief and shock," Anushka Sharma tweeted.

Dia Mirza wrote, "My heart goes out to #Srilanka. Thoughts and prayers for all the families who have lost their loved one's..."

Actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar also took to Twitter to condemn the attacks.

"Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the church bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday... My prayers for those who lost their lives and condolences to their families... We condemn the terror attack," Matondkar, who recently joined the Congress party, said.

Actor-politician Prakash Raj said in the light of the attacks, it is important to "beware of and condemn all bigots who are sowing hatred".
"Blasts in Sri Lanka as people are praying... This hate... These ugly acts of majoritarianism will consume us. Humanity one day... dear citizens this is why we need to be aware and be careful and condemn all the bigots who are sowing hatred. And dividing us in our society today," Raj tweeted.

"My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the families affected in #Srilanka. Here's praying and hoping for a terror free world!" Sidharth Malhotra tweeted.

Vicky Kaushal wrote, "Prayers for Sri Lanka."

Swara Bhasker called the news of serial blasts "heartbreaking and tragic".
"Curses upon the monsters who carried out this inhumanity! On a joyous festive day! What is the world coming to? Prayers and strength to the victims and families," she tweeted.

Boman Irani said he was shocked to hear the extremely disturbing news and recalled staying at one of the hotels struck by the blasts. 

"Had stayed at the hotels and it's heartbreaking to even imagine the situation.

My heartfelt condolences to the near and dear ones of those who lost their lives & praying for a speedy recovery of the ones injured," Irani tweeted.

South actor Siddharth said he is devastated by the news of blasts in Sri Lanka.

"Places of worship and hotels have been targeted. To all those affected, you are in our prayers," he said.

TV actor-host Karan Tacker wrote, "This has just left me silent. Really sorry for the families of the people affected by this. #SriLanka". 

Bollywood actor and former Miss Universe Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez said "violence is like a chain reaction" and it is time it stopped.

"Extremely sad at the news of bombings in Sri Lanka. It's unfortunate that one is not able to see that violence is like a chain reaction. This has to stop!" she said. 

Indian-origin American actor-writer Mindy Kaling said it is "sickening" how people celebrating Easter were attacked on "one of the holiest of days".

"This news from Sri Lanka is horrifying. My heart goes out to all victims and their families. So many were people attending church on one of the holiest of days, I am absolutely sickened," she tweeted.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned 'religious hate and intolerance' after Sri Lanka attacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up the president and the premier of Sri Lanka and conveyed heartfelt condolences over the loss of over 160 lives.

During his conversations with Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Modi condemned the serial terrorist attacks in the strongest terms, perpetrated at sites including religious places and during a religious festival, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

Describing the attacks as "cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts", Modi said these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world. 

The Prime Minister renewed the offer of all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges such as those posed by terrorism, the PMO statement said. 

India on Sunday strongly condemned the serial blasts in Sri Lanka and called for concerted global action to deal with terrorism.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said India was standing together with the people and the government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief.

"We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. 

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the statement said. 

The ministry said India has always opposed and rejected terrorism in all forms and manifestations and there can be no justification for any kind of terror.

"We call for perpetrators of such ghastly and heinous act and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously," the ministry said.

Condemning the serial blasts in Sri Lanka, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said violence in any form was unacceptable.

"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," Banerjee tweeted.

More than 160 people were killed and 400 others injured in six near simultaneous and coordinated explosions that rocked three churches and three luxury hotels frequented by tourists in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, in one of the deadliest blasts in the country's history.

British Prime Minister Theresa May Sunday condemned the "truly appalling" multiple blasts at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter, killing over 160 people, including at least nine foreigners.

Six near-simultaneous and coordinated explosions rocked three churches and three five-star hotels frequented by tourists as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress.

"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," prime minister May said in a statement on Twitter.

"We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear," she said.

The Sri Lanka Defence Minister has ordered a night curfew after the blasts. 

The Sri Lanka government has imposed a 'temporary' social media ban after the blasts.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that it was closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka.

"We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the High Commission tweeted.

"In addition to the numbers given, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176," it said.

The Sri Lankan government has summoned an emergency meeting. All necessary emergency steps have been taken by the government, Harsha de Silva said.

"Horrible scenes. I saw many body parts strewn all over. Emergency crews are at all locations in full force. We, at 1990 also have close to 20 units at the various locations. We took multiple casualties to hospital. Hopefully saved many lives," he said.

President Maithripala Sirisena has appealed for calm.

"I have been shocked by this totally unexpected incidents. The security forces haven been asked to take all action necessary," Sirisena said.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe termed the blasts as "cowardly attacks" and said his government was working to "contain the situation."
"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," he tweeted.

No group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attacks.

However, most of the deadly attacks in the past in Sri Lanka were carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

The Colombo National Hospital spokesperson, Dr Samindi Samarakoon, said more than 300 people have been admitted with injuries.

Dr Kalanidhi Ganeshalingam, the spokesperson for the Batticaloa hospital, said over 100 have been admitted with injuries from St Michael's Church explosion.

Harsha de Silva, Sri Lanka's Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution, said that there have been "many casualties including foreigners."

"45 people died in Colombo where three hotels and a church were hit, while more than 90 were killed in Negombo and 27 in Batticaloa," hospital sources said, adding that more than 450 people were injured in the blasts.

Among the 45 bodies at the Colombo National Hospital there are nine foreigners, they said, adding that Americans and British citizens were among the dead.

The blasts targetted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa around 8.45 am (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.

Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury in Colombo. Foreigners and locals who were injured in hotel blasts were admitted to the Colombo General Hospital.

Later, two more explosions were reported from two undisclosed locations.