[ rfe/rl banner ]

More Than 200 Killed In Multiple Explosions In Sri Lanka

April 21, 2019

At least 207 people were killed and some 450 others were injured in Sri Lanka on April 21 as multiple coordinated explosions hit several locations including hotels and churches in the capital where worshippers attended Easter services.

At least six explosions were reported in the morning. Two more blasts were reported later in the day.

Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardena described the bombings as a terrorist attack by religious extremists.

Police said 13 suspects were arrested.

Wijewardena said most of the blasts were believed to have been suicide attacks.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would seek support from abroad to find out whether the attackers were linked to international terrorism.

Three churches hit were in the north of the capital, the town of Negombo, just outside Colombo, and another in Batticaloa, 250 kilometers east of the capital.

St. Sebastian's Curch at Katuwapitiya in Negombo posted pictures of destruction inside the church on its Facebook page, showing blood on pews and the floor, and requested help from the public.

At least 50 people are reported to have died there.

Three other explosions were reported in five-star hotels, according to police.

Police said 35 foreigners were among the dead, including American, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese citizens. Britain, China, Denmark, India, and the United States later confirmed that several of their nationals were among those killed.

The violence is reported to be the worst since Sri Lanka's bloody civil war ended a decade ago.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said in a tweet that the attacks appeared to be a "well-coordinated attempt to create murder, mayhem and anarchy" and had killed "many innocent people."

Government minister Harsh de Silva wrote on Twitter that he had seen "horrible scenes" after the explosions and that there were "many casualties including foreigners."

There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

President Maithripala Sirisena has issued a statement calling for people to remain calm and support the authorities in their investigations.

A curfew was imposed following the attacks and officials said major social-media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, were blocked inside the country to prevent misinformation and rumors.

Security in the capital and the airport has been stepped up following the incidents.

World leaders have condemned the attacks. Pope Francis expressed his sadness and said he stood with the victims of "such cruel violence."

U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted: "The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!"

Only 7 percent of the population in Sri Lanka are Christians. Most are Buddhists.

Based on reporting by AFP, Reuters, dpa, AP, The Washington Post, and Sundaytimes.lk

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/more-than-100-killed-in-multiple -explosions-in-sri-lanka/29894242.html

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Homeland Security

More Than 200 Killed In Multiple Explosions In Sri Lanka