Sri Lanka blasts: Death toll mounts to 138

Image
ANI Asia
Last Updated : Apr 21 2019 | 2:55 PM IST

The death toll in six coordinated bomb blasts that hit a number of high-end hotels and churches in Sri Lanka on Sunday rose to 138.

Sri Lankan authorities told CNN that more than 560 people were injured in the bomb blasts which took place near churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, as well as Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels in Colombo around 8:45 a.m. (local time).

Another blast has been reported in Colombo, local media said.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incidents and said India stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka against such barbaric activities.

President Kovind tweeted, "India condemns the terror attacks in Sri Lanka and offers its condolences to the people and government of the country. Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka."

"Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," Modi tweeted.

"My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," he added.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena urged people to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities to conduct swift investigations into the blasts.

"I express my condolences to all those affected and families and to condemn this as a nation and condemn this attack with disgust," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe too condemned the "cowardly attacks". "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," he said on Twitter.

"Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation," he added.

Sri Lankan authorities said that several foreigners also lost their lives in the serial blasts on Sunday.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts so far.

The External Affairs Ministry has asked Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka to keep a "close watch" on the situation. To assist people in need, the High Commissioner has floated helpline numbers for Indian citizens in need of assistance and for seeking clarification.

.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 21 2019 | 2:44 PM IST

Next Story