International community condemns Easter Sunday blasts

Leaders from India and other countries on Sunday condemned the series of attacks on churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka which have killed 190 people and injured more than 450 amid Easter celebrations in the country.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said: "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 civilized society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. "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," he said.

"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," British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted.

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

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez added: "I most vehemently condemn the terrible attacks in Sri Lanka. It makes us weep to think of the dozens of victims who were celebrating Easter. The terror and barbarity will never crush us."

The President of the European Council said Europe stood ready to support Sri Lanka at this juncture.

"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country," the official tweeted.

The Catholic Churches in the Holy Land on Sunday too expressed shock.

"How difficult, angry, and sad these news are, especially as these attacks came while Christians celebrate Easter," Wadie Abunassar, advisor to Church leaders in the Holy Land, said in a statement from Jerusalem.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted: "Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost and hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren."

Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli posted: "I am deeply saddened by multiple bomb blasts and killings of innocent people in Sri Lanka."

--IANS

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