World celebrities condemn Sri Lanka blasts; call for swift action, peace

Calling for swift action from authorities and an appeal for peace, celebrities from around the world such as Jacqueline Fernandez, Mindy Kaling, Shekhar Kapur and Ali Zafar condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that targeted people in churches, luxury hotels and a housing complex on Easter Sunday.

The eight blasts killed nearly 160 people -- including dozens of foreigners -- with British, Dutch and American citizens believed to be among them.

The nature of the blasts was not immediately clear and there were no immediate claims of responsibility.

Bollywood actor and former Miss Universe Sri Lanka, 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 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.

Filmmaker Kapur said terrorism is a threat to the whole world. ?
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."
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."
Dia Mirza wrote, "My heart goes out to #Srilanka. Thoughts and prayers for all the families who have lost their loved one's..."
Vicky Kaushal wrote, "Prayers for Sri Lanka."