World leaders condemn Sri Lankan blasts

Theresa May tweeted: " 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. We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear."

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz posted: "Deeply saddened by the senseless attacks in Sri Lanka today. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with Sri Lanka’s people at this terrible moment."  

Indian President Ram Nath 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 #PresidentKovind."

Condemning the attacks, Indian PM Narendra Modi said in a statement: "“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. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured."

The Archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, made reference to the attacks in Sri Lanka as he began Easter Mass in Saint Eustache church, media reports said.

"We’re thinking of our brothers in Sri Lanka, who were slaughtered this morning," he was quoted as saying by CNN.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan condemned the incidents and posted: "Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief."

Eight blasts rocked the Island Nation as the country was observing Easter Sunday.

Three churches were also the target of the attacks.

On the seventh blast, CNN said that multiple sources are reporting another explosion at a hotel in front of the Dehiwala Zoo in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, 20 minutes outside of Colombo.

The country had mostly witnessed peaceful situation for the past couple of years since the civil wars ended around 10 years ago.

Blasts were reported from three churches and several other hotels in the city.

The churches were identified as St Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, St. Sebastian's church in the nearby city of Negombo and Zion Church in the eastern city of Batticaloa.

The first blast occurred at 8.45 am in St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade and the other at St Sebestian's Church in Katuwapitiya, Katana.

Shortly after those blasts were reported, police confirmed three hotels in the capital had also been hit, along with a church in the town of Batticalao, in the east of the country.

The police said explosions also occurred at Shangri-La Hotel and Kingsbury Hotel in the capital.

As per initial reports the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals. The dead included foreigners, a minister said.

Meanwhile, two names of suspected suicide bomber, who might be associated with the blasts, have emerged.

The attack at Shangri La hotel was carried out by suicide bomber Zahran Hashim, while Abu Mohammad has been identified as the attacker at the Batticalao church, reported CNN News 18 website.