137 killed in Sri Lanka blasts in churches and hotels
Colombo, Apr 21 (UNI/IBNS) At least 137 people have been killed and more than 400 hospitalised in multiple explosions that hit Catholic churches and star hotels here in the national capital on Sunday, as worshipers had gathered in large numbers to attended the Easter services.
A total of six blasts reportedly took place on Sunday in Sri Lanka, hitting three churches and three hotels in the country's capital of Colombo and other cities, local media reported.
The first blast occurred at 8.45AM 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.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all to remain united and strong and not be swayed by speculations or unverified reports. The Sri Lankan government headed by Wickremesinghe will hold an emergency meeting.
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. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019
Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Harsha deSilva said: "Horrible scenes. I saw many body parts strewn all over. Emergency crews are at all locations in full force. We, at 1990 also have close to 20 units at the various locations. We took multiple casualties to hospital. Hopefully saved many lives."
PM @RW_UNP met w ministers n senior military personnel; all measures taken to maintain peace. Security tightened. Please stay calm. Please act responsibly. Please NO politics. We must all act together as #SriLanka citizens. My condolences to all families who lost loved ones. pic.twitter.com/j6e3qEPgNt
— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) April 21, 2019
Meanwhile Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has said that she was in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. "We are keeping a close watch on the situation," she tweeted.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has also expressed his grief over the loss of lives. "I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of innocent lives in multiple bombings on Easter Sunday in Colombo. My heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved families and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured." he said in a tweet.
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