In Sri Lanka, the death toll from a series of bomb explosions targeting churches and five-star hotels has risen to 185. At least 469 injured have been admitted to hospitals.
Curfew has been imposed in the country. A police spokesman said the curfew will remain effective till further notice. The government has also imposed a ban on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to avoid rumours.
Six bomb blasts targeted three five-star hotels in Colombo and three churches across the country. The explosions hit St. Anthony's Church in Colombo and other two churches in Negombo and Batticaloa. Another explosion was reported in the suburb of Colombo.
The attacks happened around 9 AM when the churches were organizing Easter mass while services were organized at the hotels. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe held an emergency meeting to review the situation and requested general public to remain calm and united. This is the biggest such attack in Sri Lanka since the war against LTTE ended in 2009.
World leaders have condemned the series of blasts in Sri Lanka. In a tweet, British Prime Minister Theresa May said, the acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling. She said her deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte termed the attacks as terrible.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies to the people of Sri Lanka. In a statement he said, Australians extend their prayers and support in this terrible time of need.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as devastating. She said, her country rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. The Catholic Church in Jerusalem said the blasts were particularly sad as they came while Christians were celebrating Easter.
In a statement, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said UAE affirmed its firm stance against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, targeting all without distinction between religion and race.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also denounced the attacks in Sri Lanka. In a telegram of condolences sent to his Sri Lankan counterpart, the Russian leader said, Moscow remains a reliable partner of Sri Lanka in the fight against international terrorism.
Pope Francis has also condemned the attacks and said he is praying for all those who are suffering from the bloodshed.
Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis said, he wanted to express his loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence.
