Sri Lanka: the toll is growing

Sunday’s attacks in Sri Lanka left 290 dead and 500 injured, according to a new report.

The authorities also indicate that they had defused a homemade bomb found near Colombo airport on Sunday evening and arrested thirteen suspects.

A curfew has been declared and social networks are temporarily blocked.

Ranil Wicramasinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka: “First and foremost, we must ensure that terrorism does not lift its head in Sri Lanka. We cannot allow it and we are ready to take all necessary measures to contain and destroy terrorism in this country. “

Six very close explosions occurred in the morning of Sunday then two several hours later.

Bombs exploded in four hotels in Colombo.

Three churches were also targeted at the time of the Easter mass.

According to witnesses, suicide bombers are behind at least two of the blasts.

Malcom Ranjith is the Archbishop of Colombo.

Malcom Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo: “I call on the government to conduct a completely impartial and robust investigation in order to identify and punish those responsible.”

At least 35 foreigners, including Americans, British and Chinese, are among the victims.

These are the deadliest terrorist attacks the country has seen since the end of the civil war in 2009.

In recent years, acts of violence or intimidation against the Christian community in Sri Lanka have been regular, but nothing like this has ever happened.

Christians make up about 7% of Sri Lanka’s population: 70% are Buddhists, 12% Hindus and 10% Muslims.

Tensions and riots targeting Muslims before last year led authorities to declare a 12-day state of emergency.

MORE INFORMATIONS
INFO
TERRORISM
CATHOLIC CHURCH
MUSLIM

Admin Pitisara

See author's posts