A statue of Virgin Marry broken in two parts is seen in front of the St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade church after an explosion in Colombo. Photo: Dinuka Liyanawatte | Reuters
The Sri Lankan government declared a curfew with immediate effect, junior defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene said on Sunday, following eight explosions that killed more than 150 people, and mostly targeted churches and hotels.
"A curfew will be imposed until things settle down," he told reporters in Colombo. Government officials also said major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, have been blocked inside the cuntry to prevent misinformation and rumours.
News agency AFP earlier reported that the death toll includes 35 foreigners.
The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.
Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Foreigners and locals who were injured in hotel blasts were admitted to the Colombo General Hospital.
The blast left 73 injured in Batticaloa, officials said.
"Many casualties including foreigners," said Harsha de Silva, the Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution.
No group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attacks.
However, most of the deadly attacks in the past in Sri Lanka were carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
President Maithripala Sirisena has appealed for calm.
"I have been shocked by this totally unexpected incidents. The security forces haven been asked to take all action necessary," Sirisena said.
The Sri Lankan government has summoned an emergency meeting called. All necessary emergency steps have been taken by the government, a minister said, adding that an official statement will be issued soon.
"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," Harsha de Silva said.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that it was closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the High Commission tweeted.
"In addition to the numbers given, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176," it said.
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05:06 PM
7 people under arrest for attacks that killed at least 160 people
A Sri Lankan minister tweeted that 7 people have been arrested for attacks that killed at least 160 people.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
· 2h
Minister @RWijewardene addressing the press just now says action will be taken to stop activity of all extremist groups in the country. Social media temporary banned. 12 hour curfew from 6pm. The Dehiwela n Dematagoda blasts seem to be by those in the ring running from the law.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
@RWijewardene says 7 people under arrest for morning attacks that killed at least 160 people including perhaps close to 30 foreigners (Source: Sec/Foreign Affairs) at meeting now w heads of media. Asks for responsible reporting. pic.twitter.com/kKrwdr0uJt
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4:54 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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04:50 PM
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern says: "New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March."
" To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating", she said in a written statement.
"New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely.
Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence."
04:47 PM
US President Donald Trump says: "Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels," he tweeted. "...We stand ready to help!"
04:01 PM
Eighth Sri Lanka blast was suicide bomb, killed three: Report
Police say eighth Sri Lanka blast was suicide bomb, killed three, reports news agency AFP.
03:55 PM
Sri Lanka curfew imposed immediately 'until further notice', says police: AFP report
Sri Lankan police says that curfew has been imposed effective immediately and will continue 'until further notice'. Earlier, the country's ministry of defence had said that the curfew will be from 6 pm local time today to 6 am local time on Monday.
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Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Sri Lanka curfew imposed immediately 'until further notice': police
45
3:39 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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03:42 PM
The eighth explosion was reported close to a housing complex at Dematogoda a short while ago, Sri Lankan police said.
03:25 PM
Temporary social media ban in Sri Lanka
A temporary social media ban has been imposed in Sri Lanka.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
Minister @RWijewardene addressing the press just now says action will be taken to stop activity of all extremist groups in the country. Social media temporary banned. 12 hour curfew from 6pm. The Dehiwela n Dematagoda blasts seem to be by those in the ring running from the law.
308
3:04 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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AFP news agency
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· 2h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Sri Lanka defence minister orders night curfew after blasts
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#BREAKING Sri Lanka imposes 'temporary' social media ban after blasts http://u.afp.com/Jxpw pic.twitter.com/ExLAfb4NlV
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3:22 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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03:01 PM
Night curfew declared in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Defence Minister has declared a night curfew after the blasts, reports news agency AFP.
Ruwan Wijewardene
✔
@RWijewardene
Press Release at MOD https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1LyxBAppAdPJN …
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2:38 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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Ruwan Wijewardene @RWijewardene
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02:27 PM
Another blast in Sri Lanka, 2 killed: AFP report
New blast reported in Sri Lankan capital, says news agency AFP. Two killed in the latest bombing. The seventh attack was reported a short while ago near the zoo in Dehiwala, reported DaillyMirror quoting police sources.
02:18 PM
No one should have to practise faith in fear: British PM
British PM Theresa May has condemned the bomb attacks in Sri lanka and said that no one should have to practise their faith in fear.
Theresa May
✔
@theresa_may
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.
3,817
2:02 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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02:09 PM
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted condemning the 'ghastly acts of violence' in Sri Lanka.
Chowkidar Arun Jaitley
✔
@arunjaitley
Deeply saddened by the bomb blasts in #Colombo #SriLanka and killing of innocent people there. Such ghastly acts of violence are highly condemnable. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families. Pray for speedy recovery of injured.
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1:08 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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01:25 PM
Death toll rises to 156: AFP report
Death toll in the Sri lanka blasts has touched 156, which includes 35 foreigners, according to news agency AFP.
AFP news agency
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@AFP
· 4h
Replying to @AFP
#UPDATE Sri Lanka death toll rises to at least 137; 45 in Colombo, where three hotels and a church are hit; 67 in a church in Negombo north of capital; 25 at a church in Batticaloa, in the east; no immediate claims of responsibility http://u.afp.com/JxcM
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#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 156, including 35 foreigners: police pic.twitter.com/WUMt3qtLIt
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1:18 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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01:21 PM
Mahinda Rajapaksa says such acts won't be tolerated
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the country won't tolerate "such acts of terrorism, cowardice" within its borders.
Mahinda Rajapaksa
✔
@PresRajapaksa
It is absolutely barbaric to see such violent attacks on such a holy day. Whoever is behind these attacks must be dealt with immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones and all of Sri Lanka.
1,494
12:55 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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01:12 PM
PM Narendra Modi condemns Sri Lanka blasts, says 'there is no place for such barbarism in our region'
PM Narendra Modi has condemned the multiple blasts in Sri Lanka. Modi tweeted saying, "There is no place for such barbarism in our region".
Chowkidar Narendra Modi
✔
@narendramodi
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.
39.4K
12:48 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:44 PM
Death toll rises to 137 in Sri Lanka blasts: AFP report
AFP news agency
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@AFP
· 5h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING At least nine foreigners dead in Sri Lanka blasts: police official
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AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
#UPDATE Sri Lanka death toll rises to at least 137; 45 in Colombo, where three hotels and a church are hit; 67 in a church in Negombo north of capital; 25 at a church in Batticaloa, in the east; no immediate claims of responsibility http://u.afp.com/JxcM pic.twitter.com/8Y1OfZ5tFN
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12:42 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:41 PM
Security tightened, we must all act together as Sri Lanka citizens: Minister tweets after emergency meeting
Sri Lankan Economic Affairs minister tweeted right after an emergency meeting with the country's top officials.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
· 5h
Replying to @HarshadeSilvaMP
Heads of Army, Navy, Airforce and IG along with Sec/Def, Sec/For Affairs meeting with @RWijewardene along with a few of us Ministers at MOD. All necessary emergency steps taken by Gov of #SriLanka. Soon official statement will be issued.
View image on Twitter
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
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
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12:36 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:39 PM
At least 138 people killed in blasts: Top Sri Lankan official
At least 138 people were killed in the six explosions today, says National Hospital Director Anil Jasinghe.
12:37 PM
Sri Lanka's Red Cross has put out a message, which acts as a timely warning about the unverified speculation prone to spread across social media in the wake of events like these.
12:36 PM
Jacqueline Fernandez
✔
@Asli_Jacqueline
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 !
6,056
12:12 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:28 PM
Sri Lankan PM condemns blasts, asks people to steer clear of unverified reports
Ranil Wickremesinghe
✔
@RW_UNP
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.
4,313
12:16 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:26 PM
All schools in Sri Lanka to remain shut till Wednesday
All schools across the island nation would remain closed for two days until Wednesday due to the ongoing terror situation, says Sri Lanka's Education Ministry.
12:23 PM
Sri Lanka police chief had warned of suicide blasts 10 days ago: AFP report
Sri Lanka's police chief made a nationwide alert 10 days before Sunday's bomb attacks in the country that suicide bombers planned to hit "prominent churches", according to the warning seen by AFP. Police chief Pujuth Jayasundara sent an intelligence warning to top officers on April 11 setting out the threat.
"A foreign intelligence agency has reported that the NTJ (National Thowheeth Jama'ath) is planning to carry out suicide attacks targeting prominent churches as well as the Indian high commission in Colombo," said the alert.
12:22 PM
At least 9 foreigners dead in Sri Lanka bombings: Report
AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
· 5h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 129: hospital sources
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#BREAKING At least nine foreigners dead in Sri Lanka blasts: police official pic.twitter.com/o7XYkoH3VY
119
12:19 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:17 PM
Death toll rises to 129
AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
· 5h
Replying to @AFP
#UPDATE At least 42 are killed in Colombo as blasts rip through three hotels and a church with another 10 dead in the town of Batticaloa, in a church attack and reports of casualties in another explosion north of the capital http://u.afp.com/Jxcq
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AFP news agency
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#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 129: hospital sources pic.twitter.com/8HKs6OsllW
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12:13 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:10 PM
Sri Lanka blasts appear to be well-coordinated attempt to create murder, mayhem & anarchy: FM Samaraweera
Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, writing on his verified Twitter account, said the attacks had killed "many innocent people" and appeared to be a "well-coordinated attempt to create murder, mayhem & anarchy."
Mangala Samaraweera
✔
@MangalaLK
Easter Sunday bomb blasts in churches & hotels, killing many innocent people seems to be a well coordinated attempt to create murder,mayhem & anarchy.All those who cherish democracy,freedom & economic prosperity must unite now with nerves of steel to defeat this heinous attempt.
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10:49 AM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:05 PM
A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP at least 42 people were killed in Colombo, where three hotels and a church were hit. Another 10 people were confirmed dead in the town of Batticaloa, in the east of the country, where another church was targeted.
AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
· 6h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Toll rises to 52 killed in Sri Lanka blasts: police to AFP
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AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
#UPDATE The fatalities include at least 42 people killed in Colombo, where three hotels and a church were hit, and another 10 dead in the town of Batticoloa, where a church was attacked pic.twitter.com/ieom4f5cRc
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11:36 AM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:04 PM
No one has claimed responsibility so far
No official comment yet on suspected perpetrators in blasts.
11:45 AM
Shashi Tharoor tweets: "Shocked & saddened by news of church & hotel bombings in SriLanka. Intolerance, bigotry & terrorism sadly know no borders or limits. Profound condolences to the families & my thoughts and prayers for that beautiful & tortured land."
11:44 AM
President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the nation post the series of explosions that hit Sri Lanka on Sunday morning. An official statement from the government will be released shortly. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan information department issued a statement warning against spreading rumors about the incident.
11:42 AM
Saddened by the terrible attacks on several churches in Sri Lanka: Congress
"We are deeply saddened by the terrible attacks on several churches in SriLanka on the holy day of Easter. We stand with the people in their time of grief & pray for their recovery," said Congress in a tweet.
The Sri Lankan government declared a curfew with immediate effect, junior defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene said on Sunday, following eight explosions that killed more than 150 people, and mostly targeted churches and hotels.
"A curfew will be imposed until things settle down," he told reporters in Colombo. Government officials also said major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, have been blocked inside the cuntry to prevent misinformation and rumours.
News agency AFP earlier reported that the death toll includes 35 foreigners.
The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday mass were in progress, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.
Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Foreigners and locals who were injured in hotel blasts were admitted to the Colombo General Hospital.
The blast left 73 injured in Batticaloa, officials said.
"Many casualties including foreigners," said Harsha de Silva, the Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution.
No group has claimed responsibility for Sunday's attacks.
However, most of the deadly attacks in the past in Sri Lanka were carried out by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.
President Maithripala Sirisena has appealed for calm.
"I have been shocked by this totally unexpected incidents. The security forces haven been asked to take all action necessary," Sirisena said.
The Sri Lankan government has summoned an emergency meeting called. All necessary emergency steps have been taken by the government, a minister said, adding that an official statement will be issued soon.
"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," Harsha de Silva said.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo said that it was closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the High Commission tweeted.
"In addition to the numbers given, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176," it said.
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05:06 PM
7 people under arrest for attacks that killed at least 160 people
A Sri Lankan minister tweeted that 7 people have been arrested for attacks that killed at least 160 people.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
· 2h
Minister @RWijewardene addressing the press just now says action will be taken to stop activity of all extremist groups in the country. Social media temporary banned. 12 hour curfew from 6pm. The Dehiwela n Dematagoda blasts seem to be by those in the ring running from the law.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
@RWijewardene says 7 people under arrest for morning attacks that killed at least 160 people including perhaps close to 30 foreigners (Source: Sec/Foreign Affairs) at meeting now w heads of media. Asks for responsible reporting. pic.twitter.com/kKrwdr0uJt
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4:54 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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04:50 PM
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern says: "New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March."
" To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating", she said in a written statement.
"New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely.
Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence."
04:47 PM
US President Donald Trump says: "Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels," he tweeted. "...We stand ready to help!"
04:01 PM
Eighth Sri Lanka blast was suicide bomb, killed three: Report
Police say eighth Sri Lanka blast was suicide bomb, killed three, reports news agency AFP.
03:55 PM
Sri Lanka curfew imposed immediately 'until further notice', says police: AFP report
Sri Lankan police says that curfew has been imposed effective immediately and will continue 'until further notice'. Earlier, the country's ministry of defence had said that the curfew will be from 6 pm local time today to 6 am local time on Monday.
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AFP news agency
✔
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Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Sri Lanka curfew imposed immediately 'until further notice': police
45
3:39 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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03:42 PM
The eighth explosion was reported close to a housing complex at Dematogoda a short while ago, Sri Lankan police said.
03:25 PM
Temporary social media ban in Sri Lanka
A temporary social media ban has been imposed in Sri Lanka.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
Minister @RWijewardene addressing the press just now says action will be taken to stop activity of all extremist groups in the country. Social media temporary banned. 12 hour curfew from 6pm. The Dehiwela n Dematagoda blasts seem to be by those in the ring running from the law.
308
3:04 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
· 2h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Sri Lanka defence minister orders night curfew after blasts
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AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
#BREAKING Sri Lanka imposes 'temporary' social media ban after blasts http://u.afp.com/Jxpw pic.twitter.com/ExLAfb4NlV
133
3:22 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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03:01 PM
Night curfew declared in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Defence Minister has declared a night curfew after the blasts, reports news agency AFP.
Ruwan Wijewardene
✔
@RWijewardene
Press Release at MOD https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1LyxBAppAdPJN …
28
2:38 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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Ruwan Wijewardene @RWijewardene
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02:27 PM
Another blast in Sri Lanka, 2 killed: AFP report
New blast reported in Sri Lankan capital, says news agency AFP. Two killed in the latest bombing. The seventh attack was reported a short while ago near the zoo in Dehiwala, reported DaillyMirror quoting police sources.
02:18 PM
No one should have to practise faith in fear: British PM
British PM Theresa May has condemned the bomb attacks in Sri lanka and said that no one should have to practise their faith in fear.
Theresa May
✔
@theresa_may
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.
3,817
2:02 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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02:09 PM
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted condemning the 'ghastly acts of violence' in Sri Lanka.
Chowkidar Arun Jaitley
✔
@arunjaitley
Deeply saddened by the bomb blasts in #Colombo #SriLanka and killing of innocent people there. Such ghastly acts of violence are highly condemnable. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families. Pray for speedy recovery of injured.
3,669
1:08 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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01:25 PM
Death toll rises to 156: AFP report
Death toll in the Sri lanka blasts has touched 156, which includes 35 foreigners, according to news agency AFP.
AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
· 4h
Replying to @AFP
#UPDATE Sri Lanka death toll rises to at least 137; 45 in Colombo, where three hotels and a church are hit; 67 in a church in Negombo north of capital; 25 at a church in Batticaloa, in the east; no immediate claims of responsibility http://u.afp.com/JxcM
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AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 156, including 35 foreigners: police pic.twitter.com/WUMt3qtLIt
587
1:18 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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01:21 PM
Mahinda Rajapaksa says such acts won't be tolerated
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the country won't tolerate "such acts of terrorism, cowardice" within its borders.
Mahinda Rajapaksa
✔
@PresRajapaksa
It is absolutely barbaric to see such violent attacks on such a holy day. Whoever is behind these attacks must be dealt with immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with the families that lost loved ones and all of Sri Lanka.
1,494
12:55 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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01:12 PM
PM Narendra Modi condemns Sri Lanka blasts, says 'there is no place for such barbarism in our region'
PM Narendra Modi has condemned the multiple blasts in Sri Lanka. Modi tweeted saying, "There is no place for such barbarism in our region".
Chowkidar Narendra Modi
✔
@narendramodi
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.
39.4K
12:48 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:44 PM
Death toll rises to 137 in Sri Lanka blasts: AFP report
AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
· 5h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING At least nine foreigners dead in Sri Lanka blasts: police official
View image on Twitter
AFP news agency
✔
@AFP
#UPDATE Sri Lanka death toll rises to at least 137; 45 in Colombo, where three hotels and a church are hit; 67 in a church in Negombo north of capital; 25 at a church in Batticaloa, in the east; no immediate claims of responsibility http://u.afp.com/JxcM pic.twitter.com/8Y1OfZ5tFN
514
12:42 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:41 PM
Security tightened, we must all act together as Sri Lanka citizens: Minister tweets after emergency meeting
Sri Lankan Economic Affairs minister tweeted right after an emergency meeting with the country's top officials.
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
· 5h
Replying to @HarshadeSilvaMP
Heads of Army, Navy, Airforce and IG along with Sec/Def, Sec/For Affairs meeting with @RWijewardene along with a few of us Ministers at MOD. All necessary emergency steps taken by Gov of #SriLanka. Soon official statement will be issued.
View image on Twitter
Harsha de Silva
✔
@HarshadeSilvaMP
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
299
12:36 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:39 PM
At least 138 people killed in blasts: Top Sri Lankan official
At least 138 people were killed in the six explosions today, says National Hospital Director Anil Jasinghe.
12:37 PM
Sri Lanka's Red Cross has put out a message, which acts as a timely warning about the unverified speculation prone to spread across social media in the wake of events like these.
12:36 PM
Jacqueline Fernandez
✔
@Asli_Jacqueline
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 !
6,056
12:12 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:28 PM
Sri Lankan PM condemns blasts, asks people to steer clear of unverified reports
Ranil Wickremesinghe
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@RW_UNP
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.
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12:16 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:26 PM
All schools in Sri Lanka to remain shut till Wednesday
All schools across the island nation would remain closed for two days until Wednesday due to the ongoing terror situation, says Sri Lanka's Education Ministry.
12:23 PM
Sri Lanka police chief had warned of suicide blasts 10 days ago: AFP report
Sri Lanka's police chief made a nationwide alert 10 days before Sunday's bomb attacks in the country that suicide bombers planned to hit "prominent churches", according to the warning seen by AFP. Police chief Pujuth Jayasundara sent an intelligence warning to top officers on April 11 setting out the threat.
"A foreign intelligence agency has reported that the NTJ (National Thowheeth Jama'ath) is planning to carry out suicide attacks targeting prominent churches as well as the Indian high commission in Colombo," said the alert.
12:22 PM
At least 9 foreigners dead in Sri Lanka bombings: Report
AFP news agency
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@AFP
· 5h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 129: hospital sources
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AFP news agency
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@AFP
#BREAKING At least nine foreigners dead in Sri Lanka blasts: police official pic.twitter.com/o7XYkoH3VY
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12:19 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:17 PM
Death toll rises to 129
AFP news agency
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@AFP
· 5h
Replying to @AFP
#UPDATE At least 42 are killed in Colombo as blasts rip through three hotels and a church with another 10 dead in the town of Batticaloa, in a church attack and reports of casualties in another explosion north of the capital http://u.afp.com/Jxcq
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AFP news agency
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@AFP
#BREAKING Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 129: hospital sources pic.twitter.com/8HKs6OsllW
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12:13 PM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:10 PM
Sri Lanka blasts appear to be well-coordinated attempt to create murder, mayhem & anarchy: FM Samaraweera
Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera, writing on his verified Twitter account, said the attacks had killed "many innocent people" and appeared to be a "well-coordinated attempt to create murder, mayhem & anarchy."
Mangala Samaraweera
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@MangalaLK
Easter Sunday bomb blasts in churches & hotels, killing many innocent people seems to be a well coordinated attempt to create murder,mayhem & anarchy.All those who cherish democracy,freedom & economic prosperity must unite now with nerves of steel to defeat this heinous attempt.
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10:49 AM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:05 PM
A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity told AFP at least 42 people were killed in Colombo, where three hotels and a church were hit. Another 10 people were confirmed dead in the town of Batticaloa, in the east of the country, where another church was targeted.
AFP news agency
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@AFP
· 6h
Replying to @AFP
#BREAKING Toll rises to 52 killed in Sri Lanka blasts: police to AFP
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AFP news agency
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@AFP
#UPDATE The fatalities include at least 42 people killed in Colombo, where three hotels and a church were hit, and another 10 dead in the town of Batticoloa, where a church was attacked pic.twitter.com/ieom4f5cRc
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11:36 AM - Apr 21, 2019
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12:04 PM
No one has claimed responsibility so far
No official comment yet on suspected perpetrators in blasts.
11:45 AM
Shashi Tharoor tweets: "Shocked & saddened by news of church & hotel bombings in SriLanka. Intolerance, bigotry & terrorism sadly know no borders or limits. Profound condolences to the families & my thoughts and prayers for that beautiful & tortured land."
11:44 AM
President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the nation post the series of explosions that hit Sri Lanka on Sunday morning. An official statement from the government will be released shortly. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan information department issued a statement warning against spreading rumors about the incident.
11:42 AM
Saddened by the terrible attacks on several churches in Sri Lanka: Congress
"We are deeply saddened by the terrible attacks on several churches in SriLanka on the holy day of Easter. We stand with the people in their time of grief & pray for their recovery," said Congress in a tweet.
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