COLOMBO: Easter Day bomb blasts at three Sri Lankan churches and three luxury hotels killed about 207 people and wounded more than 450 including five Pakistan nationals, a hospital director and police officials said, following a lull in major attacks since the end of the civil war 10 years ago.
In just one church, St. Sebastian’s in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo, more than 50 people had been killed, a police official told Reuters, with pictures showing bodies on the ground, blood on the pews and a destroyed roof.
There were no claims of responsibility for the attacks until the publishing of this story. It is pertinent to mention here that Sri Lanka is a country which was at war with Tamil separatists for decades until 2009, during which bomb blasts in the capital were common.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a Tweet, said, “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.”
The three hotels hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel and Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
St. Sebastian’s church posted pictures of destruction inside the church on its Facebook page, showing blood on pews and the floor, and requested help from the public.
Meanwhile, Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari confirmed that five Pakistani women are also among those who were injured in Colombo Blasts.
She took to Twitter to break the news; “More sad news from Sri Lankan terror attacks. 5 Pakistani women, from one of the hotels targeted, injured.”
More sad news from Sri Lankan terror attacks. 5 Pakistani women, from one of the hotels targeted, injured. Our diplomats at hospital. Also HC has given info numbers – see below pic.twitter.com/pbECNdmlfF
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 21, 2019
PAKISTAN STANDS WITH SRI LANKA:
Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the brutal attacks over Easter’s Sunday services in Sri Lanka.
PM Imran took to Twitter and condemned the recent attacks on hotels and churches in Sri Lanka supposed to target Easter’s Sunday services.
He wrote; “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,” he wrote while adding that “Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief”.
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.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 21, 2019
Meanwhile, condemning the attack, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Faisal stated: “Pakistan condemns explosions and terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Churches & Hotels, that have led to numerous casualties and immense loss. People and Government of Pakistan stand by people and Government of Sti Lanka at this moment of tragedy and against terror @MFA_SriLanka.”
Pakistan condemns explosions and terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Churches & Hotels, that have led to numerous casualties and immense loss. People and Government of Pakistan stand by people and Government of Sti Lanka at this moment of tragedy and against terror @MFA_SriLanka
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) April 21, 2019
Further, Minister for Human Right Shireen Mazari tweeted: “Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on churches & hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday. Terrorism needs a strong united global approach to be effectively defeated worldwide. We stand with our Sri Lankan brethren as they confront these brutal terrorist attacks.”
Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks on churches & hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday. Terrorism needs a strong united global approach to be effectively defeated worldwide. We stand with our Sri Lankan brethren as they confront these brutal terrorist attacks.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 21, 2019