Security forces inspect the scene after a blast targeting Shangri La hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019. At least 138 people were killed in multiple blasts targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka. Photo courtesy of Anadolu Agency
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, April 21 (NNN-ANADOLU) – At least 207 people were killed in multiple blasts, targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Sunday, police and hospital officials said.
The explosions that targeted three churches and three hotels amid Easter Sunday celebrations also injured 450 others, Anil Jasinghe, director of Colombo National Hospital, told Anadolu Agency.
He said that the majority of injured are being treated at the Colombo National Hospital, with others being transferred to the Colombo South Hospital.
A source from the Sri Lankan police department, who spoke to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity, confirmed the explosions and casualties.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe convened an emergency security council meeting and discussed measures to enhance security.
State-run Daily News reported that the churches in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa cities as well as Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand and Shangri La hotels in the commercial capital Colombo were hit by bomb attacks.
Special police forces have been deployed at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, following the explosions.
No groups have yet to claim the attacks.
The country’s Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said in a Twitter post that the attacks were “well-coordinated attempt to create murder, mayhem & anarchy.”
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister said, according to the information he obtained, nine tourists were killed following the blasts in hotels.
Later, two more blasts were reported in the country, with one at a three-star hotel near the zoological garden in Dehiwala.
The authorities are yet to provide information regarding the whereabouts of the eighth explosion.
Local Derana television reported citing police sources that two suspects were apprehended following the series of attacks.
A police curfew has been imposed across the country, said the media report.
Dinendra Ruwa Wijewardene, Sri Lanka’s state minister of defense, said that the government would “take all necessary actions against any extremist group operating in our country.”
He said the investigation was already underway and those “involved in this unfortunate terrorist incident would be taken into custody as soon as possible.” He added that those involved in the bombing attacks were “identified”.
Security forces inspect the scene after a blast targeting Shangri La hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019. At least 138 people were killed in multiple blasts targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka. Photo courtesy of Chamila Karunarathne – Anadolu Agency
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