The Sri Lankan government has declared curfew with immediate effect following multiple blasts that have left over 156 people dead.
On Easter Sunday, Sri Lanka was rocked by a reported eight separate bomb attacks that prompted the government to issue the curfew.
The curfew starts from 6pm local time to Monday 6am.
Three churches in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa were targeted during the Easter Sunday services.
Three hotels in the capital Colombo – the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury – were also hit. This was followed by another blast at a small hotel in Dehiwela.
No one or group has claimed responsibility for the blasts, which come after a major lull in attacks since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war ten years ago
Sri Lankan prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, took to Twitter to condemn the “cowardly attacks,” adding that “the government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.”
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.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019
Sri Lanka’s defense minister, Maithripala Sirisena, has ordered night curfews in response to the blast, AFP news agency reported.
Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, told local TV that the public should remain calm and asked authorities to bring those responsible for the attacks before the law. He also requested the public donate blood for the injured.
His request was clearly heard, with Sri Lankans turning up at hospitals to give blood to victims of the blasts, according to journalist Zahrah Imtiaz.
She tweeted: “National Blood Bank brimming with people come to donate blood! Such an overwhelming response.”
National Blood Bank brimming with people come to donate blood! Such an overwhelming response #faithinhumanityrestored #Slchurchattacks pic.twitter.com/ODnqOhQySZ
— Zahrah Imtiaz (@Imtiaz88Zahrah) April 21, 2019
More than 50 people were killed in St. Sebastian’s gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo, a police official told Reuters, with pictures showing bodies on the ground, blood on the pews and a destroyed roof.
Hospital sources have told AFP that a number of foreigners were among those dead, including British, Dutch and American citizens. Police and government officials have not confirmed the reports.
