In Sri Lanka, the death toll from a series of bomb explosions targeting churches and five-star hotels has reached 207. Twenty-seven foreigners are among the dead.

Curfew has been imposed in the country. A police spokesman said the curfew will remain effective till further notice. The government has also imposed a ban on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to avoid rumours.

Six bomb blasts targeted three five-star hotels in Colombo and three churches across the country. The explosions hit St. Anthony’s Church in Colombo and other two churches in Negombo and Batticaloa. Another explosion was reported in the suburb of Colombo.

The attacks happened around 9 AM when the churches were organizing Easter mass while services were organized at the hotels. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe held an emergency meeting to review the situation and requested general public to remain calm and united.  This is the biggest such attack in Sri Lanka since the war against LTTE ended in 2009.

Sri Lankan police has arrested seven suspects for their involvement in the serial blasts across the country. The police said initial investigations show some of the attacks could have been carried by suicide bombers. Detailed investigations are on.

State Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardena described the blasts as a terrorist attack by religious extremists, but added that no one has claimed responsibility for the blasts.

World leaders have condemned the series of blasts in Sri Lanka. In a tweet, British Prime Minister Theresa May said, the acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling. She said her deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte termed the attacks as terrible.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies to the people of Sri Lanka. In a statement he said, Australians extend their prayers and support in this terrible time of need.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as devastating. She said, her country rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. The Catholic Church in Jerusalem said the blasts were particularly sad as they came while Christians were celebrating Easter.

In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said UAE affirmed its firm stance against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, targeting all without distinction between religion and race.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also denounced the attacks in Sri Lanka. In a telegram of condolences sent to his Sri Lankan counterpart, the Russian leader said, Moscow remains a reliable partner of Sri Lanka in the fight against international terrorism.

Pope Francis has also condemned the attacks and said he is praying for all those who are suffering from the bloodshed. Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said, he wanted to express his loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence.

In his reaction, US President Donald Trump described the bombings as horrible terrorist attacks. In a tweet, he said, US stands ready to help Sri Lanka.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also condemned the barbaric attacks. In a tweet he said, Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also expressed her deep concerns over the explosions.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said  he was stunned and horrified by the cowardly terror attacks.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz wrote on Twitter that he was deeply shaken and concerned by the devious terrorist attacks.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the attacks an assault on all of humanity. Bahrain and Qatar have also condemned the attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister of Ranil Wickremsinghe and conveyed heart-felt condolences at the loss of innocent lives in today’s terrorist attacks there.

During the telephonic conversation, Mr Modi renewed the offer of all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges such as those posed by terrorism. He wished the injured speedy recovery and offered any required assistance for their treatment.

The Prime Minister condemned in the strongest terms the serial terrorist attacks, perpetrated at sites including religious places and during a religious festival. Terming them as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts, Mr Modi pointed out that these attacks were another a grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world.

Meanwhile Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also expressed sadness at the multiple bomb blasts in Sri Lanka . In a message, Mr Gandhi  strongly condemned this diabolical act of terrorism. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and hoped that the injured  make a speedy recovery.