Over 200 Dead in Sri Lanka Bombings

Christian Allaire
Updated
Bombings occurred in hotels and churches across Sri Lanka.

At least 207 people are dead, and over 400 are wounded, after a series of coordinated bombings occurred across Sri Lanka today. The blasts targeted both luxury hotels and churches on Easter Sunday, as many Christians gathered to celebrate Easter Mass.

According to the New York Times, the attacks, carried out by suicide bombers, were believed to be committed by a single group. Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.

It began with a wave of bombings, reportedly eight in total, around 8:45 a.m. Several churches were hit including the St. Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo, St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, and Zion Church in Batticaloa. Several five-star hotels, popular with tourists, were also hit including the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand, and Kingsbury (all in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city). Additionally, there were also bombings at a private home in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia.

This is believed to be the largest attack on South Asian Christians in recent times. Of the slain victims, roughly 30 of them were believed to be foreigners, including British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese nationalities.

World leaders were quick to condemn the attacks with a series of messages this morning. India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, whose country is the closest neighbor to Sri Lanka, said, “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.” Pope Francis, after celebrating Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, also said, “I want to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, struck while it was gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump also commented, saying, “The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!”

As a result of the attacks, the entire country is on a temporary lock-down; it has temporarily banned social media and messaging services, such as Facebook and WhatsApp, to “curb misinformation.” A 12-hour curfew has also been imposed.