Over 250+ killed in explosions at churches, hotels in Sri Lanka -Update

In Sri Lanka, over two hundred people were killed and more than four hundred others injured in explosions in Colombo, today (Sunday).  

According to media reports, more than 50 people were killed in St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church in Katuwapitiya while 25 people were also killed in an attack on church in Batticaloa.

The three hotels hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

The first six explosions were all reported within a short period in the morning just as church services were starting.

Later there have been two more explosions one was at a hotel near the national zoo in the Dehiwela area near Colombo while the other explosion was in a house in Colombo.

Talking to newsmen in Colombo, Junior Sri Lankan Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardene said government declared a curfew following explosions.

He said curfew will remain in force until things settle down while major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, have been blocked inside the country to prevent misinformation and rumors.

According to hospital sources, foreigners including British, Dutch and American citizens were also among the dead in explosions.

Sri Lakan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called a national Security Council meeting and called upon all Sri Lankans to remain united and strong at this tragic time.

World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed more than 140 people, including dozens of foreigners.

Pope Francis has condemned attacks in Sri Lanka as cruel violence.   

In his Easter message in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis expressed his affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence.

In a tweet, British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as appalling.

She said her deepest sympathies go out to all those affected at this tragic time.