Colombo: Explosions ripped through Churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka killing around 138 people and injuring 400 in one of the worst bomb blasts in recent history of the country.
The explosions at the Churches occurred at 8.45 in the morning as people were gathering for the Easter mass.
The simultaneous bomb blasts occurred at six places which are Kochchikade Church, Katuwapitiya Church, a Church in Batticaloa, Shangrila hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, and Kingsbury Hotel.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has appealed to the people to remain calm and not be fooled by rumours.
The attack seems to be well-planned to cause multiple casualties. Though no official confirmation has come out regarding the factors behind the explosion, the nature of the bomb blasts point to terrorists attack. An senior official is reported to have said that this could be the handiwork of Islamic terrorists.
Sri Lankan MP, Harsha de Silva, tweeted that the casualties include foreigners.
The heads of Sri Lankan Army, Navy, and Air Force have convened an emergency meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Indian External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj said that she is in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo and is keeping a close watch on the situation.
