LOCAL EDITION
Death toll rises to 207
Death toll rises to 207. The number includes people of foreign nationality – including US and UK citizens.
Seven suspects arrested in connection with the bombings.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel is scheduled to depart for Sri Lanka this Sunday night as a Special Envoy of the Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
President to send an envoy to Sri Lanka as gesture of support https://t.co/m21q3hZnSC
— sun.mv (@sunbrk) April 21, 2019
Nation-wide curfew comes to immediate effect. Duration of the curfew declared indefinite.
Sri Lanka imposes indefinite nation-wide curfew, social media blackout https://t.co/hHVcLzXuU1
— sun.mv (@sunbrk) April 21, 2019
Bomb Disposal Unit is operating at the Jampettah Street where a suspicious parcel has been found.
Three police officers have been reported dead in the explosion in Dematagoda. Officers are conducting sweeps to locate possibly more explosive devices in the area.
Sri Lanka has announced a curfew effective from 6 pm this Sunday to 6 am in Monday.
An explosion has been reported from Dematagoda in Colombo. The latest attack brings the number of targets hit to eight.
Two are reported dead in the bombing at a hotel located at a zoo in front of the Dehiwala Zoo. The latest fatalities increases the death toll to 187.
A seventh bomb has gone off at a hotel located at a zoo in front of the Dehiwala Zoo.
An explosion reported at a hotel opposite Dehiwala Zoo: Police Spokesman
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) April 21, 2019
The death toll rises to 185.
Number of foreign nationals killed in bombings rises to 11.
Sri Lankan PM calls bombings “cowardly”
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued a statement condemning the bombings in Sri Lanka and urging unity.
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
9 foreign nationals confirmed dead in bombings
Sri Lankan officials confirm nine foreign nationals died in the bombings. The details of their nationalities has not been released as of yet.
Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has issued a statement condemning the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka.
Saddened by the horrific events in Sri Lanka this morning. My heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act of terror. At this difficult time, I affirm our solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and assure our support in the fight against terrorism.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) April 21, 2019
Police Chief threatened prior to bombings
AFP reports the group behind the six bombings in Sri Lanka sent threatening text messages warning of an imminent attack prior to the bombings.
Security has been tightened at Bandaranaike International Airport and passengers have been instructed to report to the airport 4 hours before departure time.
Passengers should report to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) four hours before flights - 21st April 2019 ! pic.twitter.com/kP675HdDPZ
— SriLankan Airlines (@flysrilankan) April 21, 2019
Death toll rises to 160
Sri Lankan press reports the death toll in the bombings has risen to 160. And the injury toll has risen to over 450.
Deeply saddened by the multiple attacks on Srilanka this morning. Condemn this horrifying attack. condolences and prayers are with the people of Srilanka and the victims of this attack.
— Faisal Naseem (@FaisalNasym) April 21, 2019
Multiple explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. Pls remain indoors. We are closely monitoring the situation. Maldivians in need of assistance & seeking clarification may call the following numbers +94727277072 or +94766942654
— MDV Embassy SriLanka (@MDVembLanka) April 21, 2019
+94766086660
+94764189900
Death toll rises to 101
Sri Lankan press reports the death toll in the bombings has risen to 101. And the injury toll has risen to 450.
Maldivian government condemns bombings in Sri Lanka
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid has issued a statement condemning the bombings in three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka this Sunday.
Sri Lankan press reports 49 dead and 160 injured in the bombings which hit the country at 8:45 am this Sunday.
Shocked and saddened by reports of multiple explosions in Colombo and elsewhere in #SriLanka. Condemn unreservedly this heinous terroristic attack claiming numerous lives and injuring many. Our deepest condolences & prayers are with Govt & people of Sri Lanka & affected families.
— Abdulla Shahid ???? (@abdulla_shahid) April 21, 2019
"At least 26 dead bodies are inside Kochchikade Church according to the Police, We are shocked, PM is charing an emergency meeting" Minister Mano Ganeshan after visiting ST.Anthony's church in Kochchikade, Colombo pic.twitter.com/eHZ5Di0LyE
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) April 21, 2019
Maldivian Ambassador to Sri Lanka reports Maldivian citizens staying at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo sustained no injuries in the explosion.
Sri Lanka confirms hits on St. St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo, Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, and The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo.
We are closely monitoring the situation with regard to the multiple bomb blasts in #Srilanka.
— MFA Maldives (@MDVForeign) April 21, 2019
If family members have any concerns contact 7983400.
