Sri Lanka attacks: Hundreds hurt and many killed in a series of explosions across the country
- Published
Mourners attended a funeral near St Sebastian Church in Negombo
On Sunday 21 April, there were a series of explosions in churches and hotels in the country of Sri Lanka.
Hundreds of people have been killed and many more have been injured.
Today a national day of mourning will be held across the country to remember those who died
The country has already observed three minutes of silence and a state of emergency is in effect to prevent further attacks.
What happened?
Multiple attacks on churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa happened on Easter Sunday - an important religious day for Christians in Sri Lanka.
The Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels were also hit in the capital city of Colombo.
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Emergency services helped people caught up in the explosions. There were eight areas targeted.
The Sri Lankan air force found an explosive device in Colombo's main airport - but they were able to remove it before it caused any harm.
On Sunday afternoon, Sri Lankans were told to stay inside their homes and safe areas until the state of emergency is over.
Access to social media sites like Facebook was stopped temporarily to prevent fake news being shared.
Who carried out the attacks in Sri Lanka?
A previously little-known terror group called the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) is being accused of having carried out the attacks.
Sri Lankan officials pinned the blame on the NTJ at a news conference on Monday.
However, neither NTJ, nor any other group, has admitted carrying out the wave of bombings which tore through the island.
Police have arrested 24 people thought to be connected with the attacks.
What is being done to help?
Ambulances arrive at one of the targeted churches to help the victims of the attack.
Many people are on hand to help those who have been injured.
Hundreds of people have gathered at blood banks to donate blood to hospitals treating those who have been wounded.
So many people have come to donate that the banks have been forced to turn them away.
Where is Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island country in the Indian Ocean, just south of India.
The attacks were carried out in the capital city of Colombo, and in Negombo and Batticaloa.
Sri Lanka is a majority Buddhist country, but a small minority - approximately 7% of the population - are Christian.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, tweeted "I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong."
World leaders have spoken about the attacks.
Prime Minister Theresa May called the attacks "appalling" and said "We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear."
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said "Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence."
The Pope - head of the Catholic church - criticised the 'cruel' attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
Leaders of India and Pakistan have also condemned the attacks.
Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. 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.
Christians in Pakistan light candles for those hurt and killed in the eight attacks.
Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.
- Published29 August 2022
