Sri Lanka Blasts LIVE: Death toll in Colombo explosions rises to 215; 13 suspects held

Background

New Delhi:A series of blasts rocked the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo and other parts of the country on Sunday morning on the occasion of Easter as near simultaneous explosions hit three churches and three hotels, frequented by tourists. 25 people have been reported dead so far and about 150 people have been injured.

Many reports of Sri Lankan media said the number of injured to be around 200.

The blasts hit three high-end hotels and one church in Colombo, while two additional churches are targeted outside the capital.

Police officials have confirmed explosions at six places including St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, St. Sebastian Church in Katuwapitiya, Katana and a church in Batticaloa.

Sunday masses were underway at the churches, on the occasion of Easter.

The hotels where the blast took place include, Shangri La hotel a popular five star hotel of the city, Cinnamon Grand Hotel and Kingsbury Hotel.

The blasts occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.

Initial reports had put the death toll at 10 and number of injured at 80.

Images and videos of a church showed completely damaged roof of the building.

It has not yet been confirmed whether or not these were terror attacks. Rescue operation is underway and an investigation has been started.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted on the occasion and assured that she is keeping in constant touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo.

"Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL" she tweeted.

Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL

— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019

22:45 PM (IST)  •  21 Apr 2019

According to news agency IANS, five persons from Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district had a narrow escape in the serial bomb blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday, killing over 200 people.

22:17 PM (IST)  •  21 Apr 2019

The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2019

22:12 PM (IST)  •  21 Apr 2019

13 suspects arrested by Police CCD in connection to Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka's Colombo. 10 of them have been handed over to the CID, PTI quoted Police officials. These arrests include van and driver who are believed to have been used to transport the attackers involved in bombing.

20:25 PM (IST)  •  21 Apr 2019

Death toll has rose to 215 after a string of eight devastating blasts, including suicide attacks, struck churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday

20:26 PM (IST)  •  21 Apr 2019

Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lokashini, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh. We are ascertaining further details. /3

— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019