April 22, 2019
A series of coordinated bombings on three churches and three luxury hotels killed at least 207 people on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka.
405 people are injured which is believed to be suicide bombings. No groups have claimed responsibility of the attacks where most of those killed were locals, while 36 foreigners are believed to be dead.
The chain of bombings occurred in Colombo and other two towns, and included Shanri-La, Kingsbury and the Cinnamon Grand hotel.
Initially, there were six blasts targeting three hotels and three churches, followed by two more blasts some time later. The later blasts occurred during police raid and at a guest house.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremginghe stated that “information was there” related to the possible attacks before the blasts. The local intelligence group had got the warning before 10 days that prominent churches could be targeted by suicide bombers.
Police spokesperson, Ruwan Gunasekara, stated 13 suspects have been arrested in connection to the attacks. They also have found the vehicle used by suspects and safe house used by the attackers.
Following the attack Sri Lankan government imposed indefinite curfew and also shut down all kind of social media and messaging services to control the spread of wrong information which could hamper racial harmony.
