Find shelter and exercise extreme caution, says US’ travel advisory after multiple blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Over 290 have been killed as multiple explosions that targeted churches and hotels in the country’s capital, Colombo.
• The US embassy has asked travellers to exercise extreme caution, while the UK has issued a travel advisory for tourists in Sri Lanka.

The US embassy in Colombo has asked travellers to follow instructions from local authorities and advised them saying “Please shelter in place and exercise extreme caution.”

The United Kingdom, too, has issued a travel advisory for tourists travelling to Sri Lanka.

"There have been a number of explosions in Sri Lanka, including Colombo, on Sunday 21 April. Please follow the instructions of local security officials and follow travel advice for updates," the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK said while issuing a notice for people travelling to and from Sri Lanka.

Over 290 have been killed as multiple explosions that targeted churches and hotels in the country’s capital, Colombo.

Hundreds of worshipers gathered at the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Kotahena, St. Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya in Katana, and the Zion church in Batticaloa to commemorate Easter Sunday, at the time of the explosions. The other three blasts where reported at the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury five-star hotels in Colombo.

The Indian High Commission has issued helpline numbers for Indians stranded in Sri Lanka. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, also tweeted “ I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation.”


The security at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport has also been increased with travellers being told to reach the airport at least four hours prior to departure time.