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Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>’s capital city of <keyword id="6364814" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="colombo">Colombo</keyword> has requested all passengers to be at the airport four hours prior to their flight. The BIA has restricted access to visitors owing to heightened security, according to the country’s state-run daily. The safety and security measures have been implemented after multiple explosions targeting churches and hotels in Colombo killed at least 156, including 35 foreigners, on <keyword id="6363803" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="easter">Easter</keyword> Sunday, according to agency reports. 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 <keyword id="194056" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Batticaloa">Batticaloa</keyword> to commemorate Easter Sunday, at the time of the explosions. The other three blasts where reported at the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and <keyword id="7300274" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kingsbury">Kingsbury</keyword> five-star hotels in Colombo. 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 <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/uk-issues-travel-advisory-after-series-blasts-sri-lanka-easter-sunday-100424">said</a> while issuing a notice for people travelling to and from Sri Lanka. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Colombo airport asks passengers to check in four hours before flights after terror attacks in Sri Lanka’s capital

A series of bomb attacks struck Sri Lanka on <keyword id="6387218" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="easter-sunday">Easter Sunday</keyword>, killing at least 156 people and injuring over 400. At least six attacks took place targeting churches and hotels, and as of 2: 30 pm IST, a seventh attack was also reported by Reuters. The Sri Lankan government has declared curfew with immediate effect and it is not clear when it will be lifted, Reuters reported. The decision came in the wake of a seventh blast that has reportedly killed at least two people in Dehiwala, near Colombo. According to a Reuters report, access to major social media services and messaging services was also shut down. Earlier, the US embassy in Colombo asked travellers to follow security instructions from local authorities and urged them to seek "shelter" and "exercise extreme caution.” The United Kingdom also issued a travel advisory. According to the island nation's The Daily Mirror newspaper, explosions were reported as hundreds of worshipers gathered at the <keyword id="7551167" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="st-anthonys-church-in-kochchikade">St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade</keyword>, <keyword id="7551168" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="kotahena">Kotahena</keyword>, <keyword id="7551169" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="st-sebastians-church-in-katuwapitiya-in-katana">St. Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya in Katana</keyword>, and the Zion church in <keyword id="194056" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Batticaloa">Batticaloa</keyword> to commemorate <keyword id="6363803" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="easter">Easter</keyword> Sunday. Three blasts where reported at the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury five-star hotels in Colombo. An emergency meeting was called over the attacks, Minister Harsha De Silva said in a tweet. "Secretary of Defence and I am at Kochchikade Church. We were also at Shangri-La and Kingsbury Hotels. Rescue operations are underway. Many casualties have been reported including foreigners," he said and requested people to stay calm and indoors. Images on social media showed the inside at the St. Sebastian church with a shattered ceiling and blood on the pews, the BBC said. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that she was in touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo as six explosions hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing at least 20 people. "Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," the Minister said in a tweet. The official handle of the High Commission of India in Colombo also said in a tweet that they were also "closely monitoring the situation". It also provided helpline numbers for "Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification". With agencies See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lanka-blasts-foreign-offices-in-us-and-uk-issue-travel-advisories/articleshow/68975432.cms">Find shelter and exercise extreme caution, says US’ travel advisory after multiple blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lanka-blasts-colombo-airport-advisory-after-terror-attack/articleshow/68975705.cms">Colombo airport asks passengers to check in four hours before flights after terror attacks in Sri Lanka’s capital</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/schools-to-stay-shut-in-colombo-for-two-more-days-sri-lankas-education-minister/articleshow/68975916.cms">Schools to stay shut in Colombo for two more days: Sri Lanka’s Education Minister</a>

Sri Lanka blasts: Death toll rises in multiple explosions targeting churches, hotels

Sri Lanka’s President Maithripla Sirisena has sent out his first message after the serial blasts in Colombo killed at least 156 people, according to agency reports. “I have given instructions to take very stern action against the persons who are responsible for this conspiracy,” the President said and added that all required steps have been taken to fulfill the responsibilities as a government, according to <a href="https://www.news.lk/news/politics/item/25069-president-condemns-dastardly-attack-and-orders-swift-investigations">the state-run daily</a>. President Sirisena appealed to the nation to act with utmost restraint and patience, and not to be misled by baseless rumours and false stories. He also urged the people to extend unstinted support and cooperation to the government for the steps taken at this trying occasion. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister <keyword id="300704" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ranil-Wickremesinghe">Ranil Wickremesinghe</keyword> has <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2019/apr/21/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-toll-reaches-156-as-blasts-jolt-churches-hotels-in-colombo-on-easter-pm-urges-citizens-to-remain-united-and-strong-1967071.html">reportedly called for an emergency cabinet meeting</a> in the wake of the attacks. The Sri Lankan Army has deployed 200 troops to advert further damages. 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.

Sri Lankan President warns against rumours and false stories while promising stern action against the terror masterminds

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Reuters/DINUKA LIYANAWATTE</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>On Easter Sunday, a series of at least <a href="https://www.thisisinsider.com/sri-lanka-easter-bombings-target-churches-hotels-2019-4">eight bomb attacks went off across Sri Lanka</a> and the main targets were churches and hotels.</li><li>The attacks reportedly killed at least 207 people.</li><li>Here's how world leaders responded to the attacks.</li></ul>On Easter Sunday, <a href="https://www.thisisinsider.com/sri-lanka-easter-bombings-target-churches-hotels-2019-4">eight bombs went off across Sri Lanka</a>, killing at least 207 people including 35 foreigners. The attacks targeted churches and luxury hotels.People attending Easter services in churches in Kochchikade, Negombo, and Batticaloa were targeted during the attacks. Another bomb attack was reported in Katuwapitiya, where 50 people were killed in St. Sebastian's Church. Later attacks were also reported in the cities of Dematagoda, Colombo, and Dehiwala.The three hotels targeted in the attacks were The Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand, and Kingsbury, all of which are stationed in Sri Lanka's capital city.So far, <a href="https://twitter.com/tingilye/status/1119924383433277440">seven people have been arrested</a> in connection with the attacks, according to press.World leaders including US President Donald Trump, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Pope Francis have spoken out in solidarity with Sri Lankans and the Christian communities targeted during the attacks.

World leaders including Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama offered their support after Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka claimed hundreds of lives

<ul><li>A fresh security warning says that Islamic militants have plans to attack using a van dressed in military uniforms, Reuters reported. </li><li>Five locations targeted including Batticola. </li><li>The attacks were reportedly planned for Sunday or Monday. </li></ul>One week after Sri Lanka was hit by one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the country, security officials in the island nation have reportedly warned of the possibility of another wave of terror attacks by the Islamic militants believed to be behind the Easter day blasts. According to a Reuters <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/sri-lanka-blasts/sri-lanka-on-alert-for-attacks-by-militants-disguised-in-uniforms-idINKCN1S50BA?il=0">report, </a>Sri Lankan security officials in a letter warned that Islamic militants have plans to attack using a van dressed in military uniforms. They were targeting five locations for the attacks including Batticaloa. The attacks were reportedly planned for Sunday or Monday, added the report. Sri Lanka has been on high alert since last Sunday’s attacks that claimed the lives of over 350 people including over 40 foreigners. Terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly blasts after the Sri Lankan government suspected a small radical Islamic group National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) to be behind the attacks. According to a preliminary probe by the Sri Lankan government, the attacks in Sri Lanka <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lankan-bomb-blasts-retaliation-for-christchurch-says-probe/articleshow/69007423.cms">were </a>in retaliation to the mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand last month. Sri Lankan authorities have reportedly arrested over 40 suspects in connection with the Easter day serial blasts. Eight bombs hit the country on Easter day, targeting churches and luxury hotels. Sri Lankan leaders have been strongly criticised over the massive security failure that led up to the attack as intelligence officials had <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/22/world/asia/ntj-warning-sri-lanka-government.html?action=click&amp;module=Top%20Stories&amp;pgtype=Homepage">reportedly</a> already warned the country’s authorities of a possible terror attack as early as mid-April.

Sri Lanka warns of another ‘wave of attacks’ by bombers in military uniforms: Report

<ul><li>Over 290 have been killed as multiple explosions that targeted churches and hotels in the country’s capital, Colombo. </li><li>The US embassy has asked travellers to exercise extreme caution, while the UK has issued a travel advisory for <keyword id="7551301" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tourists-in-Sri-Lanka">tourists in Sri Lanka</keyword>.</li></ul>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 <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>. "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 <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/uk-issues-travel-advisory-after-series-blasts-sri-lanka-easter-sunday-100424">said</a> 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.” 
 
 
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 The security at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport has also been increased with travellers being <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/sri-lanka-extra-security-means-travellers-should-reach-colombo-airport-four-hours-before-flights-1.851690">told </a>to reach the airport at least four hours prior to departure time.

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

<ul><li>Schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka will be shut on Monday and Tuesday. </li><li>Over 290 have been killed as multiple explosions that targeted churches and hotels in the country’s capital, Colombo. </li></ul>Schools in Colombo, Sri Lanka will be shut on Monday and Tuesday, following the multiple bomb blasts that took place in the city. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Sri Lanka’s education minister announced that all schools across the island would remain closed for two more days until Wednesday due to the ongoing terror situation. 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. News agencies have also reported a seventh explosion, with more casualties. 
 
 
 
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 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. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lanka-blasts-foreign-offices-in-us-and-uk-issue-travel-advisories/articleshow/68975432.cms">Find shelter and exercise extreme caution, says US’ travel advisory after multiple blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lanka-blasts-colombo-airport-advisory-after-terror-attack/articleshow/68975705.cms">Colombo airport asks passengers to check in four hours before flights after terror attacks in Sri Lanka’s capital</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/easter-sunday-blasts-deadly-explosion-kills-138-sri-lankan-prime-minister-urges-people-to-stay-united-and-strong/articleshow/68975878.cms">Easter Sunday Blasts: Deadly explosion kills 138, Sri Lankan Prime Minister urges people to stay united and strong</a>

Schools to stay shut in Colombo for two more days: Sri Lanka’s Education Minister

The Sri Lankan government has declared curfew with immediate effect and it is not clear when it will be lifted, Reuters reported. The decision has come after a seventh blast killed at least two people in Dehiwala, near Colombo. The death of over 156 people in the serial blasts on Easter Sunday had barely sunk in, there was a seventh bombing in the country’s capital the same day, according to agency reports. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Earlier in the day, multiple explosions targeted the hundreds of worshippers at the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Kotahena, St. Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya in Katana, and the Zion church in Batticaloa, who were there to commemorate Easter Sunday. The other three blasts where reported at the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury five-star hotels in Colombo. 
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 Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe called for an emergency cabinet meeting, while <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/sri-lanka-bombing-president-maithripla-sirisena-message-after-colombo-blasts/articleshow/68975914.cms">President Maithripla Sirisena warned</a> of stern action against the conspirators. Schools have been ordered to remain shut for two more days and passengers have been asked to reach <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/sri-lanka-blasts-colombo-airport-advisory-after-terror-attack/articleshow/68975705.cms">Colombo airport at least four hours before</a> the flight. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced a series of attacks on churches and hotels in <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> as “cruel and cynical,” <a href="https://www.apnews.com/fabb6b93861a46d1b7cef4983450ffb3">the Associated Press reported</a>. In a telegram of condolences sent to his Sri Lankan counterpart, the Russian leader said Moscow remains a “reliable partner of Sri Lanka in the fight against international terrorism.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan too called the attack “an assault on all of humanity.” The Archbishop of Colombo is calling for those responsible for the Easter Sunday blasts in Sri Lanka to be punished “mercilessly.” Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith called on Sri Lanka’s government to launch a “very impartial strong inquiry” and to punish those found responsible “mercilessly because only animals can behave like that,” according to the agency report. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lanka-blasts-colombo-airport-advisory-after-terror-attack/articleshow/68975705.cms">Colombo airport asks passengers to check in four hours before flights after terror attacks in Sri Lanka’s capital</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sri-lanka-blasts-foreign-offices-in-us-and-uk-issue-travel-advisories/articleshow/68975432.cms">Find shelter and exercise extreme caution, says US’ travel advisory after multiple blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/easter-sunday-blasts-deadly-explosion-kills-138-sri-lankan-prime-minister-urges-people-to-stay-united-and-strong/articleshow/68975878.cms">Easter Sunday Blasts: Deadly explosion kills 138, Sri Lankan Prime Minister urges people to stay united and strong</a>

Sri Lankan government declares curfew after a seventh blast near Colombo

<ul><ul class="summary-list "><li>At least 207 people are dead and 450 others have been injured after a series of explosions hit churches and hotels in <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>.</li><li>The churches were bombed as worshippers attended Easter Sunday service.</li><li>The hotels targeted are among the most luxurious in Sri Lanka's capital. 35 foreigners have been killed, <a href="https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/blasts-sri-lanka-hotels-and-churches-kill-156-doc-1ft48d4">AFP cited hospital sources as saying</a>. Eight explosions in various locations have now been reported. </li></ul></ul>At least 207 people were killed in a series of blasts on Easter Sunday Blasts in Sri Lanka, targeting three churches and three hotels. As of 1 pm, more than 400 people were wounded and hospitalized, reported Reuters. 
 
 
 
 
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 AFP news agency quoting Sri Lankan Police said the toll in <keyword id="7550956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka-blasts">Sri Lanka blasts</keyword> had risen to 156, including 35 foreigners. The blasts took place at three churches located at Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa. The three hotels that were targeted are located in Colombo, and include Shangri La Colombo, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and Kingsbury Hotel, according to media reports. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has urged the people to remain strong and united in the tragic time. The Prime Minister is reportedly going to conduct a national security council meeting at his house. 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, in a special message read out on local news channels, has requested the people to remain calm and help the authorities in the investigation. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack and said the country stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also condemned the attack. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 St. Sebastian’s church, which was among the target, posted pictures showing destructions and bloodshed after the blast on its Facebook Page and urged people to help. The post read “A bomb attack to our church please come and help if your family members are there” No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. Several peace messages "Pray For Sri Lanka" were trending on social media. Messages and prayers also poured in from celebrities. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Former Sri Lankan captain of the cricket team, <keyword id="79577" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Angelo-Mathews">Angelo Mathews</keyword> in a recent tweet has requested people to not to believe in rumors. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 A travel advisory had been issued by the US embassy in Colombo advising citizens to follow local security instructions and “exercise extreme caution.” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that she was in touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo as six explosions hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing at least 20 people. "Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," the Minister said in a tweet. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="golrizghahraman" handlename="Golriz Ghahraman" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1035120828780707840/PRgmSRXp_normal.jpg" favoritecount="121" retweetcount="22" status="Devastated for Sri Lanka, especially the targeted Christian community. In a nation who has seen so much violence an… https://t.co/a3297hWuYK" createdat="1555826450000" id="1119843413006774272"></div>
















	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="AJEnglish" handlename="Al Jazeera English" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/875638617606987776/YBOKib96_normal.jpg" favoritecount="595" retweetcount="614" status="BREAKING: Multiple blasts hit Sri Lanka churches and hotels on Easter Sunday https://t.co/3Xn6pRk0kU https://t.co/FHAHmOUr4N" createdat="1555824930000" id="1119837039392899073"></div>















 Helpline numbers for Indian citizens in need of assistance or who seek clarification are: +94777903082, +94112422788, +94112422789, +94777902082 and +94772234176. With IANS

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Colombo airport asks passengers to check in four hours before flights after terror attacks in Sri Lanka’s capital

Sriram Iyer

Sri Lanka blasts: Death toll rises in multiple explosions targeting churches, hotels

BI India Bureau

Sri Lankan President warns against rumours and false stories while promising stern action against the terror masterminds

Sriram Iyer

World leaders including Pope Francis, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama offered their support after Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka claimed hundreds of lives

Julia Naftulin

Sri Lanka warns of another ‘wave of attacks’ by bombers in military uniforms: Report

BI India Bureau

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

Sanchita Dash

Schools to stay shut in Colombo for two more days: Sri Lanka’s Education Minister

Sanchita Dash

Sri Lankan government declares curfew after a seventh blast near Colombo

BI India Bureau

Easter Sunday Blasts: Deadly explosion kills 207, Sri Lankan Prime Minister urges people to stay united and strong

BI India Bureau

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