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Published 09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Multiple blasts in Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday service in Colombo, Sri Lanka. LIVE UPDATES here

Blasts hit two churches in Sri Lanka on Sunday, as worshippers attended Easter services in Colombo

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 10:17

 Blasts hit two churches in Sri Lanka on Sunday, as worshippers attended Easter services in Colombo, police said.

 At least 80 people were injured and admitted to the Colombo National Hospital

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

One of the blasts hit St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade of the capital, Colombo.

"A bomb attack to our church, please come and help," read a Facebook post from St Sebasitian's Church at Katuwapitiutya, in the Western coastal town of Negombo.

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 10:28 AM

SriLanka Police Spokesperson urges the public not to gather at blast sites,outside Shagri La, Cinnamon Grand as well as outside the National Hospitals where the injured are being rushed to and to stay indoors, amid multiple explosions targeting Churches and five star hotels

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 10:40 AM

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

Multiple blasts hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka; Over 100 injured, according to PTI.

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 10:48 AM

Six near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels frequented by tourists in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, injuring nearly 300 people, officials and police said.

Three churches - St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa - were targeted, police said.
Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels, the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury.

The Colombo National Hospital spokesperson, Dr. Samindi Samarakoon, said at last 280 people have been admitted with injuries

Union Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj has tweeted that she is in constant contact with Colombo's Indian High Commission.

 

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 10:54 AM

More than 25 people reported dead and 280 injured following several explosions in Colombo. 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 11:04 AM

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has announced helpline numbers tweeting:

They have also tweeted additional numbers in case of assistance:

 

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 11:13 AM

As per PTI reports, with an increase in the death toll, 49 people are reported dead in the multiple blasts in Sri Lanka: Local media

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 11:36 AM

Following the six blasts, Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickramasinghe is reported to the chair a high-level security meeting shortly. The death toll has risen to 52.

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 12:13 PM

As per AFP reports, Sri Lanka police chief warned of possible suicide attacks before Sunday blasts.

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 12:23 PM

129 dead in multiple blasts in Sri Lanka: officials, according to PTI

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 12:41 PM

Official count as per PTI:

129 killed, over 400 injured as six blasts hit three churches, three five-star hotels in Sri Lanka in one of the deadliest blasts in the island nation's history, officials said.

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 12:48 PM

As per local reports in Sri Lanka, a high-level meeting convened by Srilankan PM  Ranil Wickremesinghe has commenced. The Prime Minister is likely to address the media soon after.

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 1:08 PM

According to PTI, death count rises.

140 killed, over 400 injured as blasts hit three churches, three five-star hotels in Sri Lanka

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 1:25 PM

As per AFP reports,

Toll in Sri Lanka blasts rises to 156, including 35 foreigners.

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 1:57 PM

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has shared his thoughts and prayers while condemning the blasts. He also warned to not spread false reports regarding the blasts.

 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 1:59 PM

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has condemned the blasts and shared a special message expressing his condolences to all those affected and families 

(Blasts have occurred in several places on the island. I express my condolences to all those affected and families and to condemn this attack with disgust.)

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 2:43 PM

Another blast has occurred in  Sri Lanka, 2 reported dead: AFP

 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 2:51 PM

AFP reports that Eighth blast has hit Sri Lankan capital in the suburb of Dematagoda.

SriLanka government declares curfew with immediate effect, is unclear on when it will be lifted, as per Reuters.

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 3:06 PM

Sri Lanka Defence Minister orders night curfew after blasts, as reported by ANI.

 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 3:10 PM

Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution of Sri Lanka Harsha de Silva has shared details about the curfew imposed currently in the country.

 

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 3:30 PM

AFP reports: Sri Lanka imposes 'temporary' social media ban after blasts.

 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 3:32 PM

Global leaders have expressed their condolences on the serial blasts.

British PM Theresa May tweeted:

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced a series of attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka as "cruel and cynical." as per AP reports

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 3:39 PM

Indian Prime Minister's office has issued a press release stating that 'PM Narendra Modi had telephone conversations with the President and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and has offered his condolences, while extending his support to the nation.' 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 4:01 PM

Pope stands with victims of 'such cruel violence' in Sri Lanka, as per report from AFP

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 4:11 PM

AFP reports that 3 were killed in the eighth blast at  Dematagoda.

 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

3  suspects arrested in Sri Lanka in connection to the blasts, as per reports and 3 cops were killed in the Dematagoda blast.

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 4:32 PM

Former President of India has shared his condolences on the serial balsts.

 

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 5:19 PM

As per PTI reports, Security has been stepped up at churches in Goa after Sri Lanka blasts.

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 5:24 PM

Reports claim, that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the Sri Lanka serial blasts.

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 05:55 pm

 

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 19:29

A total of 32 foreigners from Belgium, China, India the US & UK reported killed in today's explosions in Colombo - Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 8:10 PM

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj notified about the passing of three Indian nationals in the series of blasts. 

 

 

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 9:07 pm

PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that eight people have been arrested in connection with Sri Lanka blasts.

09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 9:00 AM:

Death toll from attacks on Sri Lankan churches and hotels rise to 290, about 500 wounded - police spokesman: Reuters (April 22)

 

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09:03 IST, April 22nd 2019

Update at 9:01 AM:

Police have arrested 24 suspects till now in connection with attacks on churches and hotels: Sri Lankan media (April 22)

10:40 IST, April 21st 2019