Published 16:03 IST, April 21st 2019
PM Narendra Modi in a telephonic conversation with the President and the PM of Sri Lanka expressed heart-felt condolences over lives lost in the serial blasts
In the wake of the multiple blasts which have hit Sri Lanka killing 156 (which include 35 foreigners) and injuring over 400 people on Sunday, the Indian Prime Minister's office has issued a press release
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In the wake of the multiple blasts which have hit Sri Lanka killing 156 (which include 35 foreigners) and injuring over 400 people on Sunday, the 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.'
The Press Release read:
"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had telephone conversations with the President and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and conveyed heartfelt condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of all Indians at the loss of over one hundred and fifty innocent lives in today’s terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Shri Modi condemned in the strongest terms the serial terrorist attacks, perpetrated at sites including religious places and during a religious festival. Terming them as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts, he pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world. The Prime Minister renewed the offer of all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges such as those posed by terrorism. He also wished the injured speedy recovery and offered any required assistance for their treatment."
The Ministry of External Affairs in its official statement earlier had said that India strongly condemns the attack.
In a official statement released by MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar,it said that it strongly condemns the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka on April 21, in which many people have been killed and injured. The MEA, on behalf of the country extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. It also wished for the speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks.
Stating India's commitment towards ending acts of terror, the press release by MEA said:
"India has always opposed and rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and has urged concerted action by the international community against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. There can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror. We call for perpetrators of such ghastly and heinous act and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously."
On Sunday, 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 and three hotels the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury were targeted, killing 185 people and injuring over 400, as per reports. There were two more blasts in Dematagoda and Dehiwala in the day, as per reports.
The first blast occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has chaired a high-level security meeting.
15:42 IST, April 21st 2019