Sri Lanka Easter bombings death toll rises to 207
Sunday April 21, 2019 17:28
ECONOMYNEXT- The death toll from a series of blasts across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday has risen to 207, while 450 are injured, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.
The death toll has risen from 138 reported mid-afternoon, and 160 early evening.
State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene had said the attacks were carried out by an extremist group, and some blasts were suicide bombings.
Police curfew has been declared with immediate effect across the island.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the incidents would have a serious impact on the stability of Sri Lanka and the economy.
Explosions went off at churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, where devotees were celebrating Easter Mass.
Explosions were also set off in Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels in the capital Colombo.
Two more explosions were reported in Dehiwala and Dematagoda, both suburbs of the capital.
The incidents are the worst reported after a 30 year war ended in 2009. (Colombo/Apr21/2019-SB)
Sri Lanka yet to register Indian made Covid 19 vaccine