Two more explosions were reported from Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, with a total of eight explosions occurring from Sunday morning. At around 2 pm, a seventh explosion was reported in Sri Lanka's Dehiwala, near the Zoological Garden, according to Reuters. Two people have reportedly died in the Dehiwala explosion. An eighth explosion was reported from Dematagoda Mahawila gardens. Quoting police, AFP reported that the eighth blast was a suicide bomb and killed three people.
More than 200 people have been confirmed dead so far, and close to 450 people have been injured.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene, addressing the press, said that seven suspects have been arrested, and were mostly carried out by suicide bombers.
The Sri Lankan government has temporarily blocked WhatsApp, Facebook and Viber, and a police curfew will be imposed from 6 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday, according to news portal Ade Darana.
Earlier in the day, explosions were reported 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. The other three blasts were reported at the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury five-star hotels in Colombo.
All government schools in the island country will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.
In a tweet, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the attacks, and termed them “cowardly”.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation,” he tweeted.
The blasts were condemned by India as well. An official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the blasts and offered condolences to the victims.