Caravan News
NEW DELHI – Political Leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan have taken to social media to condemn the multiple blasts that targeted churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, and stand in solidarity with those who have been affected.
At least 156 people were killed and around 400 injured in the explosions that rocked three churches and three hotels in the island nation on Sunday, 21 April. The incident took place as hundreds of worshippers were attending Easter services.
Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019
Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 21, 2019
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted saying she is in constant touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo and is “keeping a close watch on the situation”. She has also given out helpline numbers for any Indians in distress in the aftermath of the attacks.
Indians in distress may please contact Indian High Commission in Colombo. We will provide you all assistance. @IndiainSL Our helpline numbers are :
+94777903082,+94112422788,+94112422789, +94112422789.
Pls RT— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019
President Ram Nath Kovind and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley were among those who took to Twitter to condemn the blasts:
Pakistan Foreign Officer spokesperson also expressed solidarity with Sri Lanka and asserted its stand against terror, in a statement.
Pakistan condemns explosions and terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka at Churches & Hotels, that have led to numerous casualties and immense loss. People and Government of Pakistan stand by people and Government of Sri Lanka at this moment of tragedy and against terror: FO spokesperson pic.twitter.com/1kVr1gIbOk
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) April 21, 2019
The Congress and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the near-simultaneous blasts.
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of innocent lives in multiple bombings on Easter Sunday in Colombo #SriLanka.
My heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved families and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.#lka #SriLankaBlasts #Blasts
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) April 21, 2019
We are deeply saddened by the terrible attacks on several churches in #SriLanka on the holy day of Easter. We stand with the people in their time of grief & pray for their recovery.
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 21, 2019
Saddened and shocked at the disturbing news coming in from Sri Lanka. All forms of violence are unacceptable. Easter is a Festival of Peace. My thoughts and prayers with the grieving families
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 21, 2019
Extremely shocked to learn about the blasts in Sri Lanka leading to so many casualties. My sympathies and condolences to the bereaved and injured. I have many friends there. I hope they are safe.
— Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) April 21, 2019
Shocked & saddened by news of church & hotel bombings in SriLanka. Intolerance, bigotry & terrorism sadly know no borders or limits. Profound condolences to the families & my thoughts and prayers for that beautiful & tortured land. https://t.co/eU1gKjuOnp
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 21, 2019
Shocked & saddened by news of church & hotel bombings in SriLanka. Intolerance, bigotry & terrorism sadly know no borders or limits. Profound condolences to the families & my thoughts and prayers for that beautiful & tortured land. https://t.co/eU1gKjuOnp
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 21, 2019
While three high-end hotels and one church were targeted in the capital, Colombo, two other churches were attacked in Negombo and Batticaloa. No group has claimed responsibility so far for Sunday’s attacks.
