LIVE news updates: Seven suspects arrested for multiple blasts in Sri Lanka, death toll rises to 207

Seven suspects have been arrested following a series of eight blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s defence minister said.

LIVE news updates: Seven suspects arrested for multiple blasts in Sri Lanka, death toll rises to 207
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21 Apr 2019, 5:56 PM

Air India waives off all charges for rescheduling/cancellation of bookings on flights to/from Colombo till April 24

“In view of the situation in Sri Lanka, Air India has waived off all charges for rescheduling/cancellation of bookings on its flights to/from Colombo for travel till April 24, 2019.Passengers are requested to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike Int'l Apt,” tweeted Air India

21 Apr 2019, 5:35 PM

Seven suspects have been arrested following a series of eight blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s defence minister said.

21 Apr 2019, 5:18 PM

World condemns multiple blasts in Sri Lanka

India has strongly condemned the serial blasts with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that New Delhi stood in solidarity with the island nation.

The External Affairs Ministry added that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terror.

Alaina B. Teplitz, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, said in a tweet: "Deeply saddened by the senseless attacks in Sri Lanka today. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with Sri Lanka's people at this terrible moment."

The US Embassy in Colombo has also put out the helpline numbers on Twitter.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said in a series of tweets that his country "stood in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in its hour of grief".

"My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief," Khan tweeted.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and the leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, too have condemned the attacks.

"We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practice their faith in fear," May posted on Twitter.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker expressed "horror and sadness" over the string of blasts in the island nation. The French Embassy in Colombo has asked its citizens to avoid public places.


21 Apr 2019, 4:46 PM

Eighth Sri Lanka blast was suicide bomb, killed three, says Police

21 Apr 2019, 3:08 PM

Sri Lankan government shut down social media


21 Apr 2019, 3:03 PM

Curfew imposed across Sri Lanka from 6 pm today to 6 am tomorrow

21 Apr 2019, 2:57 PM

Eighth blast hits Sri Lankan capital


21 Apr 2019, 2:49 PM

My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery, said Congress President Rahul Gandhi

“I’m saddened & disturbed by reports of multiple bomb blasts in in which over 100 people have died & more than 300 injured. I strongly condemn this diabolical act of terrorism. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi

21 Apr 2019, 2:32 PM

Another blast in Sri Lankan capital leaves two dead


21 Apr 2019, 1:37 PM

Death toll rises to 156 in Sri Lanka blast

21 Apr 2019, 1:00 PM

There is no place for such barbarism in our region, says PM Modi over Sri Lanka explosion

"There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sri Lanka blasts


21 Apr 2019, 12:54 PM

Yes it does hurt when such things are said about a martyr, be it from the Army or the Police, said Lt General(Retd) DS Hooda over Pragya Thakur comments on Hemant Karkare

“Yes it does hurt when such things are said about a martyr, be it from the Army or the Police, full respect should be given. These utterances are not good,”said Lt General(Retd) DS Hooda

21 Apr 2019, 12:47 PM

Ranil Wickremesinghe: I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today

“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,” said Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe


21 Apr 2019, 12:25 PM

Congress condemns Sri Lanka blast

“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,” said Congress in a tweet

21 Apr 2019, 12:13 PM

129 killed in Sri Lanka explosions

At least 129 people were killed and more than 500 others injured on Sunday as explosions ripped through three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka, media reports said.

According to the island nation's The Daily Mirror newspaper, explosions were reported as hundreds of worshipers gathered 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 where reported at the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury five-star hotels in Colombo.

An emergency meeting has been called over the attacks, Minister Harsha De Silva said in a tweet.

"Secretary of Defence and I am at Kochchikade Church. We were also at Shangri-La and Kingsbury Hotels. Rescue operations are underway. Many casualties have been reported including foreigners," he said and requested people to stay calm and indoors.

Images on social media showed the inside at the St. Sebastian church with a shattered ceiling and blood on the pews, the BBC said.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks.


21 Apr 2019, 11:48 AM

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena addresses the nation, appeals for calm

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the nation, appealed for calm while PM Ranil Wickremesinghe called for an emergency meeting

21 Apr 2019, 11:45 AM

Venkiah Naidu, Vice President of India condoles the loss of lives in Sri Lanka blast

I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of innocent lives in multiple bombings on Easter Sunday in Colombo, Sri Lanka. My heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved families and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.


21 Apr 2019, 11:32 AM

Death toll in Sri lanka multiple blasts rises to 52

21 Apr 2019, 11:15 AM

Sri Lanka blast: Death toll rises to 42


21 Apr 2019, 11:08 AM

Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka issues numbers for Indian citizens seeking help

The Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka has issued the following numbers for Indian citizens seeking help and seeking clarification: +94777902082 +94772234176.

21 Apr 2019, 11:00 AM

Sushma Swaraj: I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo

“I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation,” said Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister


21 Apr 2019, 10:56 AM

25 killed, over 200 injured as several explosions rock Colombo

More than 25 people reported dead & more than 200 injured following several explosions in Colombo

21 Apr 2019, 10:01 AM

Blasts hit two Sri Lanka churches during Easter mass, over 80 injured


21 Apr 2019, 9:56 AM

Sadhvi Pragya: Why would we regret the demolition of the Babri Masjid? We are, in fact, proud of it

"Why would we regret the demolition of the Babri Masjid? We are, in fact, proud of it. There were some waste products of the Ram temple and we removed it. This has awakened the self-respect of our country and we will construct a grand Ram temple," said Sadhvi Pragya in an exclusive interview to AajTak

21 Apr 2019, 9:22 AM

85 killed in Yemen during fighting between pro govt forces and rebels

In Yemen, 85 people killed in heavy fighting between pro-government forces and rebels


21 Apr 2019, 9:09 AM

Congress President Rahul Gandhi greets the nation on the occasion of Easter

21 Apr 2019, 8:45 AM

PM Narendra Modi greets people on the occasion of Easter


21 Apr 2019, 8:21 AM

7 killed, 34 injured after bus rams into truck on Agra-Lucknow Expressway

7 dead and 34 injured after a bus rammed into a truck on Agra-Lucknow Expressway near Mainpuri

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