File photo. Photograph:( Reuters )
South Asia countries were among the first to react and stand with Sri Lanka in its hour of grief on Sunday after it was hit by series of blasts. The attack killed over 200 people and 450 were injured.
Hours after the serial bombs that ripped through Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on call and condemned the attacks. He also conveyed "deepest condolences" on behalf of the Indians.
Terming the attacks "cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts" PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another "grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism."
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
India has also offered all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges posed by terrorism.
The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement extended condolences to the families of the victims and Government of Sri Lanka, 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," the foreign ministry added.
We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured.
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 21, 2019
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka.https://t.co/Si1ilrSU8j pic.twitter.com/pdSjh8OyVO
Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih extended "heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act" and assured "support in the fight against terrorism."
Saddened by the horrific events in Sri Lanka this morning. My heartfelt sympathies to all affected by this cowardly act of terror. At this difficult time, I affirm our solidarity with the government and people of Sri Lanka and assure our support in the fight against terrorism.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) April 21, 2019
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also condemned the "heinous terroristic attack."
Shocked and saddened by reports of multiple explosions in Colombo and elsewhere in #SriLanka. Condemn unreservedly this heinous terroristic attack claiming numerous lives and injuring many. Our deepest condolences & prayers are with Govt & people of Sri Lanka & affected families.
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) April 21, 2019
Meanwhile, Maldives' minister of state Ahmed Khaleel will visit Sri Lanka on Monday as a special envoy of the president to inquire on the condition of Maldivians who may have been affected by the explosions. He will also convey solidarity to the Sri Lankan government at this time of national distress.
Expressing sadness, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a tweet said," I express my condolence with Rt. Hon'ble Ranil Wickramasinghe, PM of Sri Lanka and bereaved families of victims of brutality. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
I am deeply saddened by multiple bomb blasts and killings of innocent people in Sri Lanka. I express my condolence with Rt. Hon'ble Ranil Wickramasinghe, PM of SriLanka and bereaved families of victims of brutality. I wish speedy recovery of the injured.
— KP Sharma Oli (@PM_Nepal) April 21, 2019
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed condolences to Sri Lanka and said his country "stands in complete solidarity in their hour of grief."
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
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi telephoned Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister to express condolences and conveyed sympathies for the families that lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
Afghan foreign minister's spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also condemned the attack in "strongest terms".
1/2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan condemns in strongest terms, the terrorist attacks on churches, hotels and worshippers in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/OYHcO3f8GW
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) April 21, 2019
Bhutan and Bangladesh also condemned the attack and expressed their solidarity with Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina wished quick recovery of those who were injured in the attacks.
Extremely saddened on the reports of multiple bomb blast in #srilankaterrorattack My condolences to the families of the victims... #Bhutan condemn this act of terrorism #PrayforSriLanka
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) April 21, 2019
Over 200 people were killed and at least 450 people were killed in a series of blast