Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered the police to charge perpetrators of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/police-imposes-night-curfew-in-sri-lanka-again-amid-violence-218754">communal violence in the country</a> on May 12 and 13 under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.An offence under the ICCPR Act is non-bailable.

A person found guilty of an offence under the Act can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a maximum term of ten years, reported Colombo Page.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wife-of-sri-lanka-church-bomber-delivers-their-first-baby-post-easter-attacks-219107">Wife of Sri Lanka church bomber delivers their first baby post Easter attacks</a>

The police arrested 14 persons in connection with incidents in Minuwangoda town and nine of them were remanded until May 29 after being produced before a court.

The remaining five persons are due to be produced.

Over 60 persons were arrested in connection with the acts in the northwestern province for their alleged involvement in violent acts and curfew violation.

The Prime Minister`s office announced yesterday that the situation in the country has been brought under control by the police and security forces.

Clashes had broken out on Sunday between members of Christian and Muslim communities after mobs threw stones at mosques and Muslim-owned stores in Chillaw town.

Following this, the police had a imposed a curfew in the region and the government had blocked various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Youtube, to prevent the circulation of rumours in the aftermath of violence.

Tensions are brewing in the island nation since April 21, when eight coordinated bombings left at least 250 people dead and scores of others injured amid Easter celebrations.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered the police to charge perpetrators of communal violence in the country on May 12 and 13 under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered the police to charge perpetrators of communal violence in the country on May 12 and 13 under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act.An offence under the ICCPR Act is non-bailable. A person found guilty of an offence under the Act can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a maximum term of ten years, reported Colombo Page. Also read: Wife of Sri Lanka church bomber delivers their first baby post Easter attacks The police arrested 14 persons in connection with incidents in Minuwangoda town and nine of them were remanded until May 29 after being produced before a court. The remaining five persons are due to be produced. Over 60 persons were arrested in connection with the acts in the northwestern province for their alleged involvement in violent acts and curfew violation. The Prime Minister`s office announced yesterday that the situation in the country has been brought under control by the police and security forces. Clashes had broken out on Sunday between members of Christian and Muslim communities after mobs threw stones at mosques and Muslim-owned stores in Chillaw town. Following this, the police had a imposed a curfew in the region and the government had blocked various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Youtube, to prevent the circulation of rumours in the aftermath of violence. Tensions are brewing in the island nation since April 21, when eight coordinated bombings left at least 250 people dead and scores of others injured amid Easter celebrations.

Perpetrators of communal violence to be charged under ICCPR: Sri Lankan Prime Minister

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-bans-ntj-two-other-islamist-extremist-organisations-218736">Sri Lankan</a> police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/police-imposes-night-curfew-in-sri-lanka-again-amid-violence-218754">Police imposes night curfew in Sri Lanka again amid violence</a>

Soldiers in armoured vehicles patrolled the towns hit by sectarian violence this week as residents recalled how people&nbsp;had hid in paddy fields to escape mobs incensed over attacks last month.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks on Easter Sunday on April 21 that targeted churches and hotels and there have since been fears of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muslim-cleric-wanted-for-airing-extremist-views-arrested-by-lankan-authorities-218101">backlash against a community</a>.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-communal-violence-in-sri-lanka-after-easter-terror-attacks-218798/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

A police spokesman said the situation is under control with no new incidents reported on Tuesday but a nation-wide curfew from 9 pm (1530 GMT) to 4 am would be in effect for a second night.

Sri Lankan police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Sri Lankan police arrested 23 people on Tuesday in connection with a spate of attacks on homes and shops, in what's believed to be a reprisal for the Easter bombings that killed more than 250 people. Also read: Police imposes night curfew in Sri Lanka again amid violence Soldiers in armoured vehicles patrolled the towns hit by sectarian violence this week as residents recalled how people had hid in paddy fields to escape mobs incensed over attacks last month. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks on Easter Sunday on April 21 that targeted churches and hotels and there have since been fears of a backlash against a community. × A police spokesman said the situation is under control with no new incidents reported on Tuesday but a nation-wide curfew from 9 pm (1530 GMT) to 4 am would be in effect for a second night.

Sri Lankan police make arrests in connection to violence after Easter attack

The Islamic State-linked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-min-asks-security-forces-to-avoid-incidents-that-may-lead-to-radicalisation-of-muslims-216474">Sri Lankan extremist group</a> National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings, has been found possessing more than Rs 140 million&nbsp;in cash and other assets worth over &nbsp;Rs 7 billion, police said on Monday.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified more than Rs 140 million&nbsp;in&nbsp;cash and other assets worth over&nbsp;Rs 7 billion&nbsp;belonging to the terror group involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-extends-deadline-by-48-hours-for-public-to-hand-over-swords-sharp-weapons-216367">Easter Sunday attacks</a>, Police spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

The assets and the cash were found during the investigations by the CID, police said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cid-find-cash-and-assets-worth-over-rs-7-billion-belonging-to-the-national-thowheed-jamath-216546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Half of the cash has been taken under CID custody and the remainder was found deposited in several bank accounts. The CID has taken measures to suspend those accounts," Gunasekera said.

Gunasekera said since the April 21 attacks in which over 250 people were killed, around 73 suspected members of the NTJ have been arrested and are being questioned by the CID and the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID).

"There are 54 suspects including seven women under CID custody while 19 others including two women are under TID custody,"&nbsp;he said

More than 250 people, including 11 Indians, were killed and nearly 500 others injured in the co-ordinated suicide bombings, which targeted three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels.

The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, the island nation's worst, but the government blamed ISIS-linked local Islamist extremist group NTJ.

More than 250 people, including 11 Indians, were killed and nearly 500 others injured in the co-ordinated suicide bombings, which targeted three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels.

The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, the island nation's worst, but the government blamed NTJ. The government has banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 suspects in connection with the blasts.

The move to ban the outfits came after the Lankan Parliament adopted a newly-enforced emergency regulation on Wednesday following a series of eight coordinated blasts, which ripped through three churches and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists on April 19 in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war ended in 2009.&nbsp;

The Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings, has been found possessing more than Rs 140 million in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion, police said on Monday.

The Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ), blamed for the Easter Sunday bombings, has been found possessing more than Rs 140 million in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion, police said on Monday. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified more than Rs 140 million in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion belonging to the terror group involved in the Easter Sunday attacks, Police spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said. The assets and the cash were found during the investigations by the CID, police said. "Half of the cash has been taken under CID custody and the remainder was found deposited in several bank accounts. The CID has taken measures to suspend those accounts," Gunasekera said. Gunasekera said since the April 21 attacks in which over 250 people were killed, around 73 suspected members of the NTJ have been arrested and are being questioned by the CID and the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID). "There are 54 suspects including seven women under CID custody while 19 others including two women are under TID custody," he said More than 250 people, including 11 Indians, were killed and nearly 500 others injured in the co-ordinated suicide bombings, which targeted three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, the island nation's worst, but the government blamed ISIS-linked local Islamist extremist group NTJ. More than 250 people, including 11 Indians, were killed and nearly 500 others injured in the co-ordinated suicide bombings, which targeted three Catholic churches and three luxury hotels. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, the island nation's worst, but the government blamed NTJ. The government has banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 suspects in connection with the blasts. The move to ban the outfits came after the Lankan Parliament adopted a newly-enforced emergency regulation on Wednesday following a series of eight coordinated blasts, which ripped through three churches and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists on April 19 in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war ended in 2009.

Sri Lanka terror group NTJ linked to Easter bombings had millions in cash, assets: Police

All suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-group-linked-to-easter-bombings-has-over-rs-140-mn-cash-rs-7-bn-worth-assets-police-216553">plotters and those directly linked to Sri Lanka's </a>Easter Sunday bombings have either been arrested or are dead, the country`s acting police chief said on Monday.

In an audio statement circulated by the defence ministry, Chandana Wickramaratne, the acting Inspector General of Police, said security forces had also confiscated bomb-making material intended for future use by the militants involved in the attacks, which killed more than 250 people.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities have said the bombings were believed to have been carried out by two little-known local Islamist groups, the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI). Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

Since the April 21 attacks around 73 suspected members of the NTJ have been arrested and are being questioned by the CID and the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID), Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said.

Meanwhile, the police have recovered more than Rs 140 million in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion from the Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ).

The assets and the cash were found during the investigations by the CID.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified more than Rs 140 million cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion belonging to the terror group involved in the Easter Sunday attacks, Gunasekera said.

"Half of the cash has been taken under CID custody and the remainder was found deposited in several bank accounts. The CID has taken measures to suspend those accounts," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

All suspected plotters and those directly linked to Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings have either been arrested or are dead, the country`s acting police chief said on Monday.

All suspected plotters and those directly linked to Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings have either been arrested or are dead, the country`s acting police chief said on Monday. In an audio statement circulated by the defence ministry, Chandana Wickramaratne, the acting Inspector General of Police, said security forces had also confiscated bomb-making material intended for future use by the militants involved in the attacks, which killed more than 250 people. Sri Lankan authorities have said the bombings were believed to have been carried out by two little-known local Islamist groups, the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI). Islamic State has claimed responsibility. Since the April 21 attacks around 73 suspected members of the NTJ have been arrested and are being questioned by the CID and the Terrorist Investigation Department (TID), Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said. Meanwhile, the police have recovered more than Rs 140 million in cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion from the Islamic State-linked Sri Lankan extremist group National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ). The assets and the cash were found during the investigations by the CID. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified more than Rs 140 million cash and other assets worth over Rs 7 billion belonging to the terror group involved in the Easter Sunday attacks, Gunasekera said. "Half of the cash has been taken under CID custody and the remainder was found deposited in several bank accounts. The CID has taken measures to suspend those accounts," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

All suspects in Sri Lanka bombings arrested or dead: Acting police chief

In the wake of the serial bomb attacks that rattled Sri Lanka killing over 250 people, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday ordered the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to regulate madrasas, instead of the education ministry.

Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told Daily Mirror that the Prime Minister stressed the need for the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to look into the regulation of Madrasas, though the minister had earlier said the education ministry would take steps to regulate them.

"The Prime Minister wanted the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to deal so as to prevent any controversy," Kariyawasam said.

Earlier, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said around 800 Foreign Islamic clerics were engaged in religious teaching at the Madrasas.

These clerics had arrived on tourist visas and therefore they should be deported, the minister added.

Sri Lankan authorities are on high-alert after nine suicide bombers carried out a series of blasts that shook three churches and three high-end hotels on the Easter Sunday on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500.

The IS (Islamic State) or `Daesh` terror group claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ), believed to be associated with the former, for the deadly attacks.

Wickremesinghe on Friday visited the Zion Church Batticaloa, which came under terrorist attack on Easter Sunday and discussed with the church authorities on the various matters related to security measures.

In the wake of the serial bomb attacks that rattled Sri Lanka killing over 250 people, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday ordered the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to regulate madrasas, instead of the education ministry.

In the wake of the serial bomb attacks that rattled Sri Lanka killing over 250 people, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday ordered the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to regulate madrasas, instead of the education ministry. Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told Daily Mirror that the Prime Minister stressed the need for the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to look into the regulation of Madrasas, though the minister had earlier said the education ministry would take steps to regulate them. "The Prime Minister wanted the Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to deal so as to prevent any controversy," Kariyawasam said. Earlier, Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said around 800 Foreign Islamic clerics were engaged in religious teaching at the Madrasas. These clerics had arrived on tourist visas and therefore they should be deported, the minister added. Sri Lankan authorities are on high-alert after nine suicide bombers carried out a series of blasts that shook three churches and three high-end hotels on the Easter Sunday on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500. The IS (Islamic State) or `Daesh` terror group claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ), believed to be associated with the former, for the deadly attacks. Wickremesinghe on Friday visited the Zion Church Batticaloa, which came under terrorist attack on Easter Sunday and discussed with the church authorities on the various matters related to security measures.

Sri Lanka: PM Wickremesinghe orders Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to regulate Madrasas

Police in Sri Lanka on Saturday asked members of the public to hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police station after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-suicide-bombers-visited-kashmir-kerala-for-some-sorts-of-training-army-chief-215900">haul of such blades were recovered from mosques and homes</a> during searches following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks.

Announcing the amnesty scheme, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara that the knives which are used for day-to-day "domestic" and "justifiable" purposes were not required to be handed over to police.&nbsp;

Apart from large blades, Gunasekara said that police and army uniforms or such camouflaged materials, which are in possession with the common people should also be hand over to the police.

"This will be in effect from today until tomorrow", he said, adding, "If you are having police or camouflaged military uniforms, please hand them over to the nearest police station".

The move came after police recovered a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials during searches of mosques and houses following the Easter Sunday's suicide attacks, which claimed 250 lives.

According to the police, several people including politicians were arrested for possession of sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the blasts.

Gunasekera also requested the relatives of the bomb blast victims to assist the police in performing DNA tests to identify around 56 bodies, laying unclaimed in the Colombo judicial medical officer's mortuary.

"Relatives of anyone missing since April 21 who might have been in areas of explosions, please inform the nearest police stations," Gunasekera said.

The police said that a special security arrangements have been made for the re-opening of schools.

"We will carry out a thorough search of all schools during tomorrow. There will be special parking arrangements nears the schools to ensure safety," he said.

The schools were to reopen on April 29 but it was extended till May 6.

Doubts were being raised if the security situation was favourable for the reopening of schools.&nbsp;

However, the Archbishop of Colombo has instructed the Catholic schools not to commence their terms until further notice.

Police in Sri Lanka on Saturday asked members of the public to hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police station after a haul of such blades were recovered from mosques and homes during searches following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks.

Police in Sri Lanka on Saturday asked members of the public to hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police station after a haul of such blades were recovered from mosques and homes during searches following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks. Announcing the amnesty scheme, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara that the knives which are used for day-to-day "domestic" and "justifiable" purposes were not required to be handed over to police. Apart from large blades, Gunasekara said that police and army uniforms or such camouflaged materials, which are in possession with the common people should also be hand over to the police. "This will be in effect from today until tomorrow", he said, adding, "If you are having police or camouflaged military uniforms, please hand them over to the nearest police station". The move came after police recovered a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials during searches of mosques and houses following the Easter Sunday's suicide attacks, which claimed 250 lives. According to the police, several people including politicians were arrested for possession of sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the blasts. Gunasekera also requested the relatives of the bomb blast victims to assist the police in performing DNA tests to identify around 56 bodies, laying unclaimed in the Colombo judicial medical officer's mortuary. "Relatives of anyone missing since April 21 who might have been in areas of explosions, please inform the nearest police stations," Gunasekera said. The police said that a special security arrangements have been made for the re-opening of schools. "We will carry out a thorough search of all schools during tomorrow. There will be special parking arrangements nears the schools to ensure safety," he said. The schools were to reopen on April 29 but it was extended till May 6. Doubts were being raised if the security situation was favourable for the reopening of schools. However, the Archbishop of Colombo has instructed the Catholic schools not to commence their terms until further notice.

Handover swords, large knives, army uniforms to police: Sri Lankan police to public

Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attack-mastermind-used-chatrooms-to-sway-suicide-bombers-215665">suicide bombers </a>who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

It is the first time that a top Sri Lankan security official has confirmed the militants' visit to India which had shared intelligence inputs with Colombo ahead of the attack.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-catholics-turn-to-tv-mass-amid-bomb-threat-215842">series of devastating blasts</a> that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-sri-lankas-former-president-rajapaksas-aide-is-hindering-probe-into-easter-day-attacks-215758">Gravitas: Sri Lanka's former President Rajapaksa's aide is hindering probe into Easter day attacks</a>

In an interview to BBC, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army, divulged some details on the movements of the suspects in the region and also international links.

"They (the suspects) have gone to India, they've gone to Kashmir, Bangalore, they've travelled to Kerala state. Those are the information available with us," he said.

Asked what activities they were doing in Kashmir and Kerala, the Army chief said, "Not exactly, but definitely in some sorts of training or to make some more links towards the other organisations outside the country".

The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ).

Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts.

About the possibility of an involvement of a foreign group, the Commander said that by looking at the pattern of operation and the places that the suspects travelled, there has to be some outside involvement of some leadership or instructions.

Asked why the threats were not taken more seriously after receiving information from India, Senanayake said, "We had some information and intelligence-sharing, situations and military intelligence on a different direction and the others were different and there was a gap that everybody could see today".

He said that as the Chief of the Army, he believes that everybody who is responsible for intelligence-gathering and the national security is to be blamed, including the political hierarchies.

Asked why Sri Lanka was targeted, the Commander said, "Too much of freedom, too much of peace for the last 10 years. People forget what happened for 30 years. People are enjoying peace and they neglected security".

He was referring to the three-decade civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which ended in 2009 after claiming at least 100,000 lives.

"We are deployed on the ground to give confidence to the public and ensure there is no violence or escalation of communal riots in this country. Have trust on the armed forces and the Police of this country who will bring normalcy as soon as possible," the Army chief added.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits. It is the first time that a top Sri Lankan security official has confirmed the militants' visit to India which had shared intelligence inputs with Colombo ahead of the attack. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others. Watch: Gravitas: Sri Lanka's former President Rajapaksa's aide is hindering probe into Easter day attacks In an interview to BBC, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army, divulged some details on the movements of the suspects in the region and also international links. "They (the suspects) have gone to India, they've gone to Kashmir, Bangalore, they've travelled to Kerala state. Those are the information available with us," he said. Asked what activities they were doing in Kashmir and Kerala, the Army chief said, "Not exactly, but definitely in some sorts of training or to make some more links towards the other organisations outside the country". The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. About the possibility of an involvement of a foreign group, the Commander said that by looking at the pattern of operation and the places that the suspects travelled, there has to be some outside involvement of some leadership or instructions. Asked why the threats were not taken more seriously after receiving information from India, Senanayake said, "We had some information and intelligence-sharing, situations and military intelligence on a different direction and the others were different and there was a gap that everybody could see today". He said that as the Chief of the Army, he believes that everybody who is responsible for intelligence-gathering and the national security is to be blamed, including the political hierarchies. Asked why Sri Lanka was targeted, the Commander said, "Too much of freedom, too much of peace for the last 10 years. People forget what happened for 30 years. People are enjoying peace and they neglected security". He was referring to the three-decade civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which ended in 2009 after claiming at least 100,000 lives. "We are deployed on the ground to give confidence to the public and ensure there is no violence or escalation of communal riots in this country. Have trust on the armed forces and the Police of this country who will bring normalcy as soon as possible," the Army chief added.

Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief

While Sri Lanka Easter suicide attacks mastermind <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/zahran-hashim-radical-islamist-linked-to-sri-lanka-blasts-213606">Zahran Hashim</a> used social media to publicly call for the death of non-Muslims, he worked for months in private chatrooms to persuade six young <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-releases-photos-of-suspects-of-church-hotel-bombing-that-killed-nearly-250-213584">men to sacrifice themselves</a>, Muslim community leaders say.

Christians and foreign tourists were badly hit in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/us-warns-of-more-attacks-in-sri-lanka-by-active-members-of-terror-group-still-at-large-214821">attacks on three churches and three hotels</a> that killed 257 people, but Sri Lanka's Muslim community has also been badly scarred and has been looking into the backgrounds of Hashim and his jihadist acolytes.

Hashim, who died in an attack on the Shangri-La hotel on April 21, inspired wealthy brothers Ilham Ibrahim and Inshaf Ibrahim to join and bankroll his assault, police and fellow Muslims said.

"We suspect the two brothers used their money from the spice business to finance the bombings," one police investigator said.

"It seems the indoctrination was via the internet -- Facebook and YouTube."

Neighbours of the Ibrahim brothers said they were secretive but devout Muslims. They were not active members of a congregation, community leaders said.

"We believe Zahran radicalised these people using Facebook," said R. Abdul Razik, a leader of the moderate Ceylon Thowheed Jama'ath (CTJ) group.

"Especially in the past year, he has been openly calling for the killing of non-Muslims."

Investigators and community leaders believe the group also used social media private messenges to keep in touch without being noticed by the authorities.

Warnings failed

The CTJ and the main body of Islamic clerics, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, had alerted Sri Lanka's security establishment to Hashim and his acolytes, but said their warnings failed to get serious attention.

The Sri Lankan government has already acknowledged that foreign intelligence warnings about the attacks were not passed on to ministers.

"We asked the intelligence agencies to take down the Facebook page of Zahran because he was polluting the minds of Sri Lankan Muslims," Razik said.

"We were told it is better to allow him to have the page so that the authorities could keep an eye on what he was doing."

Another moderate Islamic group, the Sri Lanka Thowheed Jama'ath (SLTJ) said it called a press conference in 2017 to warn authorities about Hashim, but no action was taken.

"Zahran indoctrinated people using social media. He was spewing an IS brand of propaganda that somehow appealed to the bombers," SLTJ spokesman Thawseef Ahamed told AFP.

A fuller reckoning of those involved in the attacks was only released by authorities this week, revealing at least two sets of brothers.

Ilham Ibrahim died at the Shangri-La hotel while his brother Inshaf Ibrahim bombed the Cinnamon Grand.

Ringleader Hashim also died at the Shangri-la, while his yet-to-be named brother blew himself up when surrounded on April 26 near the eastern coastal town of Kalmunai. He was with three widows of the Easter bombers when police and troops laid siege to the house.&nbsp;

Sixteen people were killed there, including six children, relatives of Hashim, and members of his National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) movement, which has since been banned.

Killed children

The pregnant wife of Ilham Ibrahim, Fathima Ilham, blew herself up when police raided the family home in Colombo hours after the bombings. She also killed her two children and three police officers.

Mohamed Azzam Mubarak Mohamed has been named as the bomber who targeted the Kingsbury hotel in Colombo. His wife is now in police custody.

A fourth hotel was on the bombers' list. The would-be attacker, Abdul Latheef, failed to set off his explosives. He detonated it a few hours later at a small motel, killing himself and two other people.

Latheef studied aeronautical engineering at Kingston University in Britain and did post-graduate studies in Melbourne, Australia. Australian media said he was under investigation in 2014 by the country's counter-terrorism unit and may have travelled to Syria.

He also came into contact with Hashim through Facebook posts and Youtube videos. &nbsp;

The men who bombed the three churches have been named as Ahmed Muaz, Mohamed Hasthun and Mohamed Nasser Mohamed Asad. The three were hardly known within their communities, according to Muslim leaders.

While Sri Lanka Easter suicide attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim used social media to publicly call for the death of non-Muslims, he worked for months in private chatrooms to persuade six young men to sacrifice themselves, Muslim community leaders say.

While Sri Lanka Easter suicide attacks mastermind Zahran Hashim used social media to publicly call for the death of non-Muslims, he worked for months in private chatrooms to persuade six young men to sacrifice themselves, Muslim community leaders say. Christians and foreign tourists were badly hit in the attacks on three churches and three hotels that killed 257 people, but Sri Lanka's Muslim community has also been badly scarred and has been looking into the backgrounds of Hashim and his jihadist acolytes. Hashim, who died in an attack on the Shangri-La hotel on April 21, inspired wealthy brothers Ilham Ibrahim and Inshaf Ibrahim to join and bankroll his assault, police and fellow Muslims said. "We suspect the two brothers used their money from the spice business to finance the bombings," one police investigator said. "It seems the indoctrination was via the internet -- Facebook and YouTube." Neighbours of the Ibrahim brothers said they were secretive but devout Muslims. They were not active members of a congregation, community leaders said. "We believe Zahran radicalised these people using Facebook," said R. Abdul Razik, a leader of the moderate Ceylon Thowheed Jama'ath (CTJ) group. "Especially in the past year, he has been openly calling for the killing of non-Muslims." Investigators and community leaders believe the group also used social media private messenges to keep in touch without being noticed by the authorities. Warnings failed The CTJ and the main body of Islamic clerics, the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, had alerted Sri Lanka's security establishment to Hashim and his acolytes, but said their warnings failed to get serious attention. The Sri Lankan government has already acknowledged that foreign intelligence warnings about the attacks were not passed on to ministers. "We asked the intelligence agencies to take down the Facebook page of Zahran because he was polluting the minds of Sri Lankan Muslims," Razik said. "We were told it is better to allow him to have the page so that the authorities could keep an eye on what he was doing." Another moderate Islamic group, the Sri Lanka Thowheed Jama'ath (SLTJ) said it called a press conference in 2017 to warn authorities about Hashim, but no action was taken. "Zahran indoctrinated people using social media. He was spewing an IS brand of propaganda that somehow appealed to the bombers," SLTJ spokesman Thawseef Ahamed told AFP. A fuller reckoning of those involved in the attacks was only released by authorities this week, revealing at least two sets of brothers. Ilham Ibrahim died at the Shangri-La hotel while his brother Inshaf Ibrahim bombed the Cinnamon Grand. Ringleader Hashim also died at the Shangri-la, while his yet-to-be named brother blew himself up when surrounded on April 26 near the eastern coastal town of Kalmunai. He was with three widows of the Easter bombers when police and troops laid siege to the house. Sixteen people were killed there, including six children, relatives of Hashim, and members of his National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) movement, which has since been banned. Killed children The pregnant wife of Ilham Ibrahim, Fathima Ilham, blew herself up when police raided the family home in Colombo hours after the bombings. She also killed her two children and three police officers. Mohamed Azzam Mubarak Mohamed has been named as the bomber who targeted the Kingsbury hotel in Colombo. His wife is now in police custody. A fourth hotel was on the bombers' list. The would-be attacker, Abdul Latheef, failed to set off his explosives. He detonated it a few hours later at a small motel, killing himself and two other people. Latheef studied aeronautical engineering at Kingston University in Britain and did post-graduate studies in Melbourne, Australia. Australian media said he was under investigation in 2014 by the country's counter-terrorism unit and may have travelled to Syria. He also came into contact with Hashim through Facebook posts and Youtube videos. The men who bombed the three churches have been named as Ahmed Muaz, Mohamed Hasthun and Mohamed Nasser Mohamed Asad. The three were hardly known within their communities, according to Muslim leaders.

Sri Lanka attack mastermind used chatrooms to sway suicide bombers

Sri Lankan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-president-sirisena-assures-hoteliers-maximum-financial-help-to-revive-tourism-214676">Maithripala Sirisena </a>has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

Maithripala Sirisena also cautioned it might be conceivable that Islamic State has propelled "another procedure" by starting to target smaller nations.

"A small group of Sri Lankans travelled abroad to receive training from Islamic State over the past decade," said Sirisena.

Investigations revealed the bombs used in the Easter attacks were made locally, the president said in an interview.

The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others.

The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that a “foreign mastermind” may have been behind the series of bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Maithripala Sirisena also cautioned it might be conceivable that Islamic State has propelled "another procedure" by starting to target smaller nations. "A small group of Sri Lankans travelled abroad to receive training from Islamic State over the past decade," said Sirisena. Investigations revealed the bombs used in the Easter attacks were made locally, the president said in an interview. The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others. The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign mastermind may be behind Sri Lanka bombings, says President Maithripala Sirisena

Four oceanic scientists were among the six Chinese nationals killed during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-in-sri-lanka-churches-hit-during-easter-sunday-mass-212200">Easter Sunday bomb blasts</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leave-my-country-alone-sri-lankan-president-sirisena-tells-islamic-state-215011">Sri Lanka</a>, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said.

The deceased included Li Jian, 38, and Pan Wenliang, 35, who were senior engineers at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO).&nbsp;

Two others, Li Dawei, 30, and Wang Liwei, 26, were from the First Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources, state run Global Times reported on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-moments-before-blast-212866">CCTV video shows suspected suicide bomber entering Sri Lankan church moments before blast</a>

Websites of both the institutes turned black and white to mourn the dead scientists.

Li, along with four other scientists, arrived at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on April 18 and 19, respectively. They were supposed to participate in a joint scientific cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, the SCSIO said.&nbsp;

The embassy said another five people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were injured during the explosions. All of them have returned to China for further treatment, state run China Daily reported.

They had travelled to Sri Lanka in the mid of April for research purposes, it said.&nbsp;

The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others.

The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Four oceanic scientists were among the six Chinese nationals killed during the Easter Sunday bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said. The deceased included Li Jian, 38, and Pan Wenliang, 35, who were senior engineers at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO).

Four oceanic scientists were among the six Chinese nationals killed during the Easter Sunday bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said. The deceased included Li Jian, 38, and Pan Wenliang, 35, who were senior engineers at the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO). Two others, Li Dawei, 30, and Wang Liwei, 26, were from the First Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources, state run Global Times reported on Wednesday. Also read: CCTV video shows suspected suicide bomber entering Sri Lankan church moments before blast Websites of both the institutes turned black and white to mourn the dead scientists. Li, along with four other scientists, arrived at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo on April 18 and 19, respectively. They were supposed to participate in a joint scientific cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, the SCSIO said. The embassy said another five people from the Chinese Academy of Sciences were injured during the explosions. All of them have returned to China for further treatment, state run China Daily reported. They had travelled to Sri Lanka in the mid of April for research purposes, it said. The series of coordinated attacks that ripped through three churches and luxury hotels claimed 253 lives and injured over 500 others. The Lankan foreign ministry has confirmed the death of 42 foreign nationals, including 11 Indians, in the blasts. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

Four Chinese scientists killed in Sri Lanka's suicide bombings

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-governments-lifts-ban-on-social-media-platforms-214678">Sri Lankan</a> police on Tuesday announced that three suspects were arrested along with a van connected to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-is-inspired-local-suicide-bombers-carried-out-strikes-in-sri-lanka-213502"> devastating Easter Sunday bombings</a> from the country's North Central Province.

The suspicious van was wanted over the terror attacks and was taken into custody at Sungavila in Polonnaruwa town, Ruwan Gunasekara, police spokesperson, said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/global-terrorism-has-entered-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-tells-wion-214733">Global terrorism has entered Sri Lanka, PM Wickremesinghe tells WION</a>

They said the van which bears the licence plate 'EP PX 2399' was taken into custody along with the three suspects.

The van was parked in the garden of a home in the area and further investigations are being carried out.

Last week, Sri Lanka placed all police stations in Colombo on high alert as police were hunting for an unidentified container truck and a van, believed to be carrying explosives.

A warning was issued by the Director of Security at the Colombo Harbour said intelligence had found information that an unidentified container truck and a van carrying a potential explosive device was heading towards Colombo.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts.

Powerful blasts ripped through three churches and as many luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500 others.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan police on Tuesday announced that three suspects were arrested along with a van connected to the devastating Easter Sunday bombings from the country's North Central Province.

The Sri Lankan police on Tuesday announced that three suspects were arrested along with a van connected to the devastating Easter Sunday bombings from the country's North Central Province. The suspicious van was wanted over the terror attacks and was taken into custody at Sungavila in Polonnaruwa town, Ruwan Gunasekara, police spokesperson, said. Also read: Global terrorism has entered Sri Lanka, PM Wickremesinghe tells WION They said the van which bears the licence plate 'EP PX 2399' was taken into custody along with the three suspects. The van was parked in the garden of a home in the area and further investigations are being carried out. Last week, Sri Lanka placed all police stations in Colombo on high alert as police were hunting for an unidentified container truck and a van, believed to be carrying explosives. A warning was issued by the Director of Security at the Colombo Harbour said intelligence had found information that an unidentified container truck and a van carrying a potential explosive device was heading towards Colombo. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts. Powerful blasts ripped through three churches and as many luxury hotels on Easter Sunday, killing 253 people and injuring more than 500 others. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attacks.

Sri Lanka attacks: Three suspects arrested, van seized

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/zahran-hashim-radical-islamist-linked-to-sri-lanka-blasts-213606">bombing mastermind Zahran Hashim </a>was set to appear before an Indian court Tuesday after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in India, investigators said.

India has been concerned about Islamist extremists on its soil for some time and the April 21 Sri Lanka bombings that killed 253 people has left authorities alarmed that India might be at risk of a jihadist attack.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">Sri Lanka plotters planning more attacks: US ambassador Teplitz</a>

The Indian national, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), which handles counter-terrorism cases.

During interrogation, he "disclosed that he has been following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim of Sri Lanka for more than a year", an NIA statement said.

"He admitted that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala," a southern Indian state, it added.

Hashim was a Sri Lankan Muslim preacher who led the coordinated Easter Sunday suicide attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, in one of the world's deadliest terrorist attacks.

Military sources have said Hashim was not known to have visited Syria or Iraq, but travelled to India's Tamil Nadu state, which borders Kerala, and had been in contact with Islamists there.

Hashim also appeared in a video released by the Islamic State group, showing him leading others in pledging allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.&nbsp;

IS has claimed responsibility for the Sri Lanka attacks.

India had warned Sri Lanka that suicide attacks were possible weeks before.

The NIA said that it arrested Riyas "for conspiring to commit a terrorist act" in connection with a 2016 case against an Indian man wanted, along with others, for leaving India to join IS abroad.

Riyas had allegedly been in online contact with that suspect, Abdul Rashid Abdulla, alias Abu Isa, and followed his online audio posts including one "instigating others to carry out terror attacks in India", NIA said.

IS in India?

Aboobacker's arrest comes at a time when New Delhi is already anxious about the footprint of IS in the Hindu-majority country.

Indian authorities have already arrested several people allegedly inspired by radical Islamist ideology in recent months.

In 2016 the NIA launched an investigation into the disappearance of 15 young Indians thought to have left to join IS in Afghanistan and Syria.

Pockets of southern India have since been on the radar of Indian investigators concerned over growing radicalism.&nbsp;

Kabir Taneja, associate fellow with New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, said that the danger of attacks may have increased since the collapse of IS's "caliphate" across swathes of Iraq and Syria.

"I think some level of nervousness is expected, and it's good," Taneja told AFP.

"Until now the attraction was to travel to the caliphate. What Sri Lanka might do is push for radicalised people to commit attacks at home," he added.

The NIA recently announced that it had arrested an operative in an IS-inspired group that allegedly planned attacks in and around New Delhi.

The arrest was soon followed by raids in three different parts of Kerala as part of a separate, ongoing investigation into three people suspected of links with the people who left India to join IS.

The NIA said that its raids had recovered mobile phones, memory cards, diaries with handwritten notes and DVDs, and books of the banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

 
&nbsp;

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan bombing mastermind Zahran Hashim was set to appear before an Indian court Tuesday after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in India, investigators said.

An alleged follower of Sri Lankan bombing mastermind Zahran Hashim was set to appear before an Indian court Tuesday after admitting he wanted to carry out an attack in India, investigators said. India has been concerned about Islamist extremists on its soil for some time and the April 21 Sri Lanka bombings that killed 253 people has left authorities alarmed that India might be at risk of a jihadist attack. Also read: Sri Lanka plotters planning more attacks: US ambassador Teplitz The Indian national, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), which handles counter-terrorism cases. During interrogation, he "disclosed that he has been following speeches/videos of Zahran Hashim of Sri Lanka for more than a year", an NIA statement said. "He admitted that he wanted to carry out a suicide attack in Kerala," a southern Indian state, it added. Hashim was a Sri Lankan Muslim preacher who led the coordinated Easter Sunday suicide attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, in one of the world's deadliest terrorist attacks. Military sources have said Hashim was not known to have visited Syria or Iraq, but travelled to India's Tamil Nadu state, which borders Kerala, and had been in contact with Islamists there. Hashim also appeared in a video released by the Islamic State group, showing him leading others in pledging allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. IS has claimed responsibility for the Sri Lanka attacks. India had warned Sri Lanka that suicide attacks were possible weeks before. The NIA said that it arrested Riyas "for conspiring to commit a terrorist act" in connection with a 2016 case against an Indian man wanted, along with others, for leaving India to join IS abroad. Riyas had allegedly been in online contact with that suspect, Abdul Rashid Abdulla, alias Abu Isa, and followed his online audio posts including one "instigating others to carry out terror attacks in India", NIA said. IS in India? Aboobacker's arrest comes at a time when New Delhi is already anxious about the footprint of IS in the Hindu-majority country. Indian authorities have already arrested several people allegedly inspired by radical Islamist ideology in recent months. In 2016 the NIA launched an investigation into the disappearance of 15 young Indians thought to have left to join IS in Afghanistan and Syria. Pockets of southern India have since been on the radar of Indian investigators concerned over growing radicalism. Kabir Taneja, associate fellow with New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation, said that the danger of attacks may have increased since the collapse of IS's "caliphate" across swathes of Iraq and Syria. "I think some level of nervousness is expected, and it's good," Taneja told AFP. "Until now the attraction was to travel to the caliphate. What Sri Lanka might do is push for radicalised people to commit attacks at home," he added. The NIA recently announced that it had arrested an operative in an IS-inspired group that allegedly planned attacks in and around New Delhi. The arrest was soon followed by raids in three different parts of Kerala as part of a separate, ongoing investigation into three people suspected of links with the people who left India to join IS. The NIA said that its raids had recovered mobile phones, memory cards, diaries with handwritten notes and DVDs, and books of the banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.

Follower of Sri Lanka bomber sought India attack: Police

Following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-releases-photos-of-suspects-of-church-hotel-bombing-that-killed-nearly-250-213584">deadly attacks in Sri Lanka </a>that claimed the lives of around 250 people, the country's finance minister on Friday feared a decline in its tourism.

Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Friday that the country fears its lucrative tourism industry could decline by up to 30 per cent and incur losses of $1.5 billion this year.

"Tourism will be the worst affected. We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange", Samaraweera told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/survivors-of-sri-lankan-bombings-mourn-empty-future-without-loved-ones-213674">Survivors of Sri Lankan bombings mourn empty future without loved ones</a>

Samaraweera said the country could take up to two years to fully recover from Sunday's attacks, which devastated three luxury hotels and three Christian churches and killed 253 people killed, among them many foreigners.

"Typically, countries that suffer isolated IS-style attacks see tourism recovering within one-to-two years, as long as root causes are addressed and security measures taken are well communicated," the minister said.

He pointed to Belgium, France, Spain and Tunisia as countries which recovered their tourism markets within a short time.

Samaraweera said tourism was emerging as Sri Lanka's success story when Sunday's blast shattered hopes of reaching a revenue of $5.0 billion, up from last year's $4.4 billion.

He said he was hoping to unveil a package of concessions to help the tourism sector overcome&nbsp;the impact of the suicide bombings.

Most of the deluxe hotels in Colombo have stepped up security and curtailed bookings amid fears of more attacks.

Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday revised the toll from Easter bombings down to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted.

Sri Lankan authorities have taken 76 people in custody in connection to their role in the attacks.

The authorities have released photographs of six suspects, including three women, wanted for their involvement in the deadly Easter attacks.

Police on Thursday released the names and pictures of the suspects and sought information regarding them from the public.

Nine suicide bombers, believed to be the members of a local terror group called National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on Easter Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka that claimed the lives of around 250 people, the country's finance minister on Friday feared a decline in its tourism. Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Friday that the country fears its lucrative tourism industry could decline by up to 30 per cent and incur losses of $1.

Following the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka that claimed the lives of around 250 people, the country's finance minister on Friday feared a decline in its tourism. Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Friday that the country fears its lucrative tourism industry could decline by up to 30 per cent and incur losses of $1.5 billion this year. "Tourism will be the worst affected. We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange", Samaraweera told reporters. Also read: Survivors of Sri Lankan bombings mourn empty future without loved ones Samaraweera said the country could take up to two years to fully recover from Sunday's attacks, which devastated three luxury hotels and three Christian churches and killed 253 people killed, among them many foreigners. "Typically, countries that suffer isolated IS-style attacks see tourism recovering within one-to-two years, as long as root causes are addressed and security measures taken are well communicated," the minister said. He pointed to Belgium, France, Spain and Tunisia as countries which recovered their tourism markets within a short time. Samaraweera said tourism was emerging as Sri Lanka's success story when Sunday's blast shattered hopes of reaching a revenue of $5.0 billion, up from last year's $4.4 billion. He said he was hoping to unveil a package of concessions to help the tourism sector overcome the impact of the suicide bombings. Most of the deluxe hotels in Colombo have stepped up security and curtailed bookings amid fears of more attacks. Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday revised the toll from Easter bombings down to 253, from the previous figure of 359, explaining that some of the badly mutilated bodies had been double-counted. Sri Lankan authorities have taken 76 people in custody in connection to their role in the attacks. The authorities have released photographs of six suspects, including three women, wanted for their involvement in the deadly Easter attacks. Police on Thursday released the names and pictures of the suspects and sought information regarding them from the public. Nine suicide bombers, believed to be the members of a local terror group called National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ), carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka fears up to $1.5 billion tourism losses due to attack

Sri Lanka's president met leaders from all religious group on Thursday as he assured the situation in the country is under control as police are looking for 140 people believed to have links with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings of churches and hotels.

Nearly 10,000 soldiers were being deployed across the Indian Ocean island state to carry out searches and provide security for religious centres, the military said on Friday.

In the meeting, Maithripala Sirisena told religious leaders that the government is in touch with foreign intelligence on the investigations. Police have detained at least 76 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt, in their investigations so far.

Islamic State has provided no evidence to back its claim that it was behind the attacks. If true, it would be one of the worst attacks carried out by the group outside Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lanka's president met leaders from all religious group on Thursday as he assured the situation in the country is under control as police are looking for 140 people believed to have links with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings of churches and hotels.

Sri Lanka's president met leaders from all religious group on Thursday as he assured the situation in the country is under control as police are looking for 140 people believed to have links with the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for the Easter Sunday suicide bombings of churches and hotels. Nearly 10,000 soldiers were being deployed across the Indian Ocean island state to carry out searches and provide security for religious centres, the military said on Friday. In the meeting, Maithripala Sirisena told religious leaders that the government is in touch with foreign intelligence on the investigations. Police have detained at least 76 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt, in their investigations so far. Islamic State has provided no evidence to back its claim that it was behind the attacks. If true, it would be one of the worst attacks carried out by the group outside Iraq and Syria.

Sri Lankan president 'confident' armed forces could 'destroy' group behind bombings

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the Easter Sunday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/middle-class-and-foreign-educated-face-of-terror-in-sri-lanka-213241"> suicide bomb attacks</a> on churches and luxury hotels that killed 359 people, two sources close to the president said on Wednesday.

The sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter amid accusations within the government of intelligence failures ahead of the attacks.&nbsp;

Lakshman Kiriella, minister of public enterprise, told parliament on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/top-sri-lankan-officials-deliberately-withheld-intelligence-on-attacks-minister-213244">senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence</a> about possible attacks on Sri Lanka.

"Some top intelligence officials hid the intelligence information purposefully. Information was there, but the top brass security officials did not take appropriate actions," Lakshman Kiriella, who is also minister of public enterprise, told parliament.

He said information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely.

"Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate into this."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CB7-nfzbe_0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Separately, Sarath Fonseka, former army chief and minister of regional development, told parliament he believed the attacks "must have been planned for at least 7-8 years".

The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday.

The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people.

Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in the capital.

One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 359 people, two sources close to the president said on Wednesday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked the police chief and defence secretary to quit following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 359 people, two sources close to the president said on Wednesday. The sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter amid accusations within the government of intelligence failures ahead of the attacks. Lakshman Kiriella, minister of public enterprise, told parliament on Wednesday that senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence about possible attacks on Sri Lanka. "Some top intelligence officials hid the intelligence information purposefully. Information was there, but the top brass security officials did not take appropriate actions," Lakshman Kiriella, who is also minister of public enterprise, told parliament. He said information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely. "Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate into this." × Separately, Sarath Fonseka, former army chief and minister of regional development, told parliament he believed the attacks "must have been planned for at least 7-8 years". The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday. The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people. Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in the capital. One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President asks police chief, defence secretary to quit following attacks

Senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence about possible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-moments-before-blast-212866">attacks on Sri Lanka</a>, where a rash of suicide bombings on Easter Sunday killed at least 359 people, the leader of parliament said on Wednesday.

"Some top intelligence officials hid the intelligence information purposefully. Information was there, but the top brass security officials did not take appropriate actions," Lakshman Kiriella, who is also minister of public enterprise, told parliament.

He said information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-had-provided-specific-intelligence-on-attack-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-213001">Indian intelligence</a> on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely.

"Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate into this."

Separately, Sarath Fonseka, former army chief and minister of regional development, told parliament he believed the attacks "must have been planned for at least 7-8 years".

Senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence about possible attacks on Sri Lanka, where a rash of suicide bombings on Easter Sunday killed at least 359 people, the leader of parliament said on Wednesday.

Senior officials deliberately withheld intelligence about possible attacks on Sri Lanka, where a rash of suicide bombings on Easter Sunday killed at least 359 people, the leader of parliament said on Wednesday. "Some top intelligence officials hid the intelligence information purposefully. Information was there, but the top brass security officials did not take appropriate actions," Lakshman Kiriella, who is also minister of public enterprise, told parliament. He said information on possible suicide attacks on churches, hotels and politicians were received from Indian intelligence on April 4 and a Security Council meeting was chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena on April 7, but the information was not shared more widely. "Somebody is controlling these top intelligence officials," the minister said. "The Security Council is doing politics. We need to investigate into this." Separately, Sarath Fonseka, former army chief and minister of regional development, told parliament he believed the attacks "must have been planned for at least 7-8 years".

Top Sri Lankan officials deliberately withheld intelligence on attacks: Minister

The US ambassador to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-was-warned-of-threat-hours-before-suicide-attacks-sources-213215">Sri Lanka </a>has denied the United States had prior knowledge of the Easter militant attacks that it passed to the Colombo government, CNN television reported Wednesday.

"We had no prior knowledge of these attacks," US ambassador Alaina Teplitz told the US channel in an interview on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-rises-to-359-in-sri-lanka-blasts-213130">suicide attacks on Sunday </a>that killed 359 people, including at least four Americans.

A Sri Lankan minister had said earlier this week that India and the United States had provided information before the bombings on three churches and three hotels which authorities have blamed on a local Islamist group.

"Well I can’t speak for others. I don’t know what other sources of information the government of Sri Lanka might have had. I can just tell you that we had no prior knowledge," the ambassador told CNN.

"The Sri Lankan government has admitted lapses in their intelligence gathering and information sharing," Teplitz added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bdAoD_GMcws" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sri Lankan authorities have started an investigation into how warnings about possible attacks were not passed to top ministers.

The US ambassador to Sri Lanka has denied the United States had prior knowledge of the Easter militant attacks that it passed to the Colombo government, CNN television reported Wednesday.

The US ambassador to Sri Lanka has denied the United States had prior knowledge of the Easter militant attacks that it passed to the Colombo government, CNN television reported Wednesday. "We had no prior knowledge of these attacks," US ambassador Alaina Teplitz told the US channel in an interview on the suicide attacks on Sunday that killed 359 people, including at least four Americans. A Sri Lankan minister had said earlier this week that India and the United States had provided information before the bombings on three churches and three hotels which authorities have blamed on a local Islamist group. "Well I can’t speak for others. I don’t know what other sources of information the government of Sri Lanka might have had. I can just tell you that we had no prior knowledge," the ambassador told CNN. "The Sri Lankan government has admitted lapses in their intelligence gathering and information sharing," Teplitz added. × Sri Lankan authorities have started an investigation into how warnings about possible attacks were not passed to top ministers.

US denies possessing advance intel on Sri Lanka attacks

A new bomb was found in downtown area of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, on Wednesday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-was-warned-of-threat-hours-before-suicide-attacks-sources-213215">multiple blasts shook the country</a> on Sunday.

According to a local security guard of a shopping mall, who has witnessed the whole event, a bomb was found hid in a motorbike, and fortunately, no causalities were reported.

"I see early morning six o'clock, I don't know, after police come, check and ask if I see and what time is it? Yeah, I see, six o'clock, the army come to check, one bomb," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/some-intelligence-officers-were-aware-of-this-incident-sri-lanka-minister-on-seriel-bomb-blast-212564">'Some intelligence officers were aware of this incident': Sri Lanka Minister on serial bomb blasts</a>

Local police officers have detonated the bomb and removed the motorbike.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CB7-nfzbe_0" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On the same day, China's ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan held a press briefing to introduce the latest situation about Chinese citizens wounded in blasts.

Till now there is one Chinese citizen confirmed to be killed in the attacks, four feared dead, one still missing, and five injured, the Chinese ambassador told the Chinese media at his latest briefing.

Of the five injured Chinese citizens, four have been released from hospital, with one still undergoing treatment, he added.

The Chinese embassy has been trying all means to help the Chinese victims, working with the Sri Lankan side to search for the missing one, giving the injured proper medical treatment, and assisting the family of the deceased to take care of the relevant issues, Cheng said.

The eight suicide bombing attacks in Sri Lanka on Sunday have killed at least 359 people and injured over 500. The Sri Lankan police have taken 58 suspects in custody. 
&nbsp;

A new bomb was found in downtown area of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, on Wednesday, after multiple blasts shook the country on Sunday. According to a local security guard of a shopping mall, who has witnessed the whole event, a bomb was found hid in a motorbike, and fortunately, no causalities were reported.

A new bomb was found in downtown area of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, on Wednesday, after multiple blasts shook the country on Sunday. According to a local security guard of a shopping mall, who has witnessed the whole event, a bomb was found hid in a motorbike, and fortunately, no causalities were reported. "I see early morning six o'clock, I don't know, after police come, check and ask if I see and what time is it? Yeah, I see, six o'clock, the army come to check, one bomb," he said. Also read: 'Some intelligence officers were aware of this incident': Sri Lanka Minister on serial bomb blasts Local police officers have detonated the bomb and removed the motorbike. × On the same day, China's ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan held a press briefing to introduce the latest situation about Chinese citizens wounded in blasts. Till now there is one Chinese citizen confirmed to be killed in the attacks, four feared dead, one still missing, and five injured, the Chinese ambassador told the Chinese media at his latest briefing. Of the five injured Chinese citizens, four have been released from hospital, with one still undergoing treatment, he added. The Chinese embassy has been trying all means to help the Chinese victims, working with the Sri Lankan side to search for the missing one, giving the injured proper medical treatment, and assisting the family of the deceased to take care of the relevant issues, Cheng said. The eight suicide bombing attacks in Sri Lanka on Sunday have killed at least 359 people and injured over 500. The Sri Lankan police have taken 58 suspects in custody.

New bomb found in downtown Colombo; detonated later: Police

Sri Lankan intelligence officials were tipped off about an imminent attack by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-show-islamic-state-influence-outlives-caliphate-213101">Islamist militants</a> hours before a series of suicide bombings killed more than 300 people on Easter Sunday, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/some-intelligence-officers-were-aware-of-this-incident-sri-lanka-minister-on-seriel-bomb-blast-212564">Three churches and four hotels were hit by suicide bombers </a>on Sunday morning, killing 321 people and wounding 500, sending shockwaves through an island state that has been relatively peaceful since a civil war ended a decade ago.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks on Tuesday, without providing evidence of its involvement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-had-provided-specific-intelligence-on-attack-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-213001">Indian intelligence officers </a>contacted their Sri Lankan counterparts two hours before the first attack to warn of a specific threat on churches, one Sri Lankan defence source and an Indian government source said.

Another Sri Lankan defence source said a warning came "hours before" the first strike.

One of the Sri Lankan sources said a warning was also sent by the Indians on Saturday night. The Indian government source said similar messages had been given to Sri Lankan intelligence agents on April 4 and April 20.

Sri Lanka's presidency and the Indian foreign ministry both did not respond to requests for comment.

Sri Lanka's failure to effectively respond to a looming Islamist threat will fuel fears that a rift between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena is undermining national security.

The president fired Wickremesinghe last October over political differences, only to reinstate him weeks later under pressure from the Supreme Court.

Opposing factions aligned to Wickremesinghe and Sirisenahave often refuse to communicate with each other and blame any setbacks on their opponents, government sources say.

Sri Lankan police had been warned weeks ago about possible attacks by a little-known domestic Islamist group, according to an Indian intelligence report given to Sri Lankan state intelligence services, and seen by Reuters.

Sirisena, announcing plans on Tuesday to change the heads of the defence forces, said his office never received the Indian report.

Junior Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, an ally of Wickremesinghe, told Reuters that he was also not privy to the Indian intelligence findings.

Sri Lankan intelligence officials were tipped off about an imminent attack by Islamist militants hours before a series of suicide bombings killed more than 300 people on Easter Sunday, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Sri Lankan intelligence officials were tipped off about an imminent attack by Islamist militants hours before a series of suicide bombings killed more than 300 people on Easter Sunday, three sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. Three churches and four hotels were hit by suicide bombers on Sunday morning, killing 321 people and wounding 500, sending shockwaves through an island state that has been relatively peaceful since a civil war ended a decade ago. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks on Tuesday, without providing evidence of its involvement. Indian intelligence officers contacted their Sri Lankan counterparts two hours before the first attack to warn of a specific threat on churches, one Sri Lankan defence source and an Indian government source said. Another Sri Lankan defence source said a warning came "hours before" the first strike. One of the Sri Lankan sources said a warning was also sent by the Indians on Saturday night. The Indian government source said similar messages had been given to Sri Lankan intelligence agents on April 4 and April 20. Sri Lanka's presidency and the Indian foreign ministry both did not respond to requests for comment. Sri Lanka's failure to effectively respond to a looming Islamist threat will fuel fears that a rift between Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Maithripala Sirisena is undermining national security. The president fired Wickremesinghe last October over political differences, only to reinstate him weeks later under pressure from the Supreme Court. Opposing factions aligned to Wickremesinghe and Sirisenahave often refuse to communicate with each other and blame any setbacks on their opponents, government sources say. Sri Lankan police had been warned weeks ago about possible attacks by a little-known domestic Islamist group, according to an Indian intelligence report given to Sri Lankan state intelligence services, and seen by Reuters. Sirisena, announcing plans on Tuesday to change the heads of the defence forces, said his office never received the Indian report. Junior Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene, an ally of Wickremesinghe, told Reuters that he was also not privy to the Indian intelligence findings.

Sri Lanka was warned of threat hours before suicide attacks: Sources

'Some intelligence officers were aware of this incident': Sri Lanka Minister on serial bomb blasts

Series of blasts hit Sri Lanka: Scores of people dead

Easter Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-says-local-militant-group-national-thowheed-jamath-behind-easter-sunday-blasts-212556">bomb blasts at three churches and four hotels</a> in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-government-orders-new-curfew-after-attacks-212543">Sri Lanka</a> killed more than 200 people and wounded at least 450, police officials said, the first major attack on the Indian Ocean island since the end of a civil war 10 years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-announce-nationwide-emergency-from-midnight-212560">Politicians and religious leaders</a> were united in their shock and condemnation.

Here are some of their reactions.

Pope Francis

"I learned with sadness and pain of the news of the grave attacks, that precisely today, Easter, brought mourning and pain to churches and other places where people were gathered in Sri Lanka," he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square to hear his Easter Sunday message.

"I wish to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence."

World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder

"World Jewry - in fact, all civilized people - denounce this heinous outrage and appeal for zero tolerance of those who use terror to advance their objectives. This truly barbarous assault on peaceful worshippers on one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar serves as a painful reminder that the war against terror must be at the top of the international agenda and pursued relentlessly," he said in a statement.

Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Church of England

"The will to power leads to the murder of innocents in Sri Lanka. The utterly despicable destruction that on this holiest of days seeks to challenge the reality of the risen Christ. To say that darkness will conquer, that our choice is surrender or death. Jesus chose to defy this darkness and he is risen indeed."

US President Donald Trump

"The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-revises-travel-advisory-for-sri-lanka-warns-terrorists-continue-plotting-attacks-212496">United States</a> offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!" he tweeted.

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi

"Strongly condemn the horrific<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiG8tS7puPhAhWJr48KHWDaDUQQFggOMAM&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1K06uI3GHI0kq8zp0nwaks"> blasts</a> in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-blasts-are-grim-reminder-of-most-serious-challenge-to-humanity-pm-modi-to-sri-lankan-president-pm-212293">India stands in solidarity</a> with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," he said on Twitter.

Pakistan's Prime minister Imran Khan

"Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost and hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief," he tweeted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

"Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts," his English Twitter account said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

"It is shocking that people who had gathered to celebrate Easter were the deliberate target of vicious attacks," she wrote in a letter of condolence to Sri Lanka's president.

French President Emmanuel Macron

“Deep sorrow following the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. We firmly condemn these heinous acts. All our solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and our thoughts go out to all victims’ relatives on this Easter Day,” he said on Twitter.

British Prime Minister Theresa May

"The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time. We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear," she tweeted.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

"Terror and barbarity will never defeat us," he wrote on Twitter.

Luxembourg premier Xavier Bettel

"Even on Easter Sunday, there are those who sow hatred and reap death. The attacks in Sri Lanka churches testify to a real genocide perpetrated against Christians. Let us pray for the innocent victims and work towards religious freedom around the world," he said on Twitter.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

"It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in Sri Lanka costing the lives of so many people. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country. We stand ready to support," he said on Twitter.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin

"The attacks in Sri Lanka, including those at prayer celebrating Easter Sunday are a despicable crime. We are all children of God; an attack on one religion is an attack on us all," he said on Twitter.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

"I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in Sri Lanka. This is an assault on all of humanity," he tweeted.

Iranian Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

"Terribly saddened by terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan worshippers during Easter. Condolences to friendly govt &amp; people of Sri Lanka. Our thoughts &amp; prayers with the victims &amp; their families. Terrorism is a global menace with no religion: it must be condemned &amp; confronted globally," he said on Twitter.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

“New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating,” she said in a written statement.

"New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence." 
&nbsp;

Easter Sunday bomb blasts at three churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka killed more than 200 people and wounded at least 450, police officials said, the first major attack on the Indian Ocean island since the end of a civil war 10 years ago.

Easter Sunday bomb blasts at three churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka killed more than 200 people and wounded at least 450, police officials said, the first major attack on the Indian Ocean island since the end of a civil war 10 years ago. Politicians and religious leaders were united in their shock and condemnation. Here are some of their reactions. Pope Francis "I learned with sadness and pain of the news of the grave attacks, that precisely today, Easter, brought mourning and pain to churches and other places where people were gathered in Sri Lanka," he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square to hear his Easter Sunday message. "I wish to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence." World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder "World Jewry - in fact, all civilized people - denounce this heinous outrage and appeal for zero tolerance of those who use terror to advance their objectives. This truly barbarous assault on peaceful worshippers on one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar serves as a painful reminder that the war against terror must be at the top of the international agenda and pursued relentlessly," he said in a statement. Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Church of England "The will to power leads to the murder of innocents in Sri Lanka. The utterly despicable destruction that on this holiest of days seeks to challenge the reality of the risen Christ. To say that darkness will conquer, that our choice is surrender or death. Jesus chose to defy this darkness and he is risen indeed." US President Donald Trump "The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!" he tweeted. Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi "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," he said on Twitter. Pakistan's Prime minister Imran Khan "Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost and hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief," he tweeted. Russian President Vladimir Putin "Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts," his English Twitter account said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel "It is shocking that people who had gathered to celebrate Easter were the deliberate target of vicious attacks," she wrote in a letter of condolence to Sri Lanka's president. French President Emmanuel Macron “Deep sorrow following the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. We firmly condemn these heinous acts. All our solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and our thoughts go out to all victims’ relatives on this Easter Day,” he said on Twitter. British Prime Minister Theresa May "The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time. We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear," she tweeted. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez "Terror and barbarity will never defeat us," he wrote on Twitter. Luxembourg premier Xavier Bettel "Even on Easter Sunday, there are those who sow hatred and reap death. The attacks in Sri Lanka churches testify to a real genocide perpetrated against Christians. Let us pray for the innocent victims and work towards religious freedom around the world," he said on Twitter. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker "It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in Sri Lanka costing the lives of so many people. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country. We stand ready to support," he said on Twitter. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin "The attacks in Sri Lanka, including those at prayer celebrating Easter Sunday are a despicable crime. We are all children of God; an attack on one religion is an attack on us all," he said on Twitter. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan "I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in Sri Lanka. This is an assault on all of humanity," he tweeted. Iranian Foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif "Terribly saddened by terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan worshippers during Easter. Condolences to friendly govt & people of Sri Lanka. Our thoughts & prayers with the victims & their families. Terrorism is a global menace with no religion: it must be condemned & confronted globally," he said on Twitter. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern “New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating,” she said in a written statement. "New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence."

World's reaction to the deadliest attack in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan government on Monday imposed a new night-time curfew in the country as tensions remained high following a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-authorities-lift-curfew-after-death-toll-spikes-to-290-212490">bomb attacks on Sunday</a>.

The curfew will run from 8 pm on Monday until 4 am on Tuesday, the government information department said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-revises-travel-advisory-for-sri-lanka-warns-terrorists-continue-plotting-attacks-212496">US revises travel advisory for Sri Lanka, warns 'terrorists' continue plotting attacks</a>

An indefinite curfew ordered Sunday after the attacks was&nbsp;lifted early Monday but a two-day holiday was decreed in a bid to reduce public traffic.

Around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/25-foreigners-among-207-killed-in-sri-lanka-mayhem-report-212463">290 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday.

Twenty four people were arrested by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">Sri Lankan police&nbsp;</a>in connection with a series of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">devastating bomb blasts</a>&nbsp;in the country.

Authorities have not made public details on those held after Sunday's attacks.

There was still no claim of responsibility for the attacks on two churches and four hotels in and around Colombo, the capital of predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka, and a third church on the country's northeast coast.

A government source said President Maithripala Sirisena, who was abroad when the attacks happened, had called a meeting of the National Security Council early on Monday. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would attend the meeting, the source said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Sri Lankan government on Monday imposed a new night-time curfew in the country as tensions remained high following a series of bomb attacks on Sunday. The curfew will run from 8 pm on Monday until 4 am on Tuesday, the government information department said.

The Sri Lankan government on Monday imposed a new night-time curfew in the country as tensions remained high following a series of bomb attacks on Sunday. The curfew will run from 8 pm on Monday until 4 am on Tuesday, the government information department said. Also read: US revises travel advisory for Sri Lanka, warns 'terrorists' continue plotting attacks An indefinite curfew ordered Sunday after the attacks was lifted early Monday but a two-day holiday was decreed in a bid to reduce public traffic. Around 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. Twenty four people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of the devastating bomb blasts in the country. Authorities have not made public details on those held after Sunday's attacks. There was still no claim of responsibility for the attacks on two churches and four hotels in and around Colombo, the capital of predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka, and a third church on the country's northeast coast. A government source said President Maithripala Sirisena, who was abroad when the attacks happened, had called a meeting of the National Security Council early on Monday. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would attend the meeting, the source said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Sri Lanka government orders new curfew after attacks

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-authorities-lift-curfew-after-death-toll-spikes-to-290-212490">series of bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka</a>, the US&nbsp;State Department on Monday issued a revised travel advisory stating that terrorist groups were continuing to plot possible attacks in the south Asian country.

The US State Department said 'terrorist groups'&nbsp;were continuing to plot possible attacks in Sri Lanka after 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded in blasts in churches and luxury hotels on Sunday.

The advisory which was dated Sunday US time said, "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning".

It said possible targets included tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship, airports and other public areas.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-leaders-condemn-bombings-in-sri-lanka-212499/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

Around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/25-foreigners-among-207-killed-in-sri-lanka-mayhem-report-212463">290 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday.

Twenty four people were arrested by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">Sri Lankan police&nbsp;</a>in connection with a series of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">devastating bomb blasts</a>&nbsp;in the country.

Authorities have not made public details on those held after Sunday's attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after series of bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka, the US State Department on Monday issued a revised travel advisory stating that terrorist groups were continuing to plot possible attacks in the south Asian country.

A day after series of bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka, the US State Department on Monday issued a revised travel advisory stating that terrorist groups were continuing to plot possible attacks in the south Asian country. The US State Department said 'terrorist groups' were continuing to plot possible attacks in Sri Lanka after 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded in blasts in churches and luxury hotels on Sunday. The advisory which was dated Sunday US time said, "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning". It said possible targets included tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship, airports and other public areas. Around 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. Twenty four people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of the devastating bomb blasts in the country. Authorities have not made public details on those held after Sunday's attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

US revises travel advisory for Sri Lanka, warns 'terrorists' continue plotting attacks

church-attack

Church Attack, News on Church Attack, stories on Church Attack, articles on Church Attack, Church Attack stories at Wion, Church Attack news, Church Attack latest news

church attack