Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's office on Monday declared a state of emergency from midnight Monday following the deadly blasts on Easter Sunday. A statement released by the President's Media Division (PMD) said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of citizens and the president had also declared April 23 a National Day of Mourning. The death toll from the multiple explosions on Sunday has risen to 290 and the number of injured was more than 500.

Sri Lanka declares state of emergency after deadly explosions

A Sri Lankan schoolgirl was studying for her O-levels at her home when she heard a blast at her local church St. Sebastian's -- she went to the church to discover its interior full blood, and saw faceless bodies and parents carrying their dead children. The 16-year-old lost her friends in the worst ever attacks carried out against the island's small Christian minority.

Sri Lankan teenager recounts blast horror

The attacks on Easter Sunday, which Sri Lankan authorities believe were carried out by a local Islamist group, were "one of the deadliest terrorist events since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States,"

Sri Lanka blasts: Priority is to apprehend perpetrators says Ranil Wickremesinghe

At least 290 killed and more than 500 injured in a series of blasts, took place yesterday on the eve of Easter. In this segment of WION, Watch what the people in Sri Lanka are suffering from? WION from ground zero. Watch video.

Sri Lanka blasts: WION cam captures current condition of locals in Lanka

At least 290 killed and more than 500 injured in a series of blasts, took place yesterday on the eve of Easter. The government then imposes curfew in view of high-alert. Watch video to know more

Sri Lanka blasts: Nationwide curfew re-imposed in view of high-alert

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday (April 22) called for those behind the deadly attacks in Sri Lanka to be brought to justice, saying "this is America's fight too,"

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks on Sri Lanka massacre

At least 290 killed and more than 500 injured in a series of blasts, took place yesterday on the eve of Easter. WION team is covering the whole incident from ground zero. Here are the updates.

Sri Lanka blasts: Police defuse bomb outside St. Anthony church

Sri lanka blasts: Ambulances reach explosion site, massive security deployment in Colombo

On Monday, police said the death toll had surged overnight to 290, with the number expected to rise further. About 500 people were injured, according to reports.

Sri lanka blasts: Colombo attacks among world's worst since 9/11

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will be announcing a nationwide emergency from midnight on Monday following Easter Day blasts. The development comes soon after the Sri Lankan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-authorities-lift-curfew-after-death-toll-spikes-to-290-212490">authorities lifted a curfew in the country</a> on Monday and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-government-orders-new-curfew-after-attacks-212543">another night-time curfew was imposed</a>.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the government has lent credence to a controversial letter saying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-says-local-militant-group-national-thowheed-jamath-behind-easter-sunday-blasts-212556">local outfit National Thowheed Jamath</a> (NTJ) is believed to be responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in the country.

The bomb attacks were carried out with the help of an international network, cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said on Monday.

"We do not believe these attacks were carried out by a group of people who were confined to this country," Senaratne said. "There was an international network without which these attacks could not have succeeded."

A senior investigator said that seven suicide bombers took part in the devastating attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 290 people and wounded more than 500.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday acknowledged that the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-blasts-pm-says-priority-is-to-ensure-terrorism-doesnt-lift-its-head-in-country-212406">information was there</a>" about possible attacks, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Wickremesinghe added that the government's first priority would be to "apprehend the terrorists and ensure that terrorism does not lift its head in Sri Lanka."

"While this goes, on we must also look into why adequate precautions were not taken," he said.

The Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested 24 people in connection with the serial blasts. An improvised pipe bomb was discovered close to Colombo's main airport and was successfully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-13-under-arrest-ninth-bomb-defused-near-colombo-airport-212476">defused by the Sri Lanka airforce</a>, the police said.&nbsp;

As many as 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka. The attacks are been billed as the worst-ever in the history of the island nation after the civil war that ended almost a decade ago.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will be announcing a nationwide emergency from midnight on Monday following Easter Day blasts. The development comes soon after the Sri Lankan authorities lifted a curfew in the country on Monday and another night-time curfew was imposed.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will be announcing a nationwide emergency from midnight on Monday following Easter Day blasts. The development comes soon after the Sri Lankan authorities lifted a curfew in the country on Monday and another night-time curfew was imposed. Meanwhile, the government has lent credence to a controversial letter saying local outfit National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) is believed to be responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in the country. The bomb attacks were carried out with the help of an international network, cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said on Monday. "We do not believe these attacks were carried out by a group of people who were confined to this country," Senaratne said. "There was an international network without which these attacks could not have succeeded." A senior investigator said that seven suicide bombers took part in the devastating attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 290 people and wounded more than 500. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday acknowledged that the "information was there" about possible attacks, news agency AFP reported. Wickremesinghe added that the government's first priority would be to "apprehend the terrorists and ensure that terrorism does not lift its head in Sri Lanka." "While this goes, on we must also look into why adequate precautions were not taken," he said. The Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested 24 people in connection with the serial blasts. An improvised pipe bomb was discovered close to Colombo's main airport and was successfully defused by the Sri Lanka airforce, the police said. As many as 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka. The attacks are been billed as the worst-ever in the history of the island nation after the civil war that ended almost a decade ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka serial blasts: President Sirisena to announce nationwide emergency from midnight

The Sri Lankan government has lent credence to a controversial letter saying local outfit National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) is believed to be responsible for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">Easter Sunday bomb attacks</a> in the country.

The bomb attacks were carried out with the help of an international network, cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said on Monday.

"We do not believe these attacks were carried out by a group of people who were confined to this country," Senaratne said. "There was an international network without which these attacks could not have succeeded."

Meanwhile, a senior investigator said that seven suicide bombers took part in the devastating attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 290 people and wounded more than 500.

Two of the suicide bombers blew themselves up at the luxury Shangri-La Hotel on Colombo's seafront, said Ariyananda Welianga, a senior official at the government's forensic division. The others targeted three churches and two other hotels.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nearly-300-killed-in-sri-lanka-bombings-candlelight-vigil-in-paris-for-victims-212535/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

A fourth hotel and a house in a suburb of the capital Colombo were also targeted, but it was not immediately known how the attacks were carried out.

"Still the investigations are going on," Welianga said.

"Guests who had come for breakfast were lying on the floor, blood all over," an employee at Kingsbury Hotel, one of those targeted, told news agency Reuters.

"We just picked up everyone, dead or alive and evacuated them."

Four of the bombs went off at roughly the same time, at 8.45 am, with two others coming within 20 minutes. The explosions at the fourth hotel and the house were in the afternoon.

Sri Lankans accounted for the bulk of the dead and wounded although government officials said 32 foreigners were killed, including British, US, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who was abroad when the attacks happened, had called a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, a government source said. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would attend the meeting, the source said.

The US State Department said in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-revises-travel-advisory-for-sri-lanka-warns-terrorists-continue-plotting-attacks-212496">travel advisory</a> "terrorist groups" were continuing to plot possible attacks in Sri Lanka and targets could included tourist spots, transport hubs, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship, airports and other public areas.

The government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-government-orders-new-curfew-after-attacks-212543">announced a curfew</a> in Colombo from 8pm until 4am. A Sunday night curfew <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-authorities-lift-curfew-after-death-toll-spikes-to-290-212490">was lifted in the morning</a>.

The Sri Lankan military, who were clearing the route from Colombo airport late on Sunday in preparation for Sirisena's return, found a crude bomb near the departure gate, an air force spokesman said.

They destroyed the device in a controlled explosion.

There were fears the attacks could spark a renewal of communal violence, with police also reporting late on Sunday there had been a petrol bomb attack on a mosque in the northwest and arson attacks on two shops owned by Muslims in the west.

Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka was at war for decades with ethnic minority Tamil separatists but violence had largely ended since the government victory in the civil war, 10 years ago.

Sri Lanka's 22 million people include Christian, Muslim and Hindu minority populations.

The explosion at the house in the Colombo suburb occurred when security forces raided a house there on Sunday afternoon, several hours after the attack. Police reported an explosion at the house and said three officers were killed.

Police said on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-13-under-arrest-ninth-bomb-defused-near-colombo-airport-212476">24 people had been arrested</a>, all of whom were Sri Lankan.

SOCIAL MEDIA BLOCKED

Traffic was uncharacteristically thin in normally bustling Colombo after the island-wide curfew was lifted.

Soldiers with automatic weapons stood guard outside major hotels and the World Trade Centre in the business district, where the four hotels were targeted, a Reuters witness said.

Scores of people who were stranded overnight at the main airport began making their way home as restrictions were lifted.

The government also blocked access to social media and messaging sites, including Facebook and WhatsApp, making information hard to gather.

A British mother and son eating breakfast at the luxury Shangri-La hotel were among those killed, British media reported.

An Australian survivor, identified only as Sam, told Australia's 3AW radio the hotel was a scene of "absolute carnage".

He said he and a travel partner were also having breakfast at the Shangri-La when two blasts went off. He said he had seen two men wearing backpacks seconds before the blasts.

"There were people screaming and dead bodies all around," he said. "Kids crying, kids on the ground, I don't know if they were dead or not, just crazy."

There were similar scenes of carnage at two churches in or near Colombo, and a third church in the northeast town of Batticaloa, where worshippers had gathered for Easter Sunday services. Pictures from the scene showed bodies on the ground and blood-spattered pews and statues.

Dozens were killed in one of the blasts at the Gothic-style St. Sebastian church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo. Police said they suspected that blast was a suicide attack.

DOMESTIC FEUD

Wickremesinghe acknowledged on Sunday that the government had some prior information about possible attacks on churches involving a little-known Islamist group but said ministers had not been told.

The apparent lapse could feed into a feud between the prime minister and the president.

Sirisena fired the premier last year and installed opposition strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his stead. Weeks later, he was forced to re-instate Wickremesinghe because of pressure from the Supreme Court but their relationship is still fraught as a presidential election nears.

<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>

The Sri Lankan government has lent credence to a controversial letter saying local outfit National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) is believed to be responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in the country.

The Sri Lankan government has lent credence to a controversial letter saying local outfit National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) is believed to be responsible for the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in the country. The bomb attacks were carried out with the help of an international network, cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said on Monday. "We do not believe these attacks were carried out by a group of people who were confined to this country," Senaratne said. "There was an international network without which these attacks could not have succeeded." Meanwhile, a senior investigator said that seven suicide bombers took part in the devastating attacks on churches and luxury hotels that killed 290 people and wounded more than 500. Two of the suicide bombers blew themselves up at the luxury Shangri-La Hotel on Colombo's seafront, said Ariyananda Welianga, a senior official at the government's forensic division. The others targeted three churches and two other hotels. A fourth hotel and a house in a suburb of the capital Colombo were also targeted, but it was not immediately known how the attacks were carried out. "Still the investigations are going on," Welianga said. "Guests who had come for breakfast were lying on the floor, blood all over," an employee at Kingsbury Hotel, one of those targeted, told news agency Reuters. "We just picked up everyone, dead or alive and evacuated them." Four of the bombs went off at roughly the same time, at 8.45 am, with two others coming within 20 minutes. The explosions at the fourth hotel and the house were in the afternoon. Sri Lankans accounted for the bulk of the dead and wounded although government officials said 32 foreigners were killed, including British, US, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals. President Maithripala Sirisena, who was abroad when the attacks happened, had called a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, a government source said. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would attend the meeting, the source said. The US State Department said in a travel advisory "terrorist groups" were continuing to plot possible attacks in Sri Lanka and targets could included tourist spots, transport hubs, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship, airports and other public areas. The government announced a curfew in Colombo from 8pm until 4am. A Sunday night curfew was lifted in the morning. The Sri Lankan military, who were clearing the route from Colombo airport late on Sunday in preparation for Sirisena's return, found a crude bomb near the departure gate, an air force spokesman said. They destroyed the device in a controlled explosion. There were fears the attacks could spark a renewal of communal violence, with police also reporting late on Sunday there had been a petrol bomb attack on a mosque in the northwest and arson attacks on two shops owned by Muslims in the west. Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka was at war for decades with ethnic minority Tamil separatists but violence had largely ended since the government victory in the civil war, 10 years ago. Sri Lanka's 22 million people include Christian, Muslim and Hindu minority populations. The explosion at the house in the Colombo suburb occurred when security forces raided a house there on Sunday afternoon, several hours after the attack. Police reported an explosion at the house and said three officers were killed. Police said on Monday 24 people had been arrested, all of whom were Sri Lankan. SOCIAL MEDIA BLOCKED Traffic was uncharacteristically thin in normally bustling Colombo after the island-wide curfew was lifted. Soldiers with automatic weapons stood guard outside major hotels and the World Trade Centre in the business district, where the four hotels were targeted, a Reuters witness said. Scores of people who were stranded overnight at the main airport began making their way home as restrictions were lifted. The government also blocked access to social media and messaging sites, including Facebook and WhatsApp, making information hard to gather. A British mother and son eating breakfast at the luxury Shangri-La hotel were among those killed, British media reported. An Australian survivor, identified only as Sam, told Australia's 3AW radio the hotel was a scene of "absolute carnage". He said he and a travel partner were also having breakfast at the Shangri-La when two blasts went off. He said he had seen two men wearing backpacks seconds before the blasts. "There were people screaming and dead bodies all around," he said. "Kids crying, kids on the ground, I don't know if they were dead or not, just crazy." There were similar scenes of carnage at two churches in or near Colombo, and a third church in the northeast town of Batticaloa, where worshippers had gathered for Easter Sunday services. Pictures from the scene showed bodies on the ground and blood-spattered pews and statues. Dozens were killed in one of the blasts at the Gothic-style St. Sebastian church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo. Police said they suspected that blast was a suicide attack. DOMESTIC FEUD Wickremesinghe acknowledged on Sunday that the government had some prior information about possible attacks on churches involving a little-known Islamist group but said ministers had not been told. The apparent lapse could feed into a feud between the prime minister and the president. Sirisena fired the premier last year and installed opposition strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in his stead. Weeks later, he was forced to re-instate Wickremesinghe because of pressure from the Supreme Court but their relationship is still fraught as a presidential election nears.

Sri Lanka says local militant group National Thowheed Jamath behind Easter Sunday blasts

There was still no claim of responsibility for the attacks on three churches and four hotels, mostly in and around the capital Colombo. One of the explosions was at St. Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic church and a tourist landmark.

Nearly 300 killed in Sri Lanka bombings, candlelight vigil in Paris for victims

Eight people have been arrested in connection with a string of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-multiple-blasts-seven-arrested-death-toll-passes-200-212339">deadly blasts that killed more than 200 people in Sri Lanka on Sunday</a>, country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

"So far the names that have come up are local," but investigators would look into whether the attackers had any "overseas links," Wickremesinghe added.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the "information was there" about possible attacks, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

"While this goes, on we must also look into why adequate precautions were not taken," he said.

Wickremesinghe added that the government's first priority would be to "apprehend the terrorists and ensure that terrorism does not lift its head in Sri Lanka."

Seven people were arrested earlier in the day and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.

Over 200 killed, 450 wounded

The death toll from the multiple bombings at Sri Lankan churches and hotels rose past 200, police and local media said. As many as 450 people have been wounded.&nbsp;

"Altogether we have information of 207 dead from all hospitals. According to the information as of now, we have 450 injured people admitted to hospitals," Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told reporters in Colombo.

Multiple blasts

Easter Day bomb blasts were reported at three Sri Lankan churches and three luxury hotels earlier today.

The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for an emergency parliamentary session.&nbsp;

Nation-wide curfew

The Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew on Sunday that the police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice".

Sri Lanka's defence ministry initially said the curfew would be imposed overnight, but the police subsequently said it would go into effect straight away.

Sri Lanka's government said Sunday it would impose a "temporary" social media ban.

"The government has decided to block all social media platforms in order to prevent incorrect and wrong information being spread. This is only a temporary measure" Udaya R Seneviratne, secretary to the president said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/3-indians-killed-in-sri-lanka-serial-blasts-ministry-of-external-affairs-212383">Three Indians killed</a>

Three Indians have lost their lives in the serial blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people on Sunday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "The Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that the National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals."

Several Americans lost lives

Meanwhile, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that several Americans were among the more than 200 people killed Sunday in Sri Lanka, news agency AFP reported.

"While many details of the attacks are still emerging, we can confirm that several US citizens were among those killed," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The US Embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families."

The attacks, which police said left more than 450 people wounded in addition to at least 207 dead, constituted the worst act of violence since the end of Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago.

Also among the fatalities were three people from Denmark, two from Turkey, and one from Portugal, officials said. There were also Chinese and Dutch among the dead, according to media reports.

Attack on Christians

Last year, there were 86 verified incidents of discrimination, threats and violence against Christians, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), which represents more than 200 churches and other Christian organisations, news agency Reuters reported.

This year, the NCEASL recorded 26 such incidents, including one in which Buddhist monks allegedly attempted to disrupt a Sunday worship service, with the last one reported on March 25.

Out of Sri Lanka's total population of around 22 million, 70 per cent are Buddhist, 12.6 per cent Hindu, 9.7 per cent Muslim and 7.6 per cent Christian, according to the country's 2012 census.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Eight people have been arrested in connection with a string of deadly blasts that killed more than 200 people in Sri Lanka on Sunday, country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Eight people have been arrested in connection with a string of deadly blasts that killed more than 200 people in Sri Lanka on Sunday, country's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said. "So far the names that have come up are local," but investigators would look into whether the attackers had any "overseas links," Wickremesinghe added. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the "information was there" about possible attacks, news agency AFP reported. "While this goes, on we must also look into why adequate precautions were not taken," he said. Wickremesinghe added that the government's first priority would be to "apprehend the terrorists and ensure that terrorism does not lift its head in Sri Lanka." Seven people were arrested earlier in the day and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday. Over 200 killed, 450 wounded The death toll from the multiple bombings at Sri Lankan churches and hotels rose past 200, police and local media said. As many as 450 people have been wounded. "Altogether we have information of 207 dead from all hospitals. According to the information as of now, we have 450 injured people admitted to hospitals," Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told reporters in Colombo. Multiple blasts Easter Day bomb blasts were reported at three Sri Lankan churches and three luxury hotels earlier today. The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported. St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported. The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called for an emergency parliamentary session. Nation-wide curfew The Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew on Sunday that the police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice". Sri Lanka's defence ministry initially said the curfew would be imposed overnight, but the police subsequently said it would go into effect straight away. Sri Lanka's government said Sunday it would impose a "temporary" social media ban. "The government has decided to block all social media platforms in order to prevent incorrect and wrong information being spread. This is only a temporary measure" Udaya R Seneviratne, secretary to the president said in a statement. Three Indians killed Three Indians have lost their lives in the serial blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people on Sunday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "The Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that the National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals." Several Americans lost lives Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that several Americans were among the more than 200 people killed Sunday in Sri Lanka, news agency AFP reported. "While many details of the attacks are still emerging, we can confirm that several US citizens were among those killed," he said in a statement. "The US Embassy is working tirelessly to provide all possible assistance to the American citizens affected by the attacks and their families." The attacks, which police said left more than 450 people wounded in addition to at least 207 dead, constituted the worst act of violence since the end of Sri Lanka's civil war a decade ago. Also among the fatalities were three people from Denmark, two from Turkey, and one from Portugal, officials said. There were also Chinese and Dutch among the dead, according to media reports. Attack on Christians Last year, there were 86 verified incidents of discrimination, threats and violence against Christians, according to the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL), which represents more than 200 churches and other Christian organisations, news agency Reuters reported. This year, the NCEASL recorded 26 such incidents, including one in which Buddhist monks allegedly attempted to disrupt a Sunday worship service, with the last one reported on March 25. Out of Sri Lanka's total population of around 22 million, 70 per cent are Buddhist, 12.6 per cent Hindu, 9.7 per cent Muslim and 7.6 per cent Christian, according to the country's 2012 census. (With inputs from agencies)

Information was there, must find why adequate precautions weren't taken: PM Wickremesinghe on Sri Lanka blasts

Three Indians have lost their lives in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-multiple-blasts-seven-arrested-death-toll-passes-200-212339">serial blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people on Sunday</a>. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "The Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that the National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals."

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Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lokashini, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh. We are ascertaining further details. /3
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1119970416850685952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj, earlier in the day, spoke to Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana who informed that 207 people have died in the blasts that also injured around 450 people.

As many as eight blasts occurred across churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

Earlier in the day, <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">PM Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena</a> and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and conveyed his condolences.

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Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1119863044216172544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India has also offered all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges such as terrorism.

President Ram Nath Kovind in a tweet said, "Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in a civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka".

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India condemns the terror attacks in Sri Lanka and offers its condolences to the people and government of the country. Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1119866576885436416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The serial blasts have shattered the stability and peace that Colombo had achieved after the defeat of terror group LTTE in 2009.

Three Indians have lost their lives in the serial blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people on Sunday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "The Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that the National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals.

Three Indians have lost their lives in the serial blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people on Sunday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said, "The Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that the National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals." Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lokashini, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh. We are ascertaining further details. /3 — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019 × Swaraj, earlier in the day, spoke to Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana who informed that 207 people have died in the blasts that also injured around 450 people. As many as eight blasts occurred across churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. Earlier in the day, PM Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and conveyed his condolences. Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019 × India has also offered all possible help and assistance to Sri Lanka for ensuring its security against the challenges such as terrorism. President Ram Nath Kovind in a tweet said, "Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in a civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka". India condemns the terror attacks in Sri Lanka and offers its condolences to the people and government of the country. Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka #PresidentKovind — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 21, 2019 × The serial blasts have shattered the stability and peace that Colombo had achieved after the defeat of terror group LTTE in 2009.

3 Indians killed in Sri Lanka serial blasts: Ministry of External Affairs 

Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-in-sri-lanka-churches-hit-during-easter-sunday-mass-212200&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwimwszAnOHhAhUI448KHU28BbQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PX-D9UVTYbqGBnH0fLxte"> Sri Lanka</a> that has killed more than 160 people.

Besides, the airline has requested passengers to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.

"In view of the situation in #Srilanka #AirIndia has waived all charges for rescheduling/ cancellation of bookings on its flts (flights) to/ from Colombo for travel till April 24, 2019," the carrier said in a tweet.

Air India operates two daily flights to Colombo from the national capital while Air India Express flies a daily Chennai-Colombo flight, according to an official.

Over 160 people have died and more than 450 injured in a series of bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in Sri Lanka that has killed more than 160 people.

Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in Sri Lanka that has killed more than 160 people. Besides, the airline has requested passengers to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. "In view of the situation in #Srilanka #AirIndia has waived all charges for rescheduling/ cancellation of bookings on its flts (flights) to/ from Colombo for travel till April 24, 2019," the carrier said in a tweet. Air India operates two daily flights to Colombo from the national capital while Air India Express flies a daily Chennai-Colombo flight, according to an official. Over 160 people have died and more than 450 injured in a series of bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Air India waives cancellation charges for Colombo flight tickets

In this segment, Watch exclusive talk with Mr. Easela Waidyalankara, eyewitness of blast.

Sri Lanka blasts: Watch exclusive talk with Mr. Easela Waidyalankara, eyewitness of blast

Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday afternoon was rocked by another blast. The eighth explosion, in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-129-killed-over-300-injured-in-series-of-six-explosions-on-easter-212229">series of blasts</a> that had rattled the country on Sunday, occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city. Three people have been reported dead in the latest blast.&nbsp;Police said there were no further details on what was targeted, adding that the blast was a suicide bombing, news agency AFP reported.

Over 160 people have been confirmed dead so far in the string of attacks targeting hotels and churches in Sri Lanka.

A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners. More than 450 people have suffered injuries.&nbsp;

The blasts

Easter Day bomb blasts were reported at three Sri Lankan churches and three luxury hotels earlier today. &nbsp;

The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo.&nbsp;

As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister&nbsp;Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session.&nbsp;

Nation-wide curfew, social media blocked

The Sri Lankan&nbsp;government imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice", after a string of deadly blasts.

Sri Lanka's defence ministry initially said the curfew would be imposed overnight, but the police subsequently said it would go into effect straight away.

Sri Lanka's government said Sunday it would impose a "temporary" social media ban after a string of blasts targeting hotels and churches killed nearly 160 people.

"The government has decided to block all social media platforms in order to prevent incorrect and wrong information being spread. This is only a temporary measure" Udaya R. Seneviratne, secretary to the president said in a statement.

Major attacks&nbsp;since the Sri Lankan civil war

The explosions are being billed as the major attacks since the end of the civil war a decade ago.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leaders-condemn-serial-explosions-in-sri-lanka-that-killed-at-least-129-212230">condemned the attacks as "cowardly"</a> and said the government was working to "contain the situation".

Images circulating on social media and local news stations showed extensive damage at one of three churches targeted in the near-simultaneous blasts on Sunday morning.

Much of the church roof was blown out in the explosion, with roof tiles and splintered wood littering the floor and pools of blood in between wounded worshippers.

The injured flooded into local hospitals, where officials reported hundreds of wounded were being admitted.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday afternoon was rocked by another blast. The eighth explosion, in a series of blasts that had rattled the country on Sunday, occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city.

Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday afternoon was rocked by another blast. The eighth explosion, in a series of blasts that had rattled the country on Sunday, occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city. Three people have been reported dead in the latest blast. Police said there were no further details on what was targeted, adding that the blast was a suicide bombing, news agency AFP reported. Over 160 people have been confirmed dead so far in the string of attacks targeting hotels and churches in Sri Lanka. A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners. More than 450 people have suffered injuries. The blasts Easter Day bomb blasts were reported at three Sri Lankan churches and three luxury hotels earlier today. The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported. St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported. The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo. As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session. Nation-wide curfew, social media blocked The Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice", after a string of deadly blasts. Sri Lanka's defence ministry initially said the curfew would be imposed overnight, but the police subsequently said it would go into effect straight away. Sri Lanka's government said Sunday it would impose a "temporary" social media ban after a string of blasts targeting hotels and churches killed nearly 160 people. "The government has decided to block all social media platforms in order to prevent incorrect and wrong information being spread. This is only a temporary measure" Udaya R. Seneviratne, secretary to the president said in a statement. Major attacks since the Sri Lankan civil war The explosions are being billed as the major attacks since the end of the civil war a decade ago. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the attacks as "cowardly" and said the government was working to "contain the situation". Images circulating on social media and local news stations showed extensive damage at one of three churches targeted in the near-simultaneous blasts on Sunday morning. Much of the church roof was blown out in the explosion, with roof tiles and splintered wood littering the floor and pools of blood in between wounded worshippers. The injured flooded into local hospitals, where officials reported hundreds of wounded were being admitted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Eighth blast rattles Sri Lanka, over 160 dead; curfew imposed 'until further notice'

An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ranil-wickremesinghe-sri-lankas-reformist-premiere-184790&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiw8p7WgrbhAhUp63MBHZFUDIMQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3gmLGTPK-sBLo7ICY4plGA">Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>'s official residence in Colombo, officials said.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/execution-style-killing-of-two-policemen-shocks-sri-lanka-180575&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwirxbnqgrbhAhXTTX0KHZ73CoUQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2fsuxSDgklIH23KUoF7HM2">Special Task Force</a> (STF) member used his officially issued automatic assault rifle to shoot himself at the gate of the Temple Trees residence while the premier was inside the sprawling complex.

It was not immediately clear why the commando took his life, but police officials said an investigation was underway.

An opposition legislator raised Thursday's suicide in parliament during a debate on the budgets of the military and the police, but there was no immediate comment from the government.

Sri Lanka's leaders and visiting dignitaries are given protection by the Special Task Force which is specially trained for security as well as urban guerrilla warfare.&nbsp;

An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's official residence in Colombo, officials said.

An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's official residence in Colombo, officials said. The Special Task Force (STF) member used his officially issued automatic assault rifle to shoot himself at the gate of the Temple Trees residence while the premier was inside the sprawling complex. It was not immediately clear why the commando took his life, but police officials said an investigation was underway. An opposition legislator raised Thursday's suicide in parliament during a debate on the budgets of the military and the police, but there was no immediate comment from the government. Sri Lanka's leaders and visiting dignitaries are given protection by the Special Task Force which is specially trained for security as well as urban guerrilla warfare.

At PM Wickremesinghe residence in Sri Lanka commando commits suicide

Sri Lanka on Wednesday began interviewing 47 applicants for two positions as hangmen, officials said, as Amnesty International urged Colombo not to bring back capital punishment.

President Maithripala Sirisena announced in February that Sri Lanka would end a 43-year moratorium on executions this month in a Philippines-inspired war on drugs.

An official said that 47 male applicants would be interviewed on Wednesday and Thursday after the government advertised the vacancies in February.&nbsp;

But the successful candidates may face a delay in carrying out their new role.

"Since there is no living person in Sri Lanka who has carried out an execution, we need to send the new recruits abroad for training," the official, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP, adding that Colombo was also yet to identify a country to provide training.&nbsp;

"The rope (used for hangings) has not been used at all since it was imported (in 2015), it will have to be tested and certified."

Rights group Amnesty International meanwhile said resuming hangings would not end drug-related crime and that innocent people could be executed due to flaws in Sri Lanka's criminal justice system.

Sirisena has said that he was inspired by the anti-drug war in the Philippines and was keen to replicate the success of his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte. Sirisena has since deployed security forces in his battle against drugs.

In a nationally televised event in Colombo, Sirisena pledged to end the spread of narcotics within two years.

Restoring capital punishment is a centrepiece of his anti-drugs policy.

Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but until now their punishments have been commuted to life in jail.

Sri Lanka's last judicial hanging was in 1976, but an executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows.

On Monday, Sirisena witnessed the destruction of nearly 800 kilos (1,280 pounds) of cocaine seized between 2016 and 2018.&nbsp;

In February, police seized nearly 300 kilos of heroin worth $17 million, the island's biggest haul, at a Colombo shopping mall. In 2013, police seized 260 kilos of heroin brought into the country hidden inside tractors imported from Pakistan.

Sri Lanka's biggest drug haul, by weight, was in December 2016 when police seized 800 kilos of cocaine. Six months earlier, authorities discovered 301 kilos of cocaine inside a shipping container.

Authorities believe the Indian Ocean island is also being used as a trafficking transit point.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday began interviewing 47 applicants for two positions as hangmen, officials said, as Amnesty International urged Colombo not to bring back capital punishment.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday began interviewing 47 applicants for two positions as hangmen, officials said, as Amnesty International urged Colombo not to bring back capital punishment. President Maithripala Sirisena announced in February that Sri Lanka would end a 43-year moratorium on executions this month in a Philippines-inspired war on drugs. An official said that 47 male applicants would be interviewed on Wednesday and Thursday after the government advertised the vacancies in February. But the successful candidates may face a delay in carrying out their new role. "Since there is no living person in Sri Lanka who has carried out an execution, we need to send the new recruits abroad for training," the official, who asked to remain anonymous, told AFP, adding that Colombo was also yet to identify a country to provide training. "The rope (used for hangings) has not been used at all since it was imported (in 2015), it will have to be tested and certified." Rights group Amnesty International meanwhile said resuming hangings would not end drug-related crime and that innocent people could be executed due to flaws in Sri Lanka's criminal justice system. Sirisena has said that he was inspired by the anti-drug war in the Philippines and was keen to replicate the success of his counterpart Rodrigo Duterte. Sirisena has since deployed security forces in his battle against drugs. In a nationally televised event in Colombo, Sirisena pledged to end the spread of narcotics within two years. Restoring capital punishment is a centrepiece of his anti-drugs policy. Criminals in Sri Lanka are regularly given death sentences for murder, rape and drug-related crimes but until now their punishments have been commuted to life in jail. Sri Lanka's last judicial hanging was in 1976, but an executioner was in the post until his retirement in 2014. Three replacements since have quit after short stints at the unused gallows. On Monday, Sirisena witnessed the destruction of nearly 800 kilos (1,280 pounds) of cocaine seized between 2016 and 2018. In February, police seized nearly 300 kilos of heroin worth $17 million, the island's biggest haul, at a Colombo shopping mall. In 2013, police seized 260 kilos of heroin brought into the country hidden inside tractors imported from Pakistan. Sri Lanka's biggest drug haul, by weight, was in December 2016 when police seized 800 kilos of cocaine. Six months earlier, authorities discovered 301 kilos of cocaine inside a shipping container. Authorities believe the Indian Ocean island is also being used as a trafficking transit point.

Sri Lanka interviews 47 potential hangmen, Amnesty urges it to not bring back capital punishment

Kusal Perera became a national hero in Sri Lanka on Sunday after scoring an unbeaten 153 to guide his country to a sensational first Test victory in South Africa.

The country's cricket legends and politicians lauded Perera, who has become a linchpin for the ailing national side since fighting off doping charges in 2016.

Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who had staunchly defended Perera when he was suspended in December 2015, called the performance at Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday "unreal".

"What an amazing win," Sangakkara said on Twitter. "One of the best if not THE best overseas win by (Sri Lanka). Kusal Janith Perera was unreal."&nbsp;

Sangakkara stood by Perera when he was wrongfully accused of doping in 2015. The International Cricket Council lifted the suspension in 2016 and apologised for the botched testing.

Another former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena said on Twitter: "What a beauty! One of the best innings under pressure." Jayawardena said Perera, who put on a last wicket partnership of 78 had shown "intelligence and mental strength".

Perera scored 67 in an unbroken last-wicket stand with Vishwa Fernando which gave his underdog team a sensational victory.

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also took to Twitter to hail the win.

"Congratulations to our cricket team on snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat," Sirisena said.&nbsp;

"Kusal Janith Perera makes mother Sri Lanka very proud today! Keep fighting! "Great spirit by @kusaljperera and all the youngsters #SAvSL," added Wickremesinghe while thanking the national side which has been the butt of jokes due to poor recent results.

"U beauty", said Sports minister Harin Fernando on Twitter.

Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 and since has been plagued by management scandals, allegations of corruption and player squabbling.

They were swept 3-0 in a home Test series against England last year and were then beaten in Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp;

Kusal Perera became a national hero in Sri Lanka on Sunday after scoring an unbeaten 153 to guide his country to a sensational first Test victory in South Africa.

Kusal Perera became a national hero in Sri Lanka on Sunday after scoring an unbeaten 153 to guide his country to a sensational first Test victory in South Africa. The country's cricket legends and politicians lauded Perera, who has become a linchpin for the ailing national side since fighting off doping charges in 2016. Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who had staunchly defended Perera when he was suspended in December 2015, called the performance at Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday "unreal". "What an amazing win," Sangakkara said on Twitter. "One of the best if not THE best overseas win by (Sri Lanka). Kusal Janith Perera was unreal." Sangakkara stood by Perera when he was wrongfully accused of doping in 2015. The International Cricket Council lifted the suspension in 2016 and apologised for the botched testing. Another former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena said on Twitter: "What a beauty! One of the best innings under pressure." Jayawardena said Perera, who put on a last wicket partnership of 78 had shown "intelligence and mental strength". Perera scored 67 in an unbroken last-wicket stand with Vishwa Fernando which gave his underdog team a sensational victory. Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also took to Twitter to hail the win. "Congratulations to our cricket team on snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat," Sirisena said. "Kusal Janith Perera makes mother Sri Lanka very proud today! Keep fighting! "Great spirit by @kusaljperera and all the youngsters #SAvSL," added Wickremesinghe while thanking the national side which has been the butt of jokes due to poor recent results. "U beauty", said Sports minister Harin Fernando on Twitter. Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996 and since has been plagued by management scandals, allegations of corruption and player squabbling. They were swept 3-0 in a home Test series against England last year and were then beaten in Australia and New Zealand.

Sri Lanka sensation Kusal Perera hailed for Test-winning heroics

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday launched an investigation into the country's newest prison after a video leaked on social media showed guards kicking, punching and assaulting inmates with batons.

The Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale said she was shocked by the footage released on Wednesday and an independent investigation was launched into activities at the Angunakolapalessa prison.

"I condemn this horrible attack on inmates and I will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those responsible," Athukorale told reporters in Colombo.

In the video clips dozens of inmates can be seen ordered out their cells, forced to kneel down in an open courtyard and then beaten with batons by a large group of guards.

She said a ministry-level investigation would be carried out in addition to an internal prisons department inquiry against guards identified as having taken part in the mass assault.

She said preliminary investigations showed the incident took place in November following a standoff between guards and inmates, but information on it only came out after the video clips were leaked on Wednesday.

The videos appeared to be footage from the prison's own CCTV network. It was not clear who had leaked it.

The Angunakolapalessa jail was launched in October 2017 as a model correctional facility. It can accommodate 2,000 inmates and is not overcrowded as all the other prisons in the country.

The latest prison attack was the worst since the 2012 killing of 27 convicts at Sri Lanka's main prison by police who were called in to restore order after rioting.

An initial inquiry into the 2012 incident showed that inmates were lined up and shot execution style. Investigations are ongoing and several people have been arrested.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday launched an investigation into the country's newest prison after a video leaked on social media showed guards kicking, punching and assaulting inmates with batons.

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday launched an investigation into the country's newest prison after a video leaked on social media showed guards kicking, punching and assaulting inmates with batons. The Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorale said she was shocked by the footage released on Wednesday and an independent investigation was launched into activities at the Angunakolapalessa prison. "I condemn this horrible attack on inmates and I will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against those responsible," Athukorale told reporters in Colombo. In the video clips dozens of inmates can be seen ordered out their cells, forced to kneel down in an open courtyard and then beaten with batons by a large group of guards. She said a ministry-level investigation would be carried out in addition to an internal prisons department inquiry against guards identified as having taken part in the mass assault. She said preliminary investigations showed the incident took place in November following a standoff between guards and inmates, but information on it only came out after the video clips were leaked on Wednesday. The videos appeared to be footage from the prison's own CCTV network. It was not clear who had leaked it. The Angunakolapalessa jail was launched in October 2017 as a model correctional facility. It can accommodate 2,000 inmates and is not overcrowded as all the other prisons in the country. The latest prison attack was the worst since the 2012 killing of 27 convicts at Sri Lanka's main prison by police who were called in to restore order after rioting. An initial inquiry into the 2012 incident showed that inmates were lined up and shot execution style. Investigations are ongoing and several people have been arrested.

Sri Lanka probes 'model prison' after abuse video

A day after Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said he will soon visit the island nation to raise the issue of the Indian fishermen and will also suggest a solution for resolving the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils.

The BJP leader took to Twitter to inform that he received a call from Sri Lanka's premier Mahinda Rajapaksha, whom he congratulated for being elevated as country's prime minister. The former Sri Lankan president had travelled to India last month on an invitation by the BJP Member of Parliament.

"I was happy to receive a call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon and raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him," Swamy wrote on Twitter.

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I was happy to receive call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon&amp;raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him.
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swamy39/status/1056014657968840704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, Sri Lankan President Maithripla Sirisena sacked country's prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with his (Sirisena) predecessor Rajapaksa after the collapse of the governing coalition between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP), New York Times reported.

Underlining the risk of chaos in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the executive powers of the president.

DMK leader TRB Rajaa expressed gratification&nbsp;and wrote on Twitter: "CLEARLY this huge turnaround in #SriLanka has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of #Delhi."

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CLEARLY this huge turnaround in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>
— T R B Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/TRBRajaa/status/1055851120684281857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Eelam People's Democratic Party Parliamentarian Douglas Devananda also expressed his support to the new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

A day after Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said he will soon visit the island nation to raise the issue of the Indian fishermen and will also suggest a solution for resolving the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils.

A day after Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy said he will soon visit the island nation to raise the issue of the Indian fishermen and will also suggest a solution for resolving the issue of Sri Lankan Tamils. The BJP leader took to Twitter to inform that he received a call from Sri Lanka's premier Mahinda Rajapaksha, whom he congratulated for being elevated as country's prime minister. The former Sri Lankan president had travelled to India last month on an invitation by the BJP Member of Parliament. "I was happy to receive a call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon and raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him," Swamy wrote on Twitter. I was happy to receive call from Prime Minister Rajapaksha. I congratulated him and said I will come to Colombo soon&raise remaining issues of Sri Lankan Tamils and suggest solutions after consulting Sri Lankan Tamils. I also will raise the Indian fishermen issue with him. — Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) October 27, 2018 × On Friday, Sri Lankan President Maithripla Sirisena sacked country's prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with his (Sirisena) predecessor Rajapaksa after the collapse of the governing coalition between Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and United National Party (UNP), New York Times reported. Underlining the risk of chaos in Sri Lanka, where the government had been under pressure over a misfiring economy, Media and Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said on Twitter that the appointment of Rajapaksa as prime minister was a violation of the constitution, which was amended in 2015 to curtail the executive powers of the president. DMK leader TRB Rajaa expressed gratification and wrote on Twitter: "CLEARLY this huge turnaround in #SriLanka has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of #Delhi." CLEARLY this huge turnaround in #SriLanka has happened with the FULL "Aseervadham" of #Delhi — T R B Rajaa (@TRBRajaa) October 26, 2018 × Eelam People's Democratic Party Parliamentarian Douglas Devananda also expressed his support to the new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Received a call from PM Rajapaksa, congratulated him; will visit Colombo soon: Subramanian Swamy

After nearly 18 years, Sri Lanka's geographical map has been revised and is set to be released today. The Sri Lanka Survey Department (SLSD), along with the national surveying and mapping organization, has decided to update the geographical map of Sri Lanka.

The country's map will now include an additional two square kilometre land of the Colombo Port City.

A digital version of the map, demonstrating the land added to the Colombo city by the reclamation of the sea, will also be released.

Sri Lanka's geography has gone through many territorial changes for nearly a couple of decades now. The new map will be released by the 1:500 ratio.

According to reports, printed copies of the map are likely to be made available by June.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's geography has gone through many territorial changes for nearly a couple of decades now

After nearly 18 years, Sri Lanka's geographical map has been revised and is set to be released today. The Sri Lanka Survey Department (SLSD), along with the national surveying and mapping organization, has decided to update the geographical map of Sri Lanka. The country's map will now include an additional two square kilometre land of the Colombo Port City. A digital version of the map, demonstrating the land added to the Colombo city by the reclamation of the sea, will also be released. Sri Lanka's geography has gone through many territorial changes for nearly a couple of decades now. The new map will be released by the 1:500 ratio. According to reports, printed copies of the map are likely to be made available by June. (With inputs from ANI)

Sri Lanka's revised geographical map to be released today

Heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least nine people as the monsoon season kicked off in the emerald country.&nbsp;

Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka.

The government has put relief&nbsp;agencies on the ground as the size of the disaster has overwhelmed the country.

A spokesman for the disaster management said flooding has forced the evacuation of people in low-lying areas where four main rivers have reached flood levels, while four districts are on "red alert" for possible landslides.

Spill gates of many reservoirs had to be opened across the Indian Ocean island, Reuters reported.

Sri Lanka had lost over 600,000 due to floods last year. 
&nbsp;

Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka.

Heavy monsoon rains in Sri Lanka have killed at least nine people as the monsoon season kicked off in the emerald country. Reports said at least 38,000 people have been affected by the rains and storms which have lashed central and south Sri Lanka. The government has put relief agencies on the ground as the size of the disaster has overwhelmed the country. A spokesman for the disaster management said flooding has forced the evacuation of people in low-lying areas where four main rivers have reached flood levels, while four districts are on "red alert" for possible landslides. Spill gates of many reservoirs had to be opened across the Indian Ocean island, Reuters reported. Sri Lanka had lost over 600,000 due to floods last year.

Heavy floods, landslides in Sri Lanka; at least 9 killed

The recently concluded Nidahas Trophy had many memorable moments, including the last ball six coming out of Dinesh Karthik&#39;s bat to clinch the title from Bangladesh.

However, there is one more incident for which the trophy will be remembered.&nbsp;

In a do-or-die clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium, Shakib al Hasan called back his players at one point after a ball which was a bouncer was not given a no-ball by the umpire.

However, it all did not end there, certain players clashed instead of the customary and traditional handshakes, undermining the spirit of the gentleman&rsquo;s game. &nbsp;

Later, several photos emerged of broken glass panels in Bangladesh cricket team&rsquo;s pavilion.

The CCTV footage was rather inconclusive but media reports said that the Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan allegedly pushed the door causing the damage.

However, the Bangladeshi skipper was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and was also awarded one demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC).&nbsp;

Nurul Hasan, who was part of the on-field altercation, pleaded guilty to unruly behaviour and was also fined 25 per cent of his match fee and was also awarded one demerit point.

Several on-field altercations took place between the players of two sides

The recently concluded Nidahas Trophy had many memorable moments, including the last ball six coming out of Dinesh Karthik's bat to clinch the title from Bangladesh. However, there is one more incident for which the trophy will be remembered. In a do-or-die clash between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium, Shakib al Hasan called back his players at one point after a ball which was a bouncer was not given a no-ball by the umpire. However, it all did not end there, certain players clashed instead of the customary and traditional handshakes, undermining the spirit of the gentleman’s game. Later, several photos emerged of broken glass panels in Bangladesh cricket team’s pavilion. The CCTV footage was rather inconclusive but media reports said that the Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan allegedly pushed the door causing the damage. However, the Bangladeshi skipper was fined 25 per cent of his match fee and was also awarded one demerit point by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Nurul Hasan, who was part of the on-field altercation, pleaded guilty to unruly behaviour and was also fined 25 per cent of his match fee and was also awarded one demerit point.

Shakib al Hasan broke dressing room door in Colombo: Reports

India will face Bangladesh in the 5th match of T20I Tri-Series&nbsp;at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on&nbsp;2018 Wednesday, March&nbsp;14.

The match will start at 7:00 pm IST.

India,&nbsp;with the win, will land straightaway in the finals of the tournament.

Men in blue&nbsp;are currently leading the tournament with four points, as they won two out of three matches till now.

Though, India had lost the first match against Sri Lanka but fought their way out in the second match when the young guns of the team&nbsp;came out as champions.

Rohit Sharma, who is leading the team&nbsp;in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, has not performed at-par.

A big shout out to the bowlers, especially Shardul Thakur&nbsp;and Washington Sundar, both of them have outbowled the opponents with their variety of seam and pace.

The newcomers are playing with passion, dedication and are stepping up for the team as the pillars in odd situations.

In a recent interview newcomer Shardul said, &quot;When other senior bowlers are missing from the team, it&#39;s me who (has) to step up.&quot;

On the other hand, Bangladesh has shrugged its rust off in this series when they stunned Sri Lanka and marked&nbsp;a record run chase of 215.

Mushfiqur Rahim slammed&nbsp;an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls that inspired Bangladesh to such a massive victory.

Squad:

India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah(c), Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed, Imrul Kayes, Nurul Hasan, Ariful Haque, Abu Hider Rony

India is currently leading the tournament with four points, as they won two out of three matches till now

India will face Bangladesh in the 5th match of T20I Tri-Series at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on 2018 Wednesday, March 14. The match will start at 7:00 pm IST. India, with the win, will land straightaway in the finals of the tournament. Men in blue are currently leading the tournament with four points, as they won two out of three matches till now. Though, India had lost the first match against Sri Lanka but fought their way out in the second match when the young guns of the team came out as champions. Rohit Sharma, who is leading the team in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli, has not performed at-par. A big shout out to the bowlers, especially Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar, both of them have outbowled the opponents with their variety of seam and pace. The newcomers are playing with passion, dedication and are stepping up for the team as the pillars in odd situations. In a recent interview newcomer Shardul said, "When other senior bowlers are missing from the team, it's me who (has) to step up." On the other hand, Bangladesh has shrugged its rust off in this series when they stunned Sri Lanka and marked a record run chase of 215. Mushfiqur Rahim slammed an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls that inspired Bangladesh to such a massive victory. Squad: India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Lokesh Rahul, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Rishabh Pant Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Mahmudullah(c), Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nazmul Islam, Abu Jayed, Imrul Kayes, Nurul Hasan, Ariful Haque, Abu Hider Rony

Nidahas Trophy T20: India up against confident Bangladesh, eyes final berth

India back on track after a mini-setback in the tournament opener. This is India&#39;s first win of the tournament.

India continues its winning streak against Bangladesh in T20Is. They have won all of their 6 matches against them in the shortest format of the game.&nbsp;

A target of 140 is always difficult to defend in a T20I against a team that has the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina in their batting line up.&nbsp;

Dhawan scored his sixth T20I fifty and his partnership with Raina practically won the match for India.&nbsp;

In the end, Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik saw it through as India walked to a 6-wicket win.

Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma decided to bowl against Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy&#39;s second match in Colombo.

India&#39;s young bowling unit got its bearings back with a disciplined effort to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 139/8 in the second round robin league match of the Nidahas T20 Tri-Nation tournament, here this evening. 
&nbsp;

Scoreboard

Bangladesh: 
Tamim Iqbal c Unadkat b Thakur 15 
Soumya Sarkar c Chahal b Unadkat 14 
Liton Das c Raina b Chahal 34 
Mushfiqur Rahim c Karthik b Shankar 18 
Mahmudullah c Thakur b Shankar 1 
Sabbir Rahman c Karthik b Unadkat 30 
Mehidy Hasan c Pandey b Unadkat 3 
Taskin Ahmed not out 8 
Rubel Hossain run out 0 
Mustafizur Rahman not out 1

Extras (LB-2, WD-11, NB-2) 15

Total (For 8 wickets in 20 overs) 139

Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-35, 3-66, 4-72, 5-107, 6-118, 7-134, 8-135.

Bowling: 
J Unadkat 4-0-38-3 
W Sundar 4-0-2-30, 
S Thakur 4-0-25-1, Y&nbsp; 
Chahal 4-0-19-1, 
V Shankar 4-0-32-2

India:&nbsp;

RG Sharma (c) b Mustafizur Rahman 17 
S Dhawan c Liton Das b Taskin Ahmed 55 
RR Pant b Rubel Hossain 7 
SK Raina c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Rubel Hossain 28 
MK Pandey not out 27 
KD Karthik not out 2

Total&nbsp; 140/4 (18.4 Overs, RR: 7.50)

Across seven games, the three teams will battle for the title which starts from March 6 (Tuesday) and the final will be held on March 18 (Sunday). All the games will be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

India's young bowling unit got its bearings back with a disciplined effort to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 139/8

India back on track after a mini-setback in the tournament opener. This is India's first win of the tournament. India continues its winning streak against Bangladesh in T20Is. They have won all of their 6 matches against them in the shortest format of the game. A target of 140 is always difficult to defend in a T20I against a team that has the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina in their batting line up. Dhawan scored his sixth T20I fifty and his partnership with Raina practically won the match for India. In the end, Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik saw it through as India walked to a 6-wicket win. Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma decided to bowl against Bangladesh in the Nidahas Trophy's second match in Colombo. India's young bowling unit got its bearings back with a disciplined effort to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 139/8 in the second round robin league match of the Nidahas T20 Tri-Nation tournament, here this evening. Scoreboard Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal c Unadkat b Thakur 15 Soumya Sarkar c Chahal b Unadkat 14 Liton Das c Raina b Chahal 34 Mushfiqur Rahim c Karthik b Shankar 18 Mahmudullah c Thakur b Shankar 1 Sabbir Rahman c Karthik b Unadkat 30 Mehidy Hasan c Pandey b Unadkat 3 Taskin Ahmed not out 8 Rubel Hossain run out 0 Mustafizur Rahman not out 1 Extras (LB-2, WD-11, NB-2) 15 Total (For 8 wickets in 20 overs) 139 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-35, 3-66, 4-72, 5-107, 6-118, 7-134, 8-135. Bowling: J Unadkat 4-0-38-3 W Sundar 4-0-2-30, S Thakur 4-0-25-1, Y Chahal 4-0-19-1, V Shankar 4-0-32-2 India: RG Sharma (c) b Mustafizur Rahman 17 S Dhawan c Liton Das b Taskin Ahmed 55 RR Pant b Rubel Hossain 7 SK Raina c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Rubel Hossain 28 MK Pandey not out 27 KD Karthik not out 2 Total 140/4 (18.4 Overs, RR: 7.50) Across seven games, the three teams will battle for the title which starts from March 6 (Tuesday) and the final will be held on March 18 (Sunday). All the games will be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Nidahas T20I Trophy: India beat Bangladesh by six wickets

An old&nbsp;tea&nbsp;warehouse&nbsp;collapsed in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&#39;s&nbsp;capital&nbsp;killing at least&nbsp;seven people on Wednesday, hospital sources said, with some people feared trapped in the rubble.

Police said at least 12 people were inside the building, near the R. Premadasa cricket ground, at the time of the&nbsp;collapse.

Pushpa Soysa, the head nurse at the National Hospital of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, said&nbsp;seven&nbsp;bodies were brought to the hospital.

Police, soldiers and firefighters were searching for those believed trapped, television pictures showed.

The reason for the&nbsp;collapse&nbsp;was not immediately clear.

Military personnel were rushed to the private company in the commercial quarter of Grandpass to search for those crushed inside.

An old tea warehouse collapsed in Sri Lanka's capital killing at least seven people on Wednesday, hospital sources said, with some people feared trapped in the rubble. Police said at least 12 people were inside the building, near the R. Premadasa cricket ground, at the time of the collapse. Pushpa Soysa, the head nurse at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, said seven bodies were brought to the hospital. Police, soldiers and firefighters were searching for those believed trapped, television pictures showed. The reason for the collapse was not immediately clear.

Tea warehouse collapse kills seven in Sri Lanka capital

Sri Lanka&#39;s former leader Mahinda Rajapakse on Monday demanded a snap general election and challenged his successor&#39;s right to govern after drubbing the ruling coalition in crucial mid-term polls.

Rajapakse&#39;s new party secured two-thirds of Sri Lanka&#39;s councils in a surprise blitz of local elections, humiliating the governing alliance as it reels from internal crises and divisions over leadership.

&quot;The government no longer has a mandate,&quot; said Rajapakse, who lost presidential and parliamentary polls in 2015 after ruling the island with an iron fist for a decade.

&quot;I ask the president to call a general election.&quot;

Rajapakse, whose family wields enormous influence in Sri Lanka, staged a dramatic comeback at the weekend as his Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna -- SLPP or People&#39;s Front -- pulled off the landslide victory.

Rajapakse&#39;s party comfortably won in all regions bar the battle-scarred north and east where, as president, he brutally crushed a separatist Tamil movement to end the island&#39;s ethnic war in 2009.

The vote affects only the lowest rung of politics but the result is being seen as a stinging rebuke to the ruling coalition, which has struggled to pass promised post-war reforms.

President Maithripala Sirisena was elected in part on a promise to reform the constitution, grant greater autonomy to minority Tamils and reconcile for a decades-long ethnic war that claimed more than 100,000 lives.

Parliament has been debating the proposed arrangements to share political power with Tamils but has made little ground.

Rajapakse &mdash; a member of the majority Sinhalese community -- said the election result at the weekend was a referendum on these reforms.

&quot;People voted against the division of the country,&quot; he said.

The president has no power to sack the legislature but parliament -- whose term ends in 2020 -- can vote to dissolve and call early elections with the support of two-thirds of its members.

There has been no reaction from Sirisena or his coalition ally Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe since their thumping defeat.

Their alliance has frayed as both men have levelled allegations of corruption and backstabbing against the other, and they campaigned separately for their parties in this latest poll.

Rajapakse's party comfortably won in all regions bar the battle-scarred north and east where, as president, he brutally crushed a separatist Tamil movement to end the island's ethnic war in 2009

Sri Lanka's former leader Mahinda Rajapakse on Monday demanded a snap general election and challenged his successor's right to govern after drubbing the ruling coalition in crucial mid-term polls. Rajapakse's new party secured two-thirds of Sri Lanka's councils in a surprise blitz of local elections, humiliating the governing alliance as it reels from internal crises and divisions over leadership. "The government no longer has a mandate," said Rajapakse, who lost presidential and parliamentary polls in 2015 after ruling the island with an iron fist for a decade. "I ask the president to call a general election." Rajapakse, whose family wields enormous influence in Sri Lanka, staged a dramatic comeback at the weekend as his Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna -- SLPP or People's Front -- pulled off the landslide victory. Rajapakse's party comfortably won in all regions bar the battle-scarred north and east where, as president, he brutally crushed a separatist Tamil movement to end the island's ethnic war in 2009. The vote affects only the lowest rung of politics but the result is being seen as a stinging rebuke to the ruling coalition, which has struggled to pass promised post-war reforms. President Maithripala Sirisena was elected in part on a promise to reform the constitution, grant greater autonomy to minority Tamils and reconcile for a decades-long ethnic war that claimed more than 100,000 lives. Parliament has been debating the proposed arrangements to share political power with Tamils but has made little ground. Rajapakse — a member of the majority Sinhalese community -- said the election result at the weekend was a referendum on these reforms. "People voted against the division of the country," he said. The president has no power to sack the legislature but parliament -- whose term ends in 2020 -- can vote to dissolve and call early elections with the support of two-thirds of its members. There has been no reaction from Sirisena or his coalition ally Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe since their thumping defeat. Their alliance has frayed as both men have levelled allegations of corruption and backstabbing against the other, and they campaigned separately for their parties in this latest poll.

Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa demands snap polls after victory

China is reportedly planning to invest $1 billion in the construction of three 60-storey buildings at a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/26316" target="_blank">mega-project near Sri Lanka&#39;s main port</a>, Colombo.

&quot;China Harbour (company) will put in $1 billion to build three buildings,&quot; Sri Lanka&#39;s Urban Development Minister Champika Ranawaka said.&nbsp;

&quot;These three 60-storey buildings will be able to attract more foreign companies into Sri Lanka,&quot; he added.

Beijing&#39;s move is considered a way to boost its influence in the Indian Ocean.

The deal follows an earlier Chinese investment of $1.4 billion to carry out reclamation work for the wider Colombo International Financial City development.

It is located next to Sri Lanka&#39;s harbour, the only deep-sea container port in the region.

The project was initiated by the former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse and will create a financial centre in the Indian Ocean comparable with those in Singapore and Europe.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan officials said 60 per cent of the 269 hectare (672 acre) reclamation which was due to finish next year has already been completed.

Colombo is a major hub for Indian import-export cargo. &nbsp;After protests by New Delhi, Colombo removed freehold rights granted to the Chinese company and offered the land on a 99-year lease instead.

Beijing's move is considered a way to boost its influence in the Indian Ocean

China is reportedly planning to invest $1 billion in the construction of three 60-storey buildings at a mega-project near Sri Lanka's main port, Colombo. "China Harbour (company) will put in $1 billion to build three buildings," Sri Lanka's Urban Development Minister Champika Ranawaka said. "These three 60-storey buildings will be able to attract more foreign companies into Sri Lanka," he added. Beijing's move is considered a way to boost its influence in the Indian Ocean. The deal follows an earlier Chinese investment of $1.4 billion to carry out reclamation work for the wider Colombo International Financial City development. It is located next to Sri Lanka's harbour, the only deep-sea container port in the region. The project was initiated by the former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse and will create a financial centre in the Indian Ocean comparable with those in Singapore and Europe. Sri Lankan officials said 60 per cent of the 269 hectare (672 acre) reclamation which was due to finish next year has already been completed. Colombo is a major hub for Indian import-export cargo. After protests by New Delhi, Colombo removed freehold rights granted to the Chinese company and offered the land on a 99-year lease instead.

Watch: China to invest $1 billion in Sri Lanka port project

Jacqueline Fernandez is now a&nbsp;restaurateur, joining the ranks of other Bollywood celebrities like Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Govinda, Suniel Shetty, Bobby Deol and Sushmita Sen among others.&nbsp;

The &quot;Judwa 2&quot;&#39;s star opened her first-ever restaurant in Sri Lankan capital, Colombo in the city&#39;s newest 5-star hotel, Shangri-La Hotel.&nbsp;The restaurant is called Kaema Sutra, the menu of which is a collaboration between the actress and renowned celebrity chef, Dharshan Munidasa.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bblg6IZHPGB/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Chef and partner in crime @dharshanmunidasa getting me ready for our big day @kaemasutra in @shangrilacolombo coming soon ??</a>

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The menu offers Sri Lankan dishes with a contemporary twist, from make-your-own Kottu Curry to an Organic Kithul Treacle.&nbsp;The food menu is dominated by fish and seafood dishes, which are both an integral part of Sri Lankan cuisine and Munidasa&#39;s area of expertise.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcm3qIeHl_U/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">So excited to announce my first restaurant @kaemasutra with @dharshanmunidasa is now open in the brand new @shangrilacolombo bringing you the yummiest #srilankancuisine ?????? see you there!!! #foodismyfirstlove</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) on <time datetime="2017-12-12T15:32:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 12, 2017 at 7:32am PST</time>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcmii0qFtxm/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Kaema Sutra is now open ! We moved the Miris Gala, brought in a tapas section, so many new colorful plates and some new dishes! Call 0117888288 for reservations. We are open from 5pm to Midnight and up to 2am Friday &amp;a Saturday. The new location has amazing sun sets, creative cocktails, outdoor lounge, a DJ and Live Entertainment. @jacquelinef143 #dharshanmunidasa #kaemasutra #shangrilacolombo #lamprais #srilanka #srilankanfood #srilankancuisine #cheflife #chefsofinstagram #mirisgala #restaurateur</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Dharshan Munidasa (@dharshanmunidasa) on <time datetime="2017-12-12T12:28:16+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 12, 2017 at 4:28am PST</time>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BVy0Ne_Bvyk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The starting point of a Lamprais is the broth that its rice cooks in. With chicken the challenge started with 8 kinds of broth, made from 8 different parts of the chicken. After experimenting with so many stocks a day, we found the wining combination that created a great rice together with boneless dark meat chicken curry, dark meat frikkedel and other Lamprais accompaniments. We are serving the chicken Lamprais from today! Call us on 011-267-0722 to reserve for take out or dine in. Price 800/- Nett #colombodining #dharshanmunidasa #contemporarysrilankancuisine #kaemasutra #lamprais #chickenlamprais #chickenstock</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Kaema Sutra Restaurant (@kaemasutra) on <time datetime="2017-06-26T07:13:46+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 26, 2017 at 12:13am PDT</time>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAMyAkD6Hm/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">#Repost @dharshanmunidasa with @repostapp ??? Stand a chance to win My Top Picks from @alexandraandward @CafeNihonbashi &amp; @KaemaSutra by answering these 3 questions correctly!!!?? 1)How was the name of the restaurant Alexandra &amp; Ward derived? 2)What does &#39;Washoku&#39; in Cafe Nihonbashi &#39;Casual Washoku&#39; mean? 3)Which Bollywood Actress is my partner at KaemaSutra? Winners names will be announced on this page so please look out for your names!!?#colombo #srilanka #AlexandraandWard #cafenihonbashi #KaemaSutra</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Kaema Sutra Restaurant (@kaemasutra) on <time datetime="2017-05-12T18:55:49+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">May 12, 2017 at 11:55am PDT</time>
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Jacqueline announced the launch of Kaema Sutra right after Shangri-La in Colombo opened its doors. As of now, Kaema Sutra&nbsp;will be open from noon and will serve dinner.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcj4YS6nUor/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">We&#39;re all set! A new-age Sri Lankan restaurant and bar offering creative native inspired cuisine and beverages. Kaema Sutra will be open from tomorrow, 5pm onwards! #ShangriLaColombo #SriLanka #KaemaSutra</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Kaema Sutra Restaurant (@kaemasutra) on <time datetime="2017-12-11T11:41:47+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 11, 2017 at 3:41am PST</time>
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Jacqueline, reportedly, also has plans to open a restaurant in Mumbai.&nbsp;

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The Colombo restaurant specialises in contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine by celebrity chef Dharshan Munidasa

Jacqueline Fernandez is now a restaurateur, joining the ranks of other Bollywood celebrities like Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Govinda, Suniel Shetty, Bobby Deol and Sushmita Sen among others. The "Judwa 2"'s star opened her first-ever restaurant in Sri Lankan capital, Colombo in the city's newest 5-star hotel, Shangri-La Hotel. The restaurant is called Kaema Sutra, the menu of which is a collaboration between the actress and renowned celebrity chef, Dharshan Munidasa. Chef and partner in crime @dharshanmunidasa getting me ready for our big day @kaemasutra in @shangrilacolombo coming soon ?? A post shared by Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) on Nov 16, 2017 at 10:23pm PST × The menu offers Sri Lankan dishes with a contemporary twist, from make-your-own Kottu Curry to an Organic Kithul Treacle. The food menu is dominated by fish and seafood dishes, which are both an integral part of Sri Lankan cuisine and Munidasa's area of expertise. So excited to announce my first restaurant @kaemasutra with @dharshanmunidasa is now open in the brand new @shangrilacolombo bringing you the yummiest #srilankancuisine ?????? see you there!!! #foodismyfirstlove A post shared by Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) on Dec 12, 2017 at 7:32am PST × Kaema Sutra is now open ! We moved the Miris Gala, brought in a tapas section, so many new colorful plates and some new dishes! Call 0117888288 for reservations. We are open from 5pm to Midnight and up to 2am Friday &a Saturday. The new location has amazing sun sets, creative cocktails, outdoor lounge, a DJ and Live Entertainment. @jacquelinef143 #dharshanmunidasa #kaemasutra #shangrilacolombo #lamprais #srilanka #srilankanfood #srilankancuisine #cheflife #chefsofinstagram #mirisgala #restaurateur A post shared by Dharshan Munidasa (@dharshanmunidasa) on Dec 12, 2017 at 4:28am PST × The starting point of a Lamprais is the broth that its rice cooks in. With chicken the challenge started with 8 kinds of broth, made from 8 different parts of the chicken. After experimenting with so many stocks a day, we found the wining combination that created a great rice together with boneless dark meat chicken curry, dark meat frikkedel and other Lamprais accompaniments. We are serving the chicken Lamprais from today! Call us on 011-267-0722 to reserve for take out or dine in. Price 800/- Nett #colombodining #dharshanmunidasa #contemporarysrilankancuisine #kaemasutra #lamprais #chickenlamprais #chickenstock A post shared by Kaema Sutra Restaurant (@kaemasutra) on Jun 26, 2017 at 12:13am PDT × #Repost @dharshanmunidasa with @repostapp ??? Stand a chance to win My Top Picks from @alexandraandward @CafeNihonbashi & @KaemaSutra by answering these 3 questions correctly!!!?? 1)How was the name of the restaurant Alexandra & Ward derived? 2)What does 'Washoku' in Cafe Nihonbashi 'Casual Washoku' mean? 3)Which Bollywood Actress is my partner at KaemaSutra? Winners names will be announced on this page so please look out for your names!!?#colombo #srilanka #AlexandraandWard #cafenihonbashi #KaemaSutra A post shared by Kaema Sutra Restaurant (@kaemasutra) on May 12, 2017 at 11:55am PDT × Jacqueline announced the launch of Kaema Sutra right after Shangri-La in Colombo opened its doors. As of now, Kaema Sutra will be open from noon and will serve dinner. We're all set! A new-age Sri Lankan restaurant and bar offering creative native inspired cuisine and beverages. Kaema Sutra will be open from tomorrow, 5pm onwards! #ShangriLaColombo #SriLanka #KaemaSutra A post shared by Kaema Sutra Restaurant (@kaemasutra) on Dec 11, 2017 at 3:41am PST × Jacqueline, reportedly, also has plans to open a restaurant in Mumbai.

Jacqueline Fernandez opens her first-ever restaurant called Kaema Sutra

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