The head of Sri Lanka's Catholic Church appealed for calm on Monday after sporadic violence between Christian and Muslims north of Colombo prompted police to impose a curfew.

In the first such violence since the Easter Sunday bombings of three churches and three hotels by Islamist extremists that killed 257 people, several Muslim homes and vehicles were damaged in Negombo.

Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or injuries in the clashes, but videos circulated on social media showed mobs throwing stones at Muslim businesses, destroyed furniture inside homes, shattered windows and overturned vehicles.

AFP was unable to immediately verify the footage.

A few hundred extra troops and police were deployed late Sunday as authorities imposed a night-time curfew in the town.

"I appeal to all Christians, Buddhists and Muslims to be patient, show restraint and ensure the peace we maintained after the Easter bombings," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said on national television on Monday.

The government blocked access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to prevent what it called the spread of rumours and videos aimed at instigating religious riots.

More than 100 people died at Negombo's St. Sebastian church, the highest number of casualties in the April 21 attacks.

The curfew was lifted on Monday morning and police said an investigation into the evening clashes was underway.

Sri Lanka's main international airport is located in the area, but police said there was no disruption to airport traffic.&nbsp;

Muslims make up around 10 per cent of Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka's population and Christians about 7.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, public schools reopened Monday after an extended Easter holiday, with heavily armed police and troops guarding schools and imposing parking restrictions.

The country has been under a state of emergency since the Easter bombings.

Security forces and police have been give sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods.

The government has blamed the Easter bombings on a local jihadist organisation which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

The head of Sri Lanka's Catholic Church appealed for calm on Monday after sporadic violence between Christian and Muslims north of Colombo prompted police to impose a curfew.

The head of Sri Lanka's Catholic Church appealed for calm on Monday after sporadic violence between Christian and Muslims north of Colombo prompted police to impose a curfew. In the first such violence since the Easter Sunday bombings of three churches and three hotels by Islamist extremists that killed 257 people, several Muslim homes and vehicles were damaged in Negombo. Authorities have yet to confirm any arrests or injuries in the clashes, but videos circulated on social media showed mobs throwing stones at Muslim businesses, destroyed furniture inside homes, shattered windows and overturned vehicles. AFP was unable to immediately verify the footage. A few hundred extra troops and police were deployed late Sunday as authorities imposed a night-time curfew in the town. "I appeal to all Christians, Buddhists and Muslims to be patient, show restraint and ensure the peace we maintained after the Easter bombings," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said on national television on Monday. The government blocked access to social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook to prevent what it called the spread of rumours and videos aimed at instigating religious riots. More than 100 people died at Negombo's St. Sebastian church, the highest number of casualties in the April 21 attacks. The curfew was lifted on Monday morning and police said an investigation into the evening clashes was underway. Sri Lanka's main international airport is located in the area, but police said there was no disruption to airport traffic. Muslims make up around 10 per cent of Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka's population and Christians about 7.6 per cent. Meanwhile, public schools reopened Monday after an extended Easter holiday, with heavily armed police and troops guarding schools and imposing parking restrictions. The country has been under a state of emergency since the Easter bombings. Security forces and police have been give sweeping powers to arrest and detain suspects for long periods. The government has blamed the Easter bombings on a local jihadist organisation which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Church calls for calm after Sri Lanka clashes after communal violence in Negombo

State schools in Sri Lanka resumed classes on Monday amid tight security after the Easter Sunday bombings, but many anxious parents kept their children at home over fears of more attacks by Islamic terrorists.

Two weeks after suicide bombings at hotels and churches killed 257 people, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-secures-schools-before-reopening-following-easter-suicide-bombings-216119">soldiers conducted a security sweep of schools</a> on Sunday after state institutions were asked to re-open on a staggered basis.

Mid-to-upper stream classes resumed on Monday, to be followed by lower grades at a later date.

Despite the tight security and military patrols, most classrooms were near empty on Monday. Private schools, including Catholic institutions, remained closed.

"I have decided not to send my son to school until the country returns to normal," said Sujeeva Dissanayake, whose son goes to the state-run Asoka College in Colombo.

She and other parents were at the school to help provide security.

"Until we are certain about the security situation outside we will not send the child to school," Dissanayake said.

Authorities have blamed the Easter Sunday attacks, which also killed 42 foreign nationals, on two little-known local Islamist groups, the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI).

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

At Royal College, an elite state school in Colombo, the parking area usually filled with school vans on a normal day was practically empty.

Only about 5 percent of its 6000 students were back in classes, a school official said.

At a Hindu school in Batticaloa on the east coast, site of one of the church bombings, parents helped to search schoolbags at the entrance gate. Once inside, pupils sat in desks away from road-side windows. &nbsp;

"Parents are not confident that safety has returned to normal," said T. Yasodharan, principal of Sivananda College where only 30 percent of its students showed up on Monday.

Security forces are on high alert after intelligence reports indicated militants could strike before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is due to begin later on Monday.

Muslim schools will be closed for the holidays.

In Negombo, where 102 people attending Easter Sunday service were killed in the deadliest bomb attack, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lifts-curfew-in-negombo-police-says-situation-under-control-216314">authorities lifted an overnight curfew</a> imposed after clashes between two groups of civilians.

A brief ban on social media platforms was also lifted, but authorities said they would stay alert for threats against the Muslim community in the wake of the April 21 attacks.

Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith, who has criticised the government's handling of security around key establishments, has asked for Catholic schools in the Western Province, which includes Colombo and its suburbs, to be closed this week.

State schools in Sri Lanka resumed classes on Monday amid tight security after the Easter Sunday bombings, but many anxious parents kept their children at home over fears of more attacks by Islamic terrorists.

State schools in Sri Lanka resumed classes on Monday amid tight security after the Easter Sunday bombings, but many anxious parents kept their children at home over fears of more attacks by Islamic terrorists. Two weeks after suicide bombings at hotels and churches killed 257 people, soldiers conducted a security sweep of schools on Sunday after state institutions were asked to re-open on a staggered basis. Mid-to-upper stream classes resumed on Monday, to be followed by lower grades at a later date. Despite the tight security and military patrols, most classrooms were near empty on Monday. Private schools, including Catholic institutions, remained closed. "I have decided not to send my son to school until the country returns to normal," said Sujeeva Dissanayake, whose son goes to the state-run Asoka College in Colombo. She and other parents were at the school to help provide security. "Until we are certain about the security situation outside we will not send the child to school," Dissanayake said. Authorities have blamed the Easter Sunday attacks, which also killed 42 foreign nationals, on two little-known local Islamist groups, the National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibrahim (JMI). Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings. At Royal College, an elite state school in Colombo, the parking area usually filled with school vans on a normal day was practically empty. Only about 5 percent of its 6000 students were back in classes, a school official said. At a Hindu school in Batticaloa on the east coast, site of one of the church bombings, parents helped to search schoolbags at the entrance gate. Once inside, pupils sat in desks away from road-side windows. "Parents are not confident that safety has returned to normal," said T. Yasodharan, principal of Sivananda College where only 30 percent of its students showed up on Monday. Security forces are on high alert after intelligence reports indicated militants could strike before the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is due to begin later on Monday. Muslim schools will be closed for the holidays. In Negombo, where 102 people attending Easter Sunday service were killed in the deadliest bomb attack, authorities lifted an overnight curfew imposed after clashes between two groups of civilians. A brief ban on social media platforms was also lifted, but authorities said they would stay alert for threats against the Muslim community in the wake of the April 21 attacks. Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith, who has criticised the government's handling of security around key establishments, has asked for Catholic schools in the Western Province, which includes Colombo and its suburbs, to be closed this week.

Post terror attack in Sri Lanka, schools reopen to empty classrooms

Sri Lanka's $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the sun and sand Indian Ocean island after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-orders-muslim-religious-and-cultural-affairs-ministry-to-regulate-madrasas-215976">multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 people</a> two weeks ago.

Suspected suicide bombers from little-known Islamic groups in Sri Lanka attacked churches and luxury hotels in the country on Easter Sunday, killing worshippers, tourists and their families. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Tourism, which accounts for 5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, has suffered as tourists from around the world cancelled hotel and flight bookings fearing more attacks.

"It's a big blow to the economy, as well as the tourism industry," Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said in an interview on Saturday. "For the economy to develop, it's important tourism return to where it was before the attacks."

Net hotel bookings dropped a staggering 186 per cent on average over the week following the attacks compared to the same period last year, data from travel consultancy ForwardKeys showed. A decline of more than one hundred per cent indicates more cancellations than bookings.

Cancellation rates at hotels across the country averaged 70 per cent as of Saturday, with the capital Colombo taking a bigger hit, Sri Lanka's Tourism Bureau Chairman Kishu Gomes told Reuters.

"Some airlines have also discontinued frequency of flights. Load factor is much lower than it used to be," Gomes said. "It is a worrying factor for sure."

Tourism took off in Sri Lanka, which boasts of a 1,600-km (1,000-mile) long coastline, following the end of the decades-long civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009. It was Sri Lanka's third largest and fastest growing source of foreign currency last year.

Decisive policy and security measures will be important to revive the industry and support economic growth, the International Monetary Fund has said.

For now, businesses from luxury hotels to beach shacks are facing mounting losses.

In Bentota, one of a string of beach resorts south of Colombo, occupancy rates have plummeted, according to interviews with hotel managers.

Samanmali Collone, 54, runs the seven-room Warahena Beach Hotel in Bentota, where rooms cost 10,000 Sri Lankan rupees ($56) per night. Her hotel had previously been fully booked for the day when Reuters visited on Thursday, but when news of the bombings on Easter Sunday emerged, all of her guests cancelled.

"There are no bookings: this week, next month, even in October, they have all cancelled," she said, speaking in her deserted beachside restaurant where waiters polished glasses and re-arranged tables, but without any sign of any guests arriving.

Collone said if bookings do not pick up soon, she will have to let go some of her sixteen staff.

"We have had issues before but this is completely different," she said.

Sri Lanka's $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the sun and sand Indian Ocean island after multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 people two weeks ago.

Sri Lanka's $4.4 billion tourism industry is reeling from cancellations as travellers shun the sun and sand Indian Ocean island after multiple suicide bombings that killed over 250 people two weeks ago. Suspected suicide bombers from little-known Islamic groups in Sri Lanka attacked churches and luxury hotels in the country on Easter Sunday, killing worshippers, tourists and their families. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks. Tourism, which accounts for 5 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, has suffered as tourists from around the world cancelled hotel and flight bookings fearing more attacks. "It's a big blow to the economy, as well as the tourism industry," Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said in an interview on Saturday. "For the economy to develop, it's important tourism return to where it was before the attacks." Net hotel bookings dropped a staggering 186 per cent on average over the week following the attacks compared to the same period last year, data from travel consultancy ForwardKeys showed. A decline of more than one hundred per cent indicates more cancellations than bookings. Cancellation rates at hotels across the country averaged 70 per cent as of Saturday, with the capital Colombo taking a bigger hit, Sri Lanka's Tourism Bureau Chairman Kishu Gomes told Reuters. "Some airlines have also discontinued frequency of flights. Load factor is much lower than it used to be," Gomes said. "It is a worrying factor for sure." Tourism took off in Sri Lanka, which boasts of a 1,600-km (1,000-mile) long coastline, following the end of the decades-long civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009. It was Sri Lanka's third largest and fastest growing source of foreign currency last year. Decisive policy and security measures will be important to revive the industry and support economic growth, the International Monetary Fund has said. For now, businesses from luxury hotels to beach shacks are facing mounting losses. In Bentota, one of a string of beach resorts south of Colombo, occupancy rates have plummeted, according to interviews with hotel managers. Samanmali Collone, 54, runs the seven-room Warahena Beach Hotel in Bentota, where rooms cost 10,000 Sri Lankan rupees ($56) per night. Her hotel had previously been fully booked for the day when Reuters visited on Thursday, but when news of the bombings on Easter Sunday emerged, all of her guests cancelled. "There are no bookings: this week, next month, even in October, they have all cancelled," she said, speaking in her deserted beachside restaurant where waiters polished glasses and re-arranged tables, but without any sign of any guests arriving. Collone said if bookings do not pick up soon, she will have to let go some of her sixteen staff. "We have had issues before but this is completely different," she said.

Deserted beaches, empty rooms: Sri Lanka tourism takes a hit after bombings

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday&nbsp;condemned deadly attacks in places of worship as he inaugurated the country's largest mosque, Camlica in Istanbul.

Erdogan said people behind bombings that targeted mosques and churches were the "common enemies of all humanity."

Over 250 people were killed in Sri Lanka on April 21 in bombings at churches and hotels as worshippers marked Easter.

Sri Lankan police suspect members of two previously little-known Islamist militant groups based in Sri Lanka - National Thawheedh Jamaath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the attacks.

Erdogan said attackers shared a "dark mentality" as he cut the ribbon to open the new mosque to worshippers.

Construction on Camlica Mosque started in 2013, with plans to open in 2018, but delays in construction postponed the opening.

Worshippers at Friday's ceremony included visitors from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Senegal and Guinea. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday condemned deadly attacks in places of worship as he inaugurated the country's largest mosque, Camlica in Istanbul. Erdogan said people behind bombings that targeted mosques and churches were the "common enemies of all humanity.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday condemned deadly attacks in places of worship as he inaugurated the country's largest mosque, Camlica in Istanbul. Erdogan said people behind bombings that targeted mosques and churches were the "common enemies of all humanity." Over 250 people were killed in Sri Lanka on April 21 in bombings at churches and hotels as worshippers marked Easter. Sri Lankan police suspect members of two previously little-known Islamist militant groups based in Sri Lanka - National Thawheedh Jamaath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the attacks. Erdogan said attackers shared a "dark mentality" as he cut the ribbon to open the new mosque to worshippers. Construction on Camlica Mosque started in 2013, with plans to open in 2018, but delays in construction postponed the opening. Worshippers at Friday's ceremony included visitors from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Senegal and Guinea.

President Tayyip Erdogan inaugrates Turkey's largest mosque, condemns deadly attacks

A former head of Sri Lanka’s military intelligence and close aide of the Rajapaksa family is allegedly trying to hinder probes by various countries into the deaths of their citizens in the recent terror attacks at China’s behest.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka's former President Rajapaksa's aide is hindering probe into Easter day attacks

An India-based photojournalist, who was in Sri Lanka to cover the aftermath of Easter Sunday bombings, was arrested by Sri Lankan police for alleged unauthorised entry into a school.

Siddiqui Ahamad Danish, who works for Reuters news agency and is based in New Delhi, was arrested when he allegedly attempted to forcibly enter a school in Negombo city to speak to its authorities.

He was arrested on the charges of unauthorised entry and was later remanded by the Negombo magistrate till May 15, police said.

According to local media reports, the journalist had attempted to enter the school to obtain information regarding a student killed in the bombing of St Sebastian's Church when parents who were at the school at the time alerted the police.

The journalist was temporarily here for the coverage of the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people and wounded nearly 500 others.&nbsp;

An India-based photojournalist, who was in Sri Lanka to cover the aftermath of Easter Sunday bombings, was arrested by Sri Lankan police for alleged unauthorised entry into a school.

An India-based photojournalist, who was in Sri Lanka to cover the aftermath of Easter Sunday bombings, was arrested by Sri Lankan police for alleged unauthorised entry into a school. Siddiqui Ahamad Danish, who works for Reuters news agency and is based in New Delhi, was arrested when he allegedly attempted to forcibly enter a school in Negombo city to speak to its authorities. He was arrested on the charges of unauthorised entry and was later remanded by the Negombo magistrate till May 15, police said. According to local media reports, the journalist had attempted to enter the school to obtain information regarding a student killed in the bombing of St Sebastian's Church when parents who were at the school at the time alerted the police. The journalist was temporarily here for the coverage of the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people and wounded nearly 500 others.

India-based photo journalist arrested by Lanka police on trespassing charges

The death toll from the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-roman-catholic-church-cancels-sunday-mass-over-bomb-attack-fear-215315"> Easter suicide bomb attacks</a> in Sri Lanka has risen to 257, authorities said Thursday.

They warned that the final number of dead from the April 21 attacks on three churches and three Colombo hotels would rise further.

"The death toll stands at 257 as of now," Anil Jasinghe, government director general of health services, told AFP.

"The death toll slowly increased because there were some in-hospital deaths. There are some body parts as well so it is actually 257-plus."

At least 40 of the dead are foreigners, with some missing tourists still to be accounted for.

According to the latest count, 496 injured were admitted to hospitals, with 47 still being treated and 12 of those in intensive care.

The government had given a toll of more than 350 but brought this down last week, blaming double counting of bodies that were badly mutilated in the six blasts.

The death toll from the Easter suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 257, authorities said Thursday. They warned that the final number of dead from the April 21 attacks on three churches and three Colombo hotels would rise further.

The death toll from the Easter suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 257, authorities said Thursday. They warned that the final number of dead from the April 21 attacks on three churches and three Colombo hotels would rise further. "The death toll stands at 257 as of now," Anil Jasinghe, government director general of health services, told AFP. "The death toll slowly increased because there were some in-hospital deaths. There are some body parts as well so it is actually 257-plus." At least 40 of the dead are foreigners, with some missing tourists still to be accounted for. According to the latest count, 496 injured were admitted to hospitals, with 47 still being treated and 12 of those in intensive care. The government had given a toll of more than 350 but brought this down last week, blaming double counting of bodies that were badly mutilated in the six blasts.

Sri Lanka attacks death toll rises to 257

A Week After Massive Sri Lanka Suffered A Deadly Terror Attacks, The Country Has Brought In A Fierce Crackdown On Terror. Here Are Some Lessons That India Can Learn From The Island Nation.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka's response to Easter massacre: Lessons for India?

It looks like Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday suspended defiant police chief Pujith Jayasundara and named his successor as well as a new defence secretary as part of the revamping of the security establishment following the country's worst terror attack.

Sri Lanka Blasts: Sri Lankan police chief sent on leave after a week of blasts

Kerala DGP Loknath Behera said that the state police is on high alert in the wake of the Sri Lanka blasts.

"Kerala Police is at high alert after Sri Lanka blasts," Behera said.

"Alert given to Indian Coast Guard, Commandos and Bomb Detachment Squad. An analysis of large volumes of technical data like phone calls, social media activities being done daily," he added.

More than 250 people were killed and several hundred suffered injuries in the eight coordinated explosions that rattled various churches and high-end hotels located across Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikede and Batticaloa as the Christian community celebrated Easter on April 21.&nbsp;

Kerala DGP Loknath Behera said that the state police is on high alert in the wake of the Sri Lanka blasts. "Kerala Police is at high alert after Sri Lanka blasts," Behera said.

Kerala DGP Loknath Behera said that the state police is on high alert in the wake of the Sri Lanka blasts. "Kerala Police is at high alert after Sri Lanka blasts," Behera said. "Alert given to Indian Coast Guard, Commandos and Bomb Detachment Squad. An analysis of large volumes of technical data like phone calls, social media activities being done daily," he added. More than 250 people were killed and several hundred suffered injuries in the eight coordinated explosions that rattled various churches and high-end hotels located across Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikede and Batticaloa as the Christian community celebrated Easter on April 21.

Kerala Police on 'high alert' after Sri Lanka blasts

Sri Lankan security forces maintained a high level of alert on Tuesday after the Easter Sunday bombings, officials said, amid intelligence reports that Islamist terrorists were planning fresh attacks before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

Sri Lanka blasts: Nation on high alert till Ramadan

The restrictions, which were put into place quickly after attacks at three churches and three high-end hotels killed more than 250 people in Sri Lanka, reflected increasing global concern about the role that American-owned networks play in spreading hate speech and inciting communal violence.

Sri Lanka blasts: Lanka government revokes ban on social media and messaging apps

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church said public mass will resume on Sunday, two weeks after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">Easter Sunday bombings killed 253 people</a> at three churches and three luxury hotels.

"On the 5th of May we are going to begin Masses," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told AFP on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"But we will start with a smaller number of Masses and see if we can slowly increase it depending on how the situation develops," Rajith added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-blasts-sri-lankan-police-chief-sent-on-leave-after-a-week-of-blasts-214632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US government on Tuesday warned Sri Lanka and said that some of the Islamist militants involved in the Easter Sunday bombing were likely still at large and could be planning fresh attacks.

Sri Lankan security forces also said they were maintaining a high level of alert amid intelligence reports that the militants were likely to strike before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-governments-lifts-ban-on-social-media-platforms-214678">Sri Lankan government has lifted the ban on social media platforms</a> WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church said public mass will resume on Sunday, two weeks after Easter Sunday bombings killed 253 people at three churches and three luxury hotels.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church said public mass will resume on Sunday, two weeks after Easter Sunday bombings killed 253 people at three churches and three luxury hotels. "On the 5th of May we are going to begin Masses," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told AFP on Tuesday. "But we will start with a smaller number of Masses and see if we can slowly increase it depending on how the situation develops," Rajith added. The US government on Tuesday warned Sri Lanka and said that some of the Islamist militants involved in the Easter Sunday bombing were likely still at large and could be planning fresh attacks. Sri Lankan security forces also said they were maintaining a high level of alert amid intelligence reports that the militants were likely to strike before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. The Sri Lankan government has lifted the ban on social media platforms WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka to resume public mass on Sunday: Cardinal

Sri Lanka is now facing collapse in tourism. It can potentially force it to seek more IMF help

WION Wallet: Sri Lanka may need more IMF help

Half of a group of 120 Sri Lankan migrants who arrived on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion two weeks were deported early on Monday, officials said.

The group of 60, including three women and three children, were flown back to Sri Lanka in a special flight, the island's prefecture said in a statement.

The group of 120 migrants arrived at Reunion on April 13, having made the 4,000-kilometre (2,485 miles) in a fishing boat. They each paid 2,000-5,000 euros ($2,230-$5,580) for the crossing.&nbsp;

The fishing boat's three Indonesian crew members have been charged with assisting illegal immigration. Remanded in custody, they are scheduled to appear in court on May 15.&nbsp;

Since March 2018, 273 Sri Lankans have arrived on Reunion Island, of whom 130 are still there.

They are waiting for OFPRA (the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons) to rule on their asylum applications.&nbsp;

All the others have been sent back to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

"There are clearly illegal immigration networks in operation," said Frederic Joram, secretary general of Reunion Island's prefecture.&nbsp;

Half of a group of 120 Sri Lankan migrants who arrived on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion two weeks were deported early on Monday, officials said. The group of 60, including three women and three children, were flown back to Sri Lanka in a special flight, the island's prefecture said in a statement.

Half of a group of 120 Sri Lankan migrants who arrived on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion two weeks were deported early on Monday, officials said. The group of 60, including three women and three children, were flown back to Sri Lanka in a special flight, the island's prefecture said in a statement. The group of 120 migrants arrived at Reunion on April 13, having made the 4,000-kilometre (2,485 miles) in a fishing boat. They each paid 2,000-5,000 euros ($2,230-$5,580) for the crossing. The fishing boat's three Indonesian crew members have been charged with assisting illegal immigration. Remanded in custody, they are scheduled to appear in court on May 15. Since March 2018, 273 Sri Lankans have arrived on Reunion Island, of whom 130 are still there. They are waiting for OFPRA (the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons) to rule on their asylum applications. All the others have been sent back to Sri Lanka. "There are clearly illegal immigration networks in operation," said Frederic Joram, secretary general of Reunion Island's prefecture.

France deports 60 Sri Lankans from Indian Ocean island

Watch Sri Lanka's crackdown on terror post Easter bombings. Sri Lanka declared national emergency post attacks.

Sri Lanka attacks: Lanka declared national emergency post attacks

The wife and daughter of the suspected mastermind of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-blasts-wife-daughter-of-suspected-mastermind-wounded-in-gunbattle-213941">suicide bombings that killed 253</a> in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday escaped with minor injuries from an explosion at a safe house where they had been holed up, hospital staff and police said on Monday.

Mohamed Zahran Hashim was the ringleader of a group who blew themselves up in churches and hotels, an attack that sent shockwaves across the Indian Ocean island. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility.

His father and two of his brothers were killed when security forces stormed their safe house on the east coast of the country on Friday night, police and a relative said.

The Sri Lankan military said at least 15 people were killed during a gun battle there, and Islamic State said on Sunday that three of its members detonated explosive vests at the end of the clash.

The only two survivors of the blasts were Zahran's wife, Abdul Cader Fathima Sadia, and his four-year-old daughter, Mohamed Zahran Rusaina, who was pulled from the wreckage on Saturday morning.

Sadia is a key accused in the Easter Sunday bombings, according to three police officers in the eastern district of Ampara, who declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media.

At Ampara General Hospital, where the pair are being treated, there was a heavy police and military presence on Monday.

They both suffered 5-10 per cent burns along with minor lacerations from shrapnel, said Upul Wijenayake, the hospital's general manager.

"They are clinically stable though both of them have burn injuries," he told Reuters. "Both of them are improving."

Despite Sadia's suspected role in the attacks, she is not under arrest, according to Wijenayake and police officers who spoke to Reuters.

"No one is arrested in the clinical process," said Wijenayake. "It is a matter of ethics."

Hospital staff denied a request by Reuters to visit Sadia to seek comment on her alleged role in the attacks.

Security was very tight at the hospital around arguably the country's most high-profile patients.

Hospital staff were trying to work out how the pair managed to survive the blast, which police believe killed many of Zahran's relatives.

A series of explosions blew off the house's roof and left a crater in the concrete floor. But the structure's kitchen and bathroom were relatively unscathed, a Reuters team saw during a visit to the property on Sunday.

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that militants, possibly dressed in uniform, were planning more attacks. Security has been ramped up across the country, and scores of suspects have been arrested since the April 21 blasts.

The wife and daughter of the suspected mastermind of suicide bombings that killed 253 in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday escaped with minor injuries from an explosion at a safe house where they had been holed up, hospital staff and police said on Monday.

The wife and daughter of the suspected mastermind of suicide bombings that killed 253 in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday escaped with minor injuries from an explosion at a safe house where they had been holed up, hospital staff and police said on Monday. Mohamed Zahran Hashim was the ringleader of a group who blew themselves up in churches and hotels, an attack that sent shockwaves across the Indian Ocean island. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility. His father and two of his brothers were killed when security forces stormed their safe house on the east coast of the country on Friday night, police and a relative said. The Sri Lankan military said at least 15 people were killed during a gun battle there, and Islamic State said on Sunday that three of its members detonated explosive vests at the end of the clash. The only two survivors of the blasts were Zahran's wife, Abdul Cader Fathima Sadia, and his four-year-old daughter, Mohamed Zahran Rusaina, who was pulled from the wreckage on Saturday morning. Sadia is a key accused in the Easter Sunday bombings, according to three police officers in the eastern district of Ampara, who declined to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media. At Ampara General Hospital, where the pair are being treated, there was a heavy police and military presence on Monday. They both suffered 5-10 per cent burns along with minor lacerations from shrapnel, said Upul Wijenayake, the hospital's general manager. "They are clinically stable though both of them have burn injuries," he told Reuters. "Both of them are improving." Despite Sadia's suspected role in the attacks, she is not under arrest, according to Wijenayake and police officers who spoke to Reuters. "No one is arrested in the clinical process," said Wijenayake. "It is a matter of ethics." Hospital staff denied a request by Reuters to visit Sadia to seek comment on her alleged role in the attacks. Security was very tight at the hospital around arguably the country's most high-profile patients. Hospital staff were trying to work out how the pair managed to survive the blast, which police believe killed many of Zahran's relatives. A series of explosions blew off the house's roof and left a crater in the concrete floor. But the structure's kitchen and bathroom were relatively unscathed, a Reuters team saw during a visit to the property on Sunday. Sri Lankan security officials have warned that militants, possibly dressed in uniform, were planning more attacks. Security has been ramped up across the country, and scores of suspects have been arrested since the April 21 blasts.

Wife, daughter of Sri Lanka bombings mastermind will survive blast: Hospital

Tourist arrivals in Colombo will fall by 50 per cent over the next two months following the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 250 people, Sri Lanka's Tourism Bureau Chairman Kishu Gomes said on Monday.

Tourist arrivals in areas outside Colombo will also go down by about 30 per cent following the bombings, he told reporters at a travel conference in Dubai.

SriLankan Airlines' chief executive Vipula Gunatilleka told Reuters at the conference that the carrier had a 10 per cent increase in cancellations last week and expects that number to go up.

Sri Lanka faces a likely collapse in tourism following Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and hotels, which would deal a severe blow to the island's economy and financial markets, and potentially force it to seek further IMF assistance.

Gomes said the tourism bureau was chasing a target of 2.5 million visitors in 2019.

"We will probably reach about 2 million," Gomes told reporters. "We are looking at providing some concessions to the industry for them to be able to maintain their viability for the next few months."

Gomes said confidence could return if the military is able to give assurances on security.

"If the military can come out over the next few days and make a strong statement with respect to a security that’s when we will obviously offer a bit of confidence and try and work against that anticipation."

Tourist arrivals in Colombo will fall by 50 per cent over the next two months following the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 250 people, Sri Lanka's Tourism Bureau Chairman Kishu Gomes said on Monday.

Tourist arrivals in Colombo will fall by 50 per cent over the next two months following the Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 250 people, Sri Lanka's Tourism Bureau Chairman Kishu Gomes said on Monday. Tourist arrivals in areas outside Colombo will also go down by about 30 per cent following the bombings, he told reporters at a travel conference in Dubai. SriLankan Airlines' chief executive Vipula Gunatilleka told Reuters at the conference that the carrier had a 10 per cent increase in cancellations last week and expects that number to go up. Sri Lanka faces a likely collapse in tourism following Easter Sunday bomb attacks on churches and hotels, which would deal a severe blow to the island's economy and financial markets, and potentially force it to seek further IMF assistance. Gomes said the tourism bureau was chasing a target of 2.5 million visitors in 2019. "We will probably reach about 2 million," Gomes told reporters. "We are looking at providing some concessions to the industry for them to be able to maintain their viability for the next few months." Gomes said confidence could return if the military is able to give assurances on security. "If the military can come out over the next few days and make a strong statement with respect to a security that’s when we will obviously offer a bit of confidence and try and work against that anticipation."

Tourist arrivals in Colombo to drop by 50% after bombings: Sri Lanka tourism chief

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-sirisena-appoints-new-acting-police-chief-jayasundara-sent-on-compulsory-leave-214376">Islamist militants</a> behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms.

The militants were targeting five locations for attacks on Sunday or Monday, security sources said.

"There could be another wave of attacks," the head of ministerial security division (MSD), a unit of the police, said in a letter to lawmakers and other officials, seen by Reuters on Monday.

"The relevant information further notes that persons dressed in military uniforms and using a van could be involved in the attacks."

There were no attacks on Sunday, and security across Sri Lanka has been ramped up, with scores of suspected Islamists arrested since the April 21 attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people, including 40 foreign nationals.

Two cabinet ministers and two opposition lawmakers confirmed to Reuters that they were aware of the latest security alert.

"We have been informed about this by the MSD," Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said.

Authorities suspect members of two little known groups - National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the Easter attacks, though Islamic State has claimed responsibility.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a tight-knit group of people were involved, mostly close friends and families. They mostly spoke face-to-face, possibly to evade electronic surveillance.

"They (the group) were small enough that they were not using normal communications, instead of meeting each other," Wickremesinghe told Reuters.

He added the coordinated bombings, the type of explosives used and the tightly guarded plot suggested the bombers had guidance.

"IS (Islamic State) has claimed, we also felt there have to be some international links," he said.

President Maithripala Sirisena said on Monday he had appointed Chandana Wickramaratne, the second in command at the police, as acting police chief.

Over the weekend, two sources at the president's office told Reuters that Pujith Jayasundara, the police chief during the attacks, was refusing the president's request to step down.

It was not immediately possible to contact Jayasundara on Monday.

In India, police said they had raided the homes of three people in the southern state of Kerala, close to Sri Lanka, in connection with their links to Islamic State. They did not say if there was any connection to the attacks in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that Islamist militants behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms.

Sri Lankan security officials have warned that Islamist militants behind Easter Sunday's suicide bombings are planning imminent attacks and could be dressed in military uniforms. The militants were targeting five locations for attacks on Sunday or Monday, security sources said. "There could be another wave of attacks," the head of ministerial security division (MSD), a unit of the police, said in a letter to lawmakers and other officials, seen by Reuters on Monday. "The relevant information further notes that persons dressed in military uniforms and using a van could be involved in the attacks." There were no attacks on Sunday, and security across Sri Lanka has been ramped up, with scores of suspected Islamists arrested since the April 21 attacks on hotels and churches that killed more than 250 people, including 40 foreign nationals. Two cabinet ministers and two opposition lawmakers confirmed to Reuters that they were aware of the latest security alert. "We have been informed about this by the MSD," Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. Authorities suspect members of two little known groups - National Thawheedh Jamaath (NTJ) and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the Easter attacks, though Islamic State has claimed responsibility. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said a tight-knit group of people were involved, mostly close friends and families. They mostly spoke face-to-face, possibly to evade electronic surveillance. "They (the group) were small enough that they were not using normal communications, instead of meeting each other," Wickremesinghe told Reuters. He added the coordinated bombings, the type of explosives used and the tightly guarded plot suggested the bombers had guidance. "IS (Islamic State) has claimed, we also felt there have to be some international links," he said. President Maithripala Sirisena said on Monday he had appointed Chandana Wickramaratne, the second in command at the police, as acting police chief. Over the weekend, two sources at the president's office told Reuters that Pujith Jayasundara, the police chief during the attacks, was refusing the president's request to step down. It was not immediately possible to contact Jayasundara on Monday. In India, police said they had raided the homes of three people in the southern state of Kerala, close to Sri Lanka, in connection with their links to Islamic State. They did not say if there was any connection to the attacks in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka on alert for attacks by militants dressed in uniforms

The cancellations started before the dust had settled on the hotels and churches hit by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-cardinal-calls-suicide-attacks-insult-to-humanity-at-memorial-service-214039">suicide bombers in Sri Lanka</a> as tourists and operators pressed the panic button.

Sanath Ukwatte, chairman of the colonial-era Mount Lavinia hotel in Colombo, said he lost about 30 per cent of his bookings within days of the Easter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-says-its-fighters-behind-police-clashes-in-sri-lanka-214029">Sunday attacks that killed 253 people</a>.

Many holidaymakers got the first plane out of Colombo after the blasts -- at least 40 foreigners were among the dead -- raising fears for a tourism industry that had managed to move on from the shadows of a decades-long civil war.

The United States, Britain, Australia, India and Israel have all warned their nationals against visiting, while the Netherlands is organising a special flight to evacuate hundreds of Dutch tourists.&nbsp;

On Friday, European travel giant TUI announced it had stopped taking bookings for the South Asian country.

And the crisis could get worse before it gets better for the island nation, whose palm-fringed beaches and mountain tea plantations were recently named the best place to visit in 2019 by the Lonely Planet guide.

Armed guards

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera had hoped tourism would earn a record $5.0 billion this year, up from $4.4 billion in 2018. He thinks the attacks could now see the country lose up to one-third of that.</div>

Tourism accounts for about five per cent of the economy, with Britain, India and China the main markets. Official figures show tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year jumped 4.6 per cent to 740,600 from 2018.

But with armed guards now a fixture in some Colombo hotels and cancellations flooding in after the carnage unleashed by coordinated suicide attacks, Samaraweera must work out a rescue plan for establishments now facing ruin.

"We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange," he said on Friday.

Ruchir Desai, a senior investment analyst with Asia Frontier Capital in Hong Kong, said the next year will be a tough one for Sri Lanka.

"Given the scale of the attack I still think you would see a negative impact on the industry," Desai told AFP.

"It should recover," he added, "obviously it depends on the steps the government takes to improve stability."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-blasts-tourists-in-lanka-asked-to-stay-alert-214006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukwatte, who is also president of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, hopes Sri Lanka can "bounce back".

Sri Lanka's tourism is heading into its low season, and Ukwatte believes if confidence can be restored by October or November, "then we will be able to revive the industry with European winter travellers."&nbsp;

Finance Minister Samaraweera highlighted how other countries hit by Islamic State-inspired attacks rebuilt their image and convinced tourists to come back.

"Typically, countries that suffer isolated IS-style attacks see tourism recovering within one-to-two years, as long as root causes are addressed and security measures taken are well communicated," the minister said.

He pointed to tourist industries in Belgium, France, Spain and Tunisia as countries which had all managed to bounce back after suffering indiscriminate terror attacks.

Bad message

Much will depend on how the government gets its message across, observers said.

Canadian adventure tourism promoter Wade Campbell criticised the government's communications after the attacks, particularly a top defence ministry official -- who has since resigned -- who said Sri Lankan hotels should have arranged their own security to avoid being hit.

Danger is "a perception thing," said Campbell, who is now looking at redirecting bookings to rival destinations like Nepal.

Italians Donatella Papi and her husband Maurizio Fantappie were on a 25-day holiday in eastern Sri Lanka when the bombers struck.

"My husband wanted to leave after the bombings, he suggested going to Thailand. But I wasn't too scared then, I thought it would settle down," said Papi.

"I think Sri Lanka tourism will fall -- we are very sad about it. This year is the anniversary of the end of the war -- it was supposed to be a celebration," she said.

"We have no regrets about staying on but we are very sad and worried -- for our safety and for Sri Lanka."

The cancellations started before the dust had settled on the hotels and churches hit by suicide bombers in Sri Lanka as tourists and operators pressed the panic button.

The cancellations started before the dust had settled on the hotels and churches hit by suicide bombers in Sri Lanka as tourists and operators pressed the panic button. Sanath Ukwatte, chairman of the colonial-era Mount Lavinia hotel in Colombo, said he lost about 30 per cent of his bookings within days of the Easter Sunday attacks that killed 253 people. Many holidaymakers got the first plane out of Colombo after the blasts -- at least 40 foreigners were among the dead -- raising fears for a tourism industry that had managed to move on from the shadows of a decades-long civil war. The United States, Britain, Australia, India and Israel have all warned their nationals against visiting, while the Netherlands is organising a special flight to evacuate hundreds of Dutch tourists. On Friday, European travel giant TUI announced it had stopped taking bookings for the South Asian country. And the crisis could get worse before it gets better for the island nation, whose palm-fringed beaches and mountain tea plantations were recently named the best place to visit in 2019 by the Lonely Planet guide. Armed guards Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera had hoped tourism would earn a record $5.0 billion this year, up from $4.4 billion in 2018. He thinks the attacks could now see the country lose up to one-third of that. Tourism accounts for about five per cent of the economy, with Britain, India and China the main markets. Official figures show tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year jumped 4.6 per cent to 740,600 from 2018. But with armed guards now a fixture in some Colombo hotels and cancellations flooding in after the carnage unleashed by coordinated suicide attacks, Samaraweera must work out a rescue plan for establishments now facing ruin. "We expect a 30 per cent drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $1.5 billion in foreign exchange," he said on Friday. Ruchir Desai, a senior investment analyst with Asia Frontier Capital in Hong Kong, said the next year will be a tough one for Sri Lanka. "Given the scale of the attack I still think you would see a negative impact on the industry," Desai told AFP. "It should recover," he added, "obviously it depends on the steps the government takes to improve stability." Ukwatte, who is also president of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, hopes Sri Lanka can "bounce back". Sri Lanka's tourism is heading into its low season, and Ukwatte believes if confidence can be restored by October or November, "then we will be able to revive the industry with European winter travellers." Finance Minister Samaraweera highlighted how other countries hit by Islamic State-inspired attacks rebuilt their image and convinced tourists to come back. "Typically, countries that suffer isolated IS-style attacks see tourism recovering within one-to-two years, as long as root causes are addressed and security measures taken are well communicated," the minister said. He pointed to tourist industries in Belgium, France, Spain and Tunisia as countries which had all managed to bounce back after suffering indiscriminate terror attacks. Bad message Much will depend on how the government gets its message across, observers said. Canadian adventure tourism promoter Wade Campbell criticised the government's communications after the attacks, particularly a top defence ministry official -- who has since resigned -- who said Sri Lankan hotels should have arranged their own security to avoid being hit. Danger is "a perception thing," said Campbell, who is now looking at redirecting bookings to rival destinations like Nepal. Italians Donatella Papi and her husband Maurizio Fantappie were on a 25-day holiday in eastern Sri Lanka when the bombers struck. "My husband wanted to leave after the bombings, he suggested going to Thailand. But I wasn't too scared then, I thought it would settle down," said Papi. "I think Sri Lanka tourism will fall -- we are very sad about it. This year is the anniversary of the end of the war -- it was supposed to be a celebration," she said. "We have no regrets about staying on but we are very sad and worried -- for our safety and for Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka resorts face uncertain future after suicide blasts

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 28th 2019

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader on Sunday condemned the Easter attacks as "an insult to humanity" as the tense and grief-stricken country marked a week since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-says-its-fighters-behind-police-clashes-in-sri-lanka-214029">suicide bombers hit three churches and three luxury hotels</a>.

The Archbishop of Colombo, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-cardinal-calls-suicide-attacks-insult-to-humanity-at-memorial-service-214039">Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith</a>, held a private mass after cancelling all public services amid fears of a repeat of the bombings that killed 253 people.&nbsp;

A heavily-guarded vigil was held outside St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo at 8.45am, the moment the bomber struck the church last week, killing dozens of worshippers.

"What happened last Sunday is a great tragedy, an insult to humanity," the cardinal said in a chapel at his residence, where the mass was attended by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"Today during this mass we are paying attention to last Sunday's tragedy and we try to understand it," he said calling for prayers for the victims.

"We pray that in this country there will be peace and co-existence and understanding each other without division," he said.

The Sri Lankan military is still hunting Islamic State-linked jihadists and security across the country remains high.

Stuck in time

At exactly 8.45am, the singing of hymns by scores of people outside St. Anthony's church stopped and the bells tolled. The hands on the tower clock are stuck at the time of the blast.

"I come to this church every Sunday, it feels like my second home," said Dharshika Fernando, 19, fighting back tears.&nbsp;

"It feels like people blasted my own home."

Thousands of Sri Lankan troops remained on the streets, guarding churches and mosques for the symbolic day.

Security forces also carried out new arrests, a day after at least 15 people were killed in a raid on a jihadist hideout where suicide bombers blew themselves up.

Police said they arrested two "most wanted" Muslim suspects in connection with the Easter bombings, taking the total number in detention to more than 100.

Mohamed Saadik Abdul Haq and Mohamed Saahid Abdul Haq were on a list of six "most wanted" radicals issued on Thursday.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the two were arrested in the central region of Nawalapitiya, about 125 kilometres (78 miles) east of Colombo on Saturday night.

President Sirisena said on Friday there are about 140 IS followers across the country who were still being hunted.&nbsp;

"We can and we will eradicate all of them very soon," Sirisena vowed.

Schools stay closed

On Saturday, three men set off explosives killing themselves, three women and six children after a showdown with security forces near the eastern town of Kalmunai.

Police said three other suspected suicide bombers were shot dead by security forces outside the hideout that had been under siege for more than an hour. A civilian was also killed in crossfire.

The Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the Easter bombings, said the three men who blew themselves up at Kalmunai were also members of the militant group.

A statement posted by the IS propaganda unit, Amaq News Agency, said the men "clashed with them (Sri Lankan police) with automatic weapons, and after exhausting their ammunition, detonated on them their explosive belts."

Kalmunai is in the same region as the hometown of the jihadist Zahran Hashim who founded the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group accused of staging the attacks.

Another raid in the region targeted a house where authorities said Hashim and the other sucide bombers filmed a pledge of allegiance to IS before staging their attacks.

The video was shown by IS when it made its claim of responsibility.

Video on state television showed explosives, a generator, a drone and a large quantity of batteries inside the converted studio. An IS flag and uniforms were also found, police said.

The firebrand cleric is said to have died in the attack on the Shangri-La, one of three Colombo hotels hit by suicide bombers at the same time as the churches.

Sirisena used emergency powers to officially ban the NTJ and a splinter group identified as Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) on Saturday, his office announced.

In a sign of the tensions, the reopening of schools across Sri Lanka scheduled for Monday has been put back one week. Authorities have also kept up a 10.00 pm to 4.00 am nationwide curfew.

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader on Sunday condemned the Easter attacks as "an insult to humanity" as the tense and grief-stricken country marked a week since suicide bombers hit three churches and three luxury hotels.

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader on Sunday condemned the Easter attacks as "an insult to humanity" as the tense and grief-stricken country marked a week since suicide bombers hit three churches and three luxury hotels. The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, held a private mass after cancelling all public services amid fears of a repeat of the bombings that killed 253 people. A heavily-guarded vigil was held outside St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo at 8.45am, the moment the bomber struck the church last week, killing dozens of worshippers. "What happened last Sunday is a great tragedy, an insult to humanity," the cardinal said in a chapel at his residence, where the mass was attended by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. "Today during this mass we are paying attention to last Sunday's tragedy and we try to understand it," he said calling for prayers for the victims. "We pray that in this country there will be peace and co-existence and understanding each other without division," he said. The Sri Lankan military is still hunting Islamic State-linked jihadists and security across the country remains high. Stuck in time At exactly 8.45am, the singing of hymns by scores of people outside St. Anthony's church stopped and the bells tolled. The hands on the tower clock are stuck at the time of the blast. "I come to this church every Sunday, it feels like my second home," said Dharshika Fernando, 19, fighting back tears. "It feels like people blasted my own home." Thousands of Sri Lankan troops remained on the streets, guarding churches and mosques for the symbolic day. Security forces also carried out new arrests, a day after at least 15 people were killed in a raid on a jihadist hideout where suicide bombers blew themselves up. Police said they arrested two "most wanted" Muslim suspects in connection with the Easter bombings, taking the total number in detention to more than 100. Mohamed Saadik Abdul Haq and Mohamed Saahid Abdul Haq were on a list of six "most wanted" radicals issued on Thursday. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the two were arrested in the central region of Nawalapitiya, about 125 kilometres (78 miles) east of Colombo on Saturday night. President Sirisena said on Friday there are about 140 IS followers across the country who were still being hunted. "We can and we will eradicate all of them very soon," Sirisena vowed. Schools stay closed On Saturday, three men set off explosives killing themselves, three women and six children after a showdown with security forces near the eastern town of Kalmunai. Police said three other suspected suicide bombers were shot dead by security forces outside the hideout that had been under siege for more than an hour. A civilian was also killed in crossfire. The Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the Easter bombings, said the three men who blew themselves up at Kalmunai were also members of the militant group. A statement posted by the IS propaganda unit, Amaq News Agency, said the men "clashed with them (Sri Lankan police) with automatic weapons, and after exhausting their ammunition, detonated on them their explosive belts." Kalmunai is in the same region as the hometown of the jihadist Zahran Hashim who founded the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group accused of staging the attacks. Another raid in the region targeted a house where authorities said Hashim and the other sucide bombers filmed a pledge of allegiance to IS before staging their attacks. The video was shown by IS when it made its claim of responsibility. Video on state television showed explosives, a generator, a drone and a large quantity of batteries inside the converted studio. An IS flag and uniforms were also found, police said. The firebrand cleric is said to have died in the attack on the Shangri-La, one of three Colombo hotels hit by suicide bombers at the same time as the churches. Sirisena used emergency powers to officially ban the NTJ and a splinter group identified as Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) on Saturday, his office announced. In a sign of the tensions, the reopening of schools across Sri Lanka scheduled for Monday has been put back one week. Authorities have also kept up a 10.00 pm to 4.00 am nationwide curfew.

Security high as Sri Lanka marks one week from suicide attacks

Over 100 Buddhist monks commemorate the 253 victims killed in Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings with praying session in one of the bombed church on Sunday (April 28). Security was tight as 125 monks, including former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, attended the ceremony at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo where one of the bombs went off last Sunday (April 21).

Buddhists pray for victims of Sri Lanka attacks in bombed hotel

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholics Sunday expressed fears that an official investigation into Easter bombings that killed 253 people will end up a "flop", casting doubt on the government's ability to bring the attackers to justice.

Speaking to reporters at his first public appearance since last week's attacks on churches and hotels, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith slammed what he described as Sri Lanka's culture of impunity, saying many high-profile assassinations over the past 30 years had remained largely unsolved.

"There is a certain amount of suspicion among our people that there will be no more follow up, only words.... If they (the authorities) are sincere, they must have a thorough investigation," he said.

The cardinal said he had heard that President Maithripala Sirisena had appointed a commission of inquiry into the massacre.

"But we never heard if that commission had any sittings. Nothing at all, we were never consulted. We are afraid that this commission might just end up being a flop," he said at a candlelight vigil organised by a state-owned newspaper company.

Police say they have arrested more than 150 people suspected to be involved with the coordinated suicide bombings that devastated three luxury hotels and three churches, two of which are Roman Catholic.

The cardinal has repeatedly assailed the authorities for failing to share intelligence reports that had warned of an impending jihadist attack against Christians, saying he felt "betrayed" by the government.

"If they warned me, I would have cancelled the Easter services," he said Sunday at a privately televised mass after he ordered all Catholic church services to be suspended.

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholics Sunday expressed fears that an official investigation into Easter bombings that killed 253 people will end up a "flop", casting doubt on the government's ability to bring the attackers to justice.

The head of Sri Lanka's Roman Catholics Sunday expressed fears that an official investigation into Easter bombings that killed 253 people will end up a "flop", casting doubt on the government's ability to bring the attackers to justice. Speaking to reporters at his first public appearance since last week's attacks on churches and hotels, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith slammed what he described as Sri Lanka's culture of impunity, saying many high-profile assassinations over the past 30 years had remained largely unsolved. "There is a certain amount of suspicion among our people that there will be no more follow up, only words.... If they (the authorities) are sincere, they must have a thorough investigation," he said. The cardinal said he had heard that President Maithripala Sirisena had appointed a commission of inquiry into the massacre. "But we never heard if that commission had any sittings. Nothing at all, we were never consulted. We are afraid that this commission might just end up being a flop," he said at a candlelight vigil organised by a state-owned newspaper company. Police say they have arrested more than 150 people suspected to be involved with the coordinated suicide bombings that devastated three luxury hotels and three churches, two of which are Roman Catholic. The cardinal has repeatedly assailed the authorities for failing to share intelligence reports that had warned of an impending jihadist attack against Christians, saying he felt "betrayed" by the government. "If they warned me, I would have cancelled the Easter services," he said Sunday at a privately televised mass after he ordered all Catholic church services to be suspended.

Sri Lanka Catholic cardinal fears attacks probe may 'flop'

Sri Lanka's churches remained shut Sunday forcing Christians to say prayers of grief in private over the Easter suicide attacks that the country's Roman Catholic leader called "an insult to humanity".

Fearing a repeat of the Easter Sunday bombings of churches and hotels in which 253 people died, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, held a private mass after cancelling all public services.&nbsp;

Amidst heavy security imposed across the country, a vigil was also held outside St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo at 8:45 am, the moment the bomber struck the church, killing dozens of worshippers.

"Today during this mass we are paying attention to last Sunday's tragedy and we try to understand it," the cardinal said at his official residence, where President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were among the small congregation.

"We pray that in this country there will be peace and co-existence and understanding each other without division," he said.

"What happened last Sunday is a great tragedy, an insult to humanity," he added.

Stuck in time

At exactly 8:45 am, the singing of hymns by scores of people outside St. Anthony's church stopped and the bells tolled. The hands on the tower clock are still fixed at the time of the blast.

"I come to this church every Sunday, it feels like my second home," said Dharshika Fernando, 19, fighting back tears.&nbsp;

"It feels like people blasted my own home."

Thousands of Sri Lankan troops remained on the streets, guarding churches and mosques for the symbolic day.

Security forces also carried out new arrests, a day after at least 15 people were killed in a raid on a jihadist hideout where suicide bombers blew themselves up.

Police said they arrested two top suspects in connection with the Easter bombings in central Nawalapitiya on Saturday night, taking the total number in detention to more than 100.

Authorities say they are seeking about 140 Islamic State influenced radicals in all.

The latest two, Mohamed Saadik Abdul Haq and Mohamed Saahid Abdul Haq, were on a list of six "most wanted" radicals issued on Thursday.

They were wanted for the December 26 desecration of Buddha statues at the central town of Mawanella, the act that first brought to prominence the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group, which has been blamed for the Easter bombings.

Schools stay closed

The previous night, three men set off explosives killing themselves, three women and six children after a showdown with security forces near the eastern town of Kalmunai.

Police said three other suspected suicide bombers were shot dead by security forces outside the hideout. A civilian was also killed in crossfire.

The Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the Easter bombings, said the three men who blew themselves up at Kalmunai were members of the militant group.

Kalmunai is in the same region as the hometown of the jihadist Zahran Hashim, who founded the NTJ group.

Police said the widow of Hashim and their child were wounded in the Kalmunai raid.

"The woman and her four-year-old daughter are now being treated at a government hospital," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told AFP.

Gunasekera said they were carrying out DNA tests to establish if Hashim's father was among those who perished at the safe house.

Another raid in the region targeted a house where authorities said Hashim and the other suicide bombers filmed a pledge of allegiance to IS before staging their attacks.

The video was shown by IS when it made its claim of responsibility.

Footage shown on state television showed explosives, a generator, a drone and a large quantity of batteries inside the converted studio. An IS flag and uniforms were also found, police said.

The firebrand cleric is said to have died in the attack on the Shangri-La, one of three Colombo hotels hit by suicide bombers.

Sirisena used emergency powers to officially ban the NTJ and a splinter group identified as Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) on Saturday, his office announced.

In a sign of the tensions, the reopening of schools across Sri Lanka scheduled for Monday has been put back one week. Authorities have also kept up a 10:00 pm to 4:00 am nationwide curfew.

Sri Lanka's churches remained shut Sunday forcing Christians to say prayers of grief in private over the Easter suicide attacks that the country's Roman Catholic leader called "an insult to humanity".

Sri Lanka's churches remained shut Sunday forcing Christians to say prayers of grief in private over the Easter suicide attacks that the country's Roman Catholic leader called "an insult to humanity". Fearing a repeat of the Easter Sunday bombings of churches and hotels in which 253 people died, the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, held a private mass after cancelling all public services. Amidst heavy security imposed across the country, a vigil was also held outside St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo at 8:45 am, the moment the bomber struck the church, killing dozens of worshippers. "Today during this mass we are paying attention to last Sunday's tragedy and we try to understand it," the cardinal said at his official residence, where President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were among the small congregation. "We pray that in this country there will be peace and co-existence and understanding each other without division," he said. "What happened last Sunday is a great tragedy, an insult to humanity," he added. Stuck in time At exactly 8:45 am, the singing of hymns by scores of people outside St. Anthony's church stopped and the bells tolled. The hands on the tower clock are still fixed at the time of the blast. "I come to this church every Sunday, it feels like my second home," said Dharshika Fernando, 19, fighting back tears. "It feels like people blasted my own home." Thousands of Sri Lankan troops remained on the streets, guarding churches and mosques for the symbolic day. Security forces also carried out new arrests, a day after at least 15 people were killed in a raid on a jihadist hideout where suicide bombers blew themselves up. Police said they arrested two top suspects in connection with the Easter bombings in central Nawalapitiya on Saturday night, taking the total number in detention to more than 100. Authorities say they are seeking about 140 Islamic State influenced radicals in all. The latest two, Mohamed Saadik Abdul Haq and Mohamed Saahid Abdul Haq, were on a list of six "most wanted" radicals issued on Thursday. They were wanted for the December 26 desecration of Buddha statues at the central town of Mawanella, the act that first brought to prominence the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group, which has been blamed for the Easter bombings. Schools stay closed The previous night, three men set off explosives killing themselves, three women and six children after a showdown with security forces near the eastern town of Kalmunai. Police said three other suspected suicide bombers were shot dead by security forces outside the hideout. A civilian was also killed in crossfire. The Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the Easter bombings, said the three men who blew themselves up at Kalmunai were members of the militant group. Kalmunai is in the same region as the hometown of the jihadist Zahran Hashim, who founded the NTJ group. Police said the widow of Hashim and their child were wounded in the Kalmunai raid. "The woman and her four-year-old daughter are now being treated at a government hospital," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told AFP. Gunasekera said they were carrying out DNA tests to establish if Hashim's father was among those who perished at the safe house. Another raid in the region targeted a house where authorities said Hashim and the other suicide bombers filmed a pledge of allegiance to IS before staging their attacks. The video was shown by IS when it made its claim of responsibility. Footage shown on state television showed explosives, a generator, a drone and a large quantity of batteries inside the converted studio. An IS flag and uniforms were also found, police said. The firebrand cleric is said to have died in the attack on the Shangri-La, one of three Colombo hotels hit by suicide bombers. Sirisena used emergency powers to officially ban the NTJ and a splinter group identified as Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) on Saturday, his office announced. In a sign of the tensions, the reopening of schools across Sri Lanka scheduled for Monday has been put back one week. Authorities have also kept up a 10:00 pm to 4:00 am nationwide curfew.

Tears and troops on the streets as Sri Lanka mourns suicide bomb dead

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader Sunday said God is the reflection of love and kindness and wondered how someone can kill in the name of God as he referred to the Islamist militants who claimed the massive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-year-old-synagogue-shooting-suspect-in-california-was-inspired-from-christchurch-shooter-214091">Easter Sunday bombings </a>were on behalf of the Almighty.

As the country marked a week since the coordinated blasts hit three churches and three luxury hotels, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/father-two-brothers-of-sri-lanka-suicide-bombings-mastermind-killed-in-gun-battle-214078">killing 253 people</a> and injuring over 500 others, Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, conducted the special private mass.

Attended by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe along with other leaders, the mass was shown live on television after Sri Lanka's Catholic churches on Thursday suspended all public services until the security situation improves.

The Archbishop, who started his mass with an appeal for peace and unity, said: "It is our faith which has been challenged".

"God is the reflection of love and kindness, so how can someone kill in the name of God?" Cardinal Ranjith asked in a reference to the militants who claimed that the attacks were on behalf of the Almighty.

"What happened last Sunday is a great tragedy, an insult to humanity," he said, adding that nothing is more precious than the human lives.

The Islamic State (ISIS) terror group has claimed the April 21 coordinated blasts, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attack.

In a statement issued through its propaganda 'Amaq' news agency, the ISIS claimed that "the executors of the attack that targeted citizens of coalition states and Christians in Sri Lanka two days ago were with the group," according to the Site Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities.

It listed the names of the suicide bombers, who were also shown in a video swearing allegiance to the terror group.

The ISIS statement, which was disseminated on the group's chat rooms on the app Telegram, said that the bombings had been intended to target Christians, as well as citizens of countries belonging to the coalition fighting the Islamic State.

The group referred to Easter as an "infidel holiday".

Sri Lanka has said that the NTJ was behind the attack and it was investigating whether they had international support.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts, the police said.

Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday, killing 253 people.

Sri Lanka on Saturday banned the NTJ and a splinter group linked to the ISIS.

According to Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed remained at 40, including 11 from India.

Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority.

Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans is Christians.

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader Sunday said God is the reflection of love and kindness and wondered how someone can kill in the name of God as he referred to the Islamist militants who claimed the massive Easter Sunday bombings were on behalf of the Almighty.

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader Sunday said God is the reflection of love and kindness and wondered how someone can kill in the name of God as he referred to the Islamist militants who claimed the massive Easter Sunday bombings were on behalf of the Almighty. As the country marked a week since the coordinated blasts hit three churches and three luxury hotels, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others, Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, conducted the special private mass. Attended by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe along with other leaders, the mass was shown live on television after Sri Lanka's Catholic churches on Thursday suspended all public services until the security situation improves. The Archbishop, who started his mass with an appeal for peace and unity, said: "It is our faith which has been challenged". "God is the reflection of love and kindness, so how can someone kill in the name of God?" Cardinal Ranjith asked in a reference to the militants who claimed that the attacks were on behalf of the Almighty. "What happened last Sunday is a great tragedy, an insult to humanity," he said, adding that nothing is more precious than the human lives. The Islamic State (ISIS) terror group has claimed the April 21 coordinated blasts, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) for the attack. In a statement issued through its propaganda 'Amaq' news agency, the ISIS claimed that "the executors of the attack that targeted citizens of coalition states and Christians in Sri Lanka two days ago were with the group," according to the Site Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activities. It listed the names of the suicide bombers, who were also shown in a video swearing allegiance to the terror group. The ISIS statement, which was disseminated on the group's chat rooms on the app Telegram, said that the bombings had been intended to target Christians, as well as citizens of countries belonging to the coalition fighting the Islamic State. The group referred to Easter as an "infidel holiday". Sri Lanka has said that the NTJ was behind the attack and it was investigating whether they had international support. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the Easter Sunday blasts, the police said. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday, killing 253 people. Sri Lanka on Saturday banned the NTJ and a splinter group linked to the ISIS. According to Sri Lanka's Foreign Ministry, the number of foreign nationals who have been identified as killed remained at 40, including 11 from India. Sri Lanka has a population of 21 million which is a patchwork of ethnicities and religions, dominated by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority. Muslims account for 10 per cent of the population and are the second-largest minority after Hindus. Around seven per cent of Sri Lankans is Christians.

How can someone kill in the name of God, wonders Sri Lankan Cardinal

A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-three-injured-in-us-synagogue-shooting-214031">deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue</a> filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation in connection with an unsolved mosque arson.

The gunman walked into the suburban <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-diego-area-synagogue-shooting-appears-to-be-hate-crime-trump-214020">San Diego synagogue</a> late Saturday morning, the last day of the week-long Jewish holiday of Passover, and opened fire with an assault-style rifle, killing one woman inside and wounding three others, including the rabbi, authorities said.

He then sped away in a car, escaping an off-duty US&nbsp;Border Patrol agent who shot at the getaway vehicle but missed the suspect, but the suspect pulled over and surrendered to police officers a short time later.

The suspect was later identified as John Earnest, 19, of San Diego, the apparent author of a "manifesto" who claimed to have set a nearby mosque on fire last month and professed drawing inspiration from the gunman who killed nearly 50 people at two mosques in New Zealand.

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said police and FBI were investigating Earnest's "possible involvement" in the March 24 pre-dawn arson fire at the Islamic Center of Escondido, a town about 15 miles (24 km) north of Poway. No one was hurt at the mosque fire.

Gore said Earnest has no prior criminal record.

Saturday's gun violence at the Congregation Chabad temple in the town of Poway, California, about 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown San Diego, unfolded six months to the day after 11 worshippers were killed and six others wounded by a gunman who stormed the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh yelling, "All Jews must die."

The assailant in that massacre, said to be the deadliest attack ever against Jews on US&nbsp;soil, was also arrested.

San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials issued a statement saying the gunman in Saturday's attack was believed to have acted alone and that there "are no known threats to religious gatherings."

But the Passover violence came amid an upsurge in reports of anti-Semitism nationwide and abroad and followed a recent spate of deadly attacks on places of worship around the world.

Suicide bombings during Easter Sunday services at several churches in Sri Lanka killed more than 250 people. A gunman who opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15 left 49 people dead and more than 40 wounded, some as they knelt in prayer.

Poway Mayor Steve Vaus characterized Saturday's shooting as a "hate crime," saying his assessment was based on statements uttered by the gunman when he entered the synagogue.

At a news conference later, Gore told reporters: "Clearly it's being investigated as a homicide, but we're also looking at the hate crime possible violation as well as federal civil rights violations."

A rambling, violently anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim screed written by an individual calling himself John Earnest was found posted to the online text-storage site Pastebin.com and the file-storage site Mediafire.com. Links to the content on both sources were posted on the Internet message board 8chan.

In that letter, the author also claimed credit for the Escondido mosque arson, which was put out by congregants inside who were alerted by the smell of smoke. Local media at the time reported that a message scrawled on the driveway of the mosque mentioned the New Zealand massacre.

The synagogue on Saturday was hosting a holiday celebration due to culminate in a final Passover meal that evening. Authorities said about 100 people were inside the temple, where Saturday services marking the Jewish Sabbath would have been under way or have just concluded.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing about a dozen gunshots, punctuated by the sound of a man yelling inside the temple.

Gore told reporters that four people were struck by gunfire and taken to a nearby hospital, where one victim, an "older woman," died. Authorities said the rabbi underwent surgery for treatment of wounds to his hands. The sheriff's office said the two other victims, a 34-year-old man and a girl, were each struck by shrapnel but were "doing well."

A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation in connection with an unsolved mosque arson.

A 19-year-old man who authorities said gave himself up to police shortly after carrying out a deadly shooting in a Southern California synagogue filled with Sabbath worshippers is also under investigation in connection with an unsolved mosque arson. The gunman walked into the suburban San Diego synagogue late Saturday morning, the last day of the week-long Jewish holiday of Passover, and opened fire with an assault-style rifle, killing one woman inside and wounding three others, including the rabbi, authorities said. He then sped away in a car, escaping an off-duty US Border Patrol agent who shot at the getaway vehicle but missed the suspect, but the suspect pulled over and surrendered to police officers a short time later. The suspect was later identified as John Earnest, 19, of San Diego, the apparent author of a "manifesto" who claimed to have set a nearby mosque on fire last month and professed drawing inspiration from the gunman who killed nearly 50 people at two mosques in New Zealand. San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said police and FBI were investigating Earnest's "possible involvement" in the March 24 pre-dawn arson fire at the Islamic Center of Escondido, a town about 15 miles (24 km) north of Poway. No one was hurt at the mosque fire. Gore said Earnest has no prior criminal record. Saturday's gun violence at the Congregation Chabad temple in the town of Poway, California, about 23 miles (37 km) north of downtown San Diego, unfolded six months to the day after 11 worshippers were killed and six others wounded by a gunman who stormed the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh yelling, "All Jews must die." The assailant in that massacre, said to be the deadliest attack ever against Jews on US soil, was also arrested. San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials issued a statement saying the gunman in Saturday's attack was believed to have acted alone and that there "are no known threats to religious gatherings." But the Passover violence came amid an upsurge in reports of anti-Semitism nationwide and abroad and followed a recent spate of deadly attacks on places of worship around the world. Suicide bombings during Easter Sunday services at several churches in Sri Lanka killed more than 250 people. A gunman who opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 15 left 49 people dead and more than 40 wounded, some as they knelt in prayer. Poway Mayor Steve Vaus characterized Saturday's shooting as a "hate crime," saying his assessment was based on statements uttered by the gunman when he entered the synagogue. At a news conference later, Gore told reporters: "Clearly it's being investigated as a homicide, but we're also looking at the hate crime possible violation as well as federal civil rights violations." A rambling, violently anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim screed written by an individual calling himself John Earnest was found posted to the online text-storage site Pastebin.com and the file-storage site Mediafire.com. Links to the content on both sources were posted on the Internet message board 8chan. In that letter, the author also claimed credit for the Escondido mosque arson, which was put out by congregants inside who were alerted by the smell of smoke. Local media at the time reported that a message scrawled on the driveway of the mosque mentioned the New Zealand massacre. The synagogue on Saturday was hosting a holiday celebration due to culminate in a final Passover meal that evening. Authorities said about 100 people were inside the temple, where Saturday services marking the Jewish Sabbath would have been under way or have just concluded. Eyewitnesses reported hearing about a dozen gunshots, punctuated by the sound of a man yelling inside the temple. Gore told reporters that four people were struck by gunfire and taken to a nearby hospital, where one victim, an "older woman," died. Authorities said the rabbi underwent surgery for treatment of wounds to his hands. The sheriff's office said the two other victims, a 34-year-old man and a girl, were each struck by shrapnel but were "doing well."

19-year-old synagogue shooting suspect in California was inspired from Christchurch shooter

The father and two brothers of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-says-its-fighters-behind-police-clashes-in-sri-lanka-214029">suspected mastermind of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings</a> were killed when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-blasts-wife-daughter-of-suspected-mastermind-wounded-in-gunbattle-213941">security forces stormed</a> their safe house two days ago, police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers told Reuters on Sunday.

Zainee Hashim, Rilwan Hashim and their father Mohamed Hashim, who were seen in a video circulating on social media calling for all-out war against non believers, were among 15 killed in a fierce gun battle with the military on the east coast on Friday, four police sources said.

Niyaz Sharif, the brother-in-law of Zahran Hashim, the suspected ringleader of the wave of Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people in churches and hotels across the island nation, told Reuters the video showed Zahran's two brothers and father.

Three of the people killed in Friday's gun battle were the same people who were seen in the undated video on social media, in which they discus martyrdom and urge their followers to kill all non believers, police sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/security-high-as-sri-lanka-marks-one-week-from-suicide-attacks-214045">Sri Lanka has been on high alert</a> since the attacks on Easter Sunday, with nearly 10,000 soldiers deployed across the island to carry out searches and hunt down members of two local Islamist groups believed to have carried out the attack.

Authorities have detained more than 100 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt since the April 21 bombings.

In the video, Rilwan Hashim is seen calling for all out 'jihad', or holy war, while children cry in the background.

"We will destroy these non-believers to protect this land and therefore we need to do jihad," Rilwan says in the video, sitting beside his brother and father.

"We need to teach a proper lesson for these non-believers who have been destroying Muslims."

Authorities suspect there may be more suicide bombers on the loose. Defence authorities have so far focused their investigations on international links to two domestic groups they believe carried out the attacks, the National Thawheedh Jamaath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Easter bombings, and on Sunday the group said three of its members clashed with Sri Lankan police for several hours in Friday's gun battle on the east coast before detonating their explosive vests, the militant group's news agency Amaq said.

The group said 17 policemen were killed or injured in the attack, but the Sri Lankan military has denied this. A police source told Reuters two policemen were slightly injured in the battle.

Police have said six children were among the other 12 people who died in the gun battle, but have not released further details.

The father and two brothers of the suspected mastermind of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings were killed when security forces stormed their safe house two days ago, police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers told Reuters on Sunday.

The father and two brothers of the suspected mastermind of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings were killed when security forces stormed their safe house two days ago, police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers told Reuters on Sunday. Zainee Hashim, Rilwan Hashim and their father Mohamed Hashim, who were seen in a video circulating on social media calling for all-out war against non believers, were among 15 killed in a fierce gun battle with the military on the east coast on Friday, four police sources said. Niyaz Sharif, the brother-in-law of Zahran Hashim, the suspected ringleader of the wave of Easter Sunday bombings that killed over 250 people in churches and hotels across the island nation, told Reuters the video showed Zahran's two brothers and father. Three of the people killed in Friday's gun battle were the same people who were seen in the undated video on social media, in which they discus martyrdom and urge their followers to kill all non believers, police sources said. Sri Lanka has been on high alert since the attacks on Easter Sunday, with nearly 10,000 soldiers deployed across the island to carry out searches and hunt down members of two local Islamist groups believed to have carried out the attack. Authorities have detained more than 100 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt since the April 21 bombings. In the video, Rilwan Hashim is seen calling for all out 'jihad', or holy war, while children cry in the background. "We will destroy these non-believers to protect this land and therefore we need to do jihad," Rilwan says in the video, sitting beside his brother and father. "We need to teach a proper lesson for these non-believers who have been destroying Muslims." Authorities suspect there may be more suicide bombers on the loose. Defence authorities have so far focused their investigations on international links to two domestic groups they believe carried out the attacks, the National Thawheedh Jamaath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Easter bombings, and on Sunday the group said three of its members clashed with Sri Lankan police for several hours in Friday's gun battle on the east coast before detonating their explosive vests, the militant group's news agency Amaq said. The group said 17 policemen were killed or injured in the attack, but the Sri Lankan military has denied this. A police source told Reuters two policemen were slightly injured in the battle. Police have said six children were among the other 12 people who died in the gun battle, but have not released further details.

Father, two brothers of Sri Lanka suicide bombings mastermind killed in gun battle

Muslims fear adverse reaction after Sri Lanka terror attack.

Easter Massacre: Muslims fear backlash

Watch Gravitas full segment and know what has been the most trending and important stories of the day. Watch this video to know more.

Watch: WION Gravitas, 26th April, 2019

Almost a week after Sri Lanka Easter massacre, the threat continues to loom over Sri Lanka. Watch this video to know more.

Sri Lanka blasts: Terror groups banned, Property seized

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