Almost a week after Sri Lanka Easter massacre, the threat still continues to loom over Sri Lanka, U.S has issued its second travel advisory for those who are considering travelling to Sri Lanka. Watch this video to know more.

Sri Lanka blasts: Tourists in Lanka asked to stay alert

Dozens of troops used soap and water jets at the devastated Catholic church but could not clear the stench of death that makes many Sri Lankan faithful fearful of returning to services after the horrific Easter Sunday suicide bombings.

Nearly a week after the attacks on churches and hotels that left 253 dead, the navy contingent on Saturday put on a major operation with detergent and water at St Anthony's Shrine.

Dozens were killed at the 18th-century church.

Reminders of the carnage unleashed by the jihadist bomber were everywhere -- bloodstains on the ceiling, walls pockmarked with shrapnel, and the hands of the church clock tower stuck at 8:45 am, the moment the attacker blew himself up.

For KA Francis, who has been the cleaner at St Anthony's for 16 years, seeing the destruction in the church felt like a blow to the heart.

"The first time I went inside after the blast and saw the damage, on Tuesday morning, I felt this huge weight pressing down on my heart, so much pain -- like a physical ache," he told AFP.

The blast was so powerful it brought parts of the wooden roof down and ripped off tiles and plaster from columns near the entrance, exposing the red brick underneath and loosening electrical wires inside the walls.

Painful return

The 55-year-old Francis has been coming to church every day since the clean-up began, trying to assist the soldiers.

But nothing in his years spent sweeping and cleaning pews and carefully wiping fingerprints off the glass cases that protect the church's statues had prepared him for such stomach-churning conditions.

Even as he struggled to hold back tears, Francis said he was determined to help the church in any way possible so services could resume.

"My faith is even stronger after the attack," he said, adding that he believed his years of service had helped him survive an earlier heart attack.

"I will work for this church as long as I am able to work," he said.

'Prayer gives solace'

The jihadist attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels have sparked fears for the safety of the island's minority Christian community.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, said Friday that services would not resume until security could be guaranteed. He was to hold a televised private address on Sunday instead and urged worshippers to pray at home.

Pravin Anthony, a Catholic living near the church, told AFP he planned to stay indoors and watch the archbishop's mass on Sunday.

"I don’t know what’s happening now," he said, adding that it was not just Christians who feel afraid. "All over the place, all people are unsafe."

&nbsp;For many Christians, the attacks have cast a grim shadow over their daily lives, cutting off access to their community and houses of worship and forcing them to practise their faith in silence and isolation.

&nbsp;"I used to go to this church every day before work. It made me happy," said John Livinus, whose home is a short walk from St Anthony's.

&nbsp;"Prayer gives me solace -- when I am in the church, I feel relaxed, but now I don't feel that way because I am afraid of bombs going off," the 64-year-old said.

"But I also know that I won't feel at ease again until I have returned to church."

Dozens of troops used soap and water jets at the devastated Catholic church but could not clear the stench of death that makes many Sri Lankan faithful fearful of returning to services after the horrific Easter Sunday suicide bombings.

Dozens of troops used soap and water jets at the devastated Catholic church but could not clear the stench of death that makes many Sri Lankan faithful fearful of returning to services after the horrific Easter Sunday suicide bombings. Nearly a week after the attacks on churches and hotels that left 253 dead, the navy contingent on Saturday put on a major operation with detergent and water at St Anthony's Shrine. Dozens were killed at the 18th-century church. Reminders of the carnage unleashed by the jihadist bomber were everywhere -- bloodstains on the ceiling, walls pockmarked with shrapnel, and the hands of the church clock tower stuck at 8:45 am, the moment the attacker blew himself up. For KA Francis, who has been the cleaner at St Anthony's for 16 years, seeing the destruction in the church felt like a blow to the heart. "The first time I went inside after the blast and saw the damage, on Tuesday morning, I felt this huge weight pressing down on my heart, so much pain -- like a physical ache," he told AFP. The blast was so powerful it brought parts of the wooden roof down and ripped off tiles and plaster from columns near the entrance, exposing the red brick underneath and loosening electrical wires inside the walls. Painful return The 55-year-old Francis has been coming to church every day since the clean-up began, trying to assist the soldiers. But nothing in his years spent sweeping and cleaning pews and carefully wiping fingerprints off the glass cases that protect the church's statues had prepared him for such stomach-churning conditions. Even as he struggled to hold back tears, Francis said he was determined to help the church in any way possible so services could resume. "My faith is even stronger after the attack," he said, adding that he believed his years of service had helped him survive an earlier heart attack. "I will work for this church as long as I am able to work," he said. 'Prayer gives solace' The jihadist attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels have sparked fears for the safety of the island's minority Christian community. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, said Friday that services would not resume until security could be guaranteed. He was to hold a televised private address on Sunday instead and urged worshippers to pray at home. Pravin Anthony, a Catholic living near the church, told AFP he planned to stay indoors and watch the archbishop's mass on Sunday. "I don’t know what’s happening now," he said, adding that it was not just Christians who feel afraid. "All over the place, all people are unsafe." For many Christians, the attacks have cast a grim shadow over their daily lives, cutting off access to their community and houses of worship and forcing them to practise their faith in silence and isolation. "I used to go to this church every day before work. It made me happy," said John Livinus, whose home is a short walk from St Anthony's. "Prayer gives me solace -- when I am in the church, I feel relaxed, but now I don't feel that way because I am afraid of bombs going off," the 64-year-old said. "But I also know that I won't feel at ease again until I have returned to church."

Sri Lanka: Cleansing of Colombo church fails to ease Catholic worries

Ramesh Raju has become a hero to the shell-shocked congregation of the Zion evangelical church in Batticaloa after he died stopping a suicide bomber who was bent on killing hundreds of people.

Nearly a week after the bombing, the road leading to Raju's house in the eastern city is flanked by posters and photographs of the 40-year-old father of two who blocked the attacker at the church door.

A stream of well-wishers queue to express condolences to his widow, a Sunday school teacher.

Raju was one of 29 people, including 14 children, that media reports say died in the blast at Zion, one of three churches and three hotels targeted by Jihadist bombers.

But about 600 people who were inside at the time escaped the human bomb. The dead from the other two churches make up the majority of the 253 overall death toll.&nbsp;

"When he felt suspicious about the bomber he could have run away to safety but I think he chose to scuffle with him in order to stop him from entering the church," his father Velusami Raju told AFP.

"I feel very proud that he saved so many lives, especially so many children," he added.

Jihadist target

The east coast city is thought to have become a target as the National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) blamed for the attacks came from the region.&nbsp;

Zion church was packed at the time and there were dozens of children fresh from Sunday school. Raju had volunteered to help manage the crowds, according to witnesses.

When he spotted an unfamiliar man carrying two huge bags, Raju confronted him and asked him to leave them outside. The bomb went off during the argument.

A number of other children and parents who were outside at the time were killed along with him.&nbsp;

"He was a very good man," said Raju's father, who described his eldest son as the "pillar" of their large family.&nbsp;

"Every memory we shared is so precious... He was the main support for our family, for his three younger sisters and younger brother," the 63-year-old said.

Father and son spoke just minutes before the explosion, Velusami said. Raju promised to call him back once the service was over.

The next time his phone rang, it was a parishioner calling to tell him his son had been killed in a blast.

Raju's younger sister also died in the bombing, along with her husband and 20-month-old son.

"I have lost my grandson but at the same time I feel so proud that my son saved so many children, so other families don't have to go through what we are going through," the retired mill worker said, choking back tears.

Services halted

Tucked away on a leafy street, the church is now surrounded by heavy security and investigators comb the premises for evidence.

The congregation does not know when a service will be held there again.

The other two churches attacked were Roman Catholic and the church's leaders have suspended all services across the country until Sri Lankan authorities can guarantee security.

Raju was a success story in the Muslim-majority town, setting up his own company at the age of 28 and raising a family with his high school sweetheart.&nbsp;

To his loved ones, the moments leading up to his death serve as yet another reminder of the scale of their loss.

"A lot of army men came to the funeral and saluted his coffin because of his courage. I hope my son's actions inspire others to be brave," Velusami said.

"Now that he's gone, I have no idea how we will go on but I am praying and asking God for help."

Ramesh Raju has become a hero to the shell-shocked congregation of the Zion evangelical church in Batticaloa after he died stopping a suicide bomber who was bent on killing hundreds of people.

Ramesh Raju has become a hero to the shell-shocked congregation of the Zion evangelical church in Batticaloa after he died stopping a suicide bomber who was bent on killing hundreds of people. Nearly a week after the bombing, the road leading to Raju's house in the eastern city is flanked by posters and photographs of the 40-year-old father of two who blocked the attacker at the church door. A stream of well-wishers queue to express condolences to his widow, a Sunday school teacher. Raju was one of 29 people, including 14 children, that media reports say died in the blast at Zion, one of three churches and three hotels targeted by Jihadist bombers. But about 600 people who were inside at the time escaped the human bomb. The dead from the other two churches make up the majority of the 253 overall death toll. "When he felt suspicious about the bomber he could have run away to safety but I think he chose to scuffle with him in order to stop him from entering the church," his father Velusami Raju told AFP. "I feel very proud that he saved so many lives, especially so many children," he added. Jihadist target The east coast city is thought to have become a target as the National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) blamed for the attacks came from the region. Zion church was packed at the time and there were dozens of children fresh from Sunday school. Raju had volunteered to help manage the crowds, according to witnesses. When he spotted an unfamiliar man carrying two huge bags, Raju confronted him and asked him to leave them outside. The bomb went off during the argument. A number of other children and parents who were outside at the time were killed along with him. "He was a very good man," said Raju's father, who described his eldest son as the "pillar" of their large family. "Every memory we shared is so precious... He was the main support for our family, for his three younger sisters and younger brother," the 63-year-old said. Father and son spoke just minutes before the explosion, Velusami said. Raju promised to call him back once the service was over. The next time his phone rang, it was a parishioner calling to tell him his son had been killed in a blast. Raju's younger sister also died in the bombing, along with her husband and 20-month-old son. "I have lost my grandson but at the same time I feel so proud that my son saved so many children, so other families don't have to go through what we are going through," the retired mill worker said, choking back tears. Services halted Tucked away on a leafy street, the church is now surrounded by heavy security and investigators comb the premises for evidence. The congregation does not know when a service will be held there again. The other two churches attacked were Roman Catholic and the church's leaders have suspended all services across the country until Sri Lankan authorities can guarantee security. Raju was a success story in the Muslim-majority town, setting up his own company at the age of 28 and raising a family with his high school sweetheart. To his loved ones, the moments leading up to his death serve as yet another reminder of the scale of their loss. "A lot of army men came to the funeral and saluted his coffin because of his courage. I hope my son's actions inspire others to be brave," Velusami said. "Now that he's gone, I have no idea how we will go on but I am praying and asking God for help."

Sri Lankan man who confronted bomber at church door remembered

Fifteen people including six children died in a battle between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-killed-as-sri-lanka-police-raid-suspected-bomber-hideout-on-east-coast-213841">Sri Lankan security forces and suicide bombers</a> who blew themselves up in the latest fallout from the Easter attacks, police said Saturday.

Three men set off explosives that killed themselves, three women and six children inside what was believed to be a jihadist hideout near the eastern town of Kalmunai.

"Three other men, also believed to be suicide bombers, were found dead outside the house," police said in a statement. They were shot dead by security forces, police officials added.

Security forces tried to storm the house late Friday and a one-hour long gun battle ensued before the explosions, a military official said.

A civilian was also killed in the crossfire during the raid near the predominantly Muslim town. Hundreds of families later fled their homes.

Police and troops have stepped up searches after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels, which killed least 253 people and injured 500.&nbsp;

Kalmunai is in the same region as the home town of the jihadist Zahran Hashim who founded the group accused of staging the attacks.

Police and officials said a series of tip-offs after the arrest of Hashim's driver, Mohamed Sharif Adam, in Hashim's home town of Kathankudy led them to the safe house.

Officials said the driver provided information leading to a raid on Friday on a hideout south of Kathankudy where they believe Hashim and other bombers recorded a video pledging allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before carrying out the Easter attacks.

Islamic State flag

Video on state television showed explosives, a generator, a drone and a large quantity of batteries inside the converted studio.&nbsp;

An IS flag and uniforms similar to those worn by the eight fighters in the video were also found, police said.

That, in turn, provided a tip-off about the hideout in Kalmunai, 370 kilometres (230 miles) east of the capital.

Authorities named Hashim's group, National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), as the perpetrators of the attacks. They announced Friday that he had been killed in the bombing of the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo.

President Maithripala Sirisena used emergency powers to ban the NTJ and a splinter group identified as Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI), his office said in a statement Saturday.

"All movable and immovable property of these two organisations will be confiscated," the statement said.

The government is on the defensive over its failure to heed a foreign intelligence warning that NTJ was planning suicide bombings on churches.

Police chief Pujith Jayasundara became the second high-ranking official to resign over the blunders Friday, after top defence ministry official Hemasiri Fernando stepped down.

Private prayers

Sri Lanka's Catholic leader, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, has said he felt "betrayed" by the government's failure to act on the warnings.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe apologised on Friday.

"We take collective responsibility and apologise to our fellow citizens for our failure to protect victims of these tragic events," he wrote on Twitter.

Amidst fears of new attacks, the Roman Catholic church has suspended all public services across the country until security is guaranteed by the government.

The archbishop, who has appealed to Catholics to stay home and say private prayers, is to hold a special mass at his official residence Sunday which will be broadcast live on television.

Some groups were expected to hold public vigils in Colombo and Negombo, where St Sebastian's Church suffered some of the worst casualties in the bombings.

The military have poured troops onto the streets to back up police as they search for suspects using newly granted powers under a state of emergency.

At least 94 people are in custody, including a man believed to be the father of two of the bombers. Authorities warned the hunt would continue.&nbsp;

"We now have info that there are about 140 people in Sri Lanka linked to the Islamic State. We can and we will eradicate all of them very soon," Sirisena said Friday, when he announced the new legislation to tackle extremist groups.

Tourism hit

Dozens of foreigners died in the attacks and the government has said it expects the number of overseas tourists to fall by 30 per cent this year, at a cost of $1.5 billion in revenues.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the island -- which depends on tourism as a cornerstone of its economy -- could take up to two years to fully recover.

The United States, Israel, Australia, India and Britain have all warned their citizens against visiting Sri Lanka.

Fifteen people including six children died in a battle between Sri Lankan security forces and suicide bombers who blew themselves up in the latest fallout from the Easter attacks, police said Saturday.

Fifteen people including six children died in a battle between Sri Lankan security forces and suicide bombers who blew themselves up in the latest fallout from the Easter attacks, police said Saturday. Three men set off explosives that killed themselves, three women and six children inside what was believed to be a jihadist hideout near the eastern town of Kalmunai. "Three other men, also believed to be suicide bombers, were found dead outside the house," police said in a statement. They were shot dead by security forces, police officials added. Security forces tried to storm the house late Friday and a one-hour long gun battle ensued before the explosions, a military official said. A civilian was also killed in the crossfire during the raid near the predominantly Muslim town. Hundreds of families later fled their homes. Police and troops have stepped up searches after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels, which killed least 253 people and injured 500. Kalmunai is in the same region as the home town of the jihadist Zahran Hashim who founded the group accused of staging the attacks. Police and officials said a series of tip-offs after the arrest of Hashim's driver, Mohamed Sharif Adam, in Hashim's home town of Kathankudy led them to the safe house. Officials said the driver provided information leading to a raid on Friday on a hideout south of Kathankudy where they believe Hashim and other bombers recorded a video pledging allegiance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi before carrying out the Easter attacks. Islamic State flag 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 similar to those worn by the eight fighters in the video were also found, police said. That, in turn, provided a tip-off about the hideout in Kalmunai, 370 kilometres (230 miles) east of the capital. Authorities named Hashim's group, National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ), as the perpetrators of the attacks. They announced Friday that he had been killed in the bombing of the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo. President Maithripala Sirisena used emergency powers to ban the NTJ and a splinter group identified as Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI), his office said in a statement Saturday. "All movable and immovable property of these two organisations will be confiscated," the statement said. The government is on the defensive over its failure to heed a foreign intelligence warning that NTJ was planning suicide bombings on churches. Police chief Pujith Jayasundara became the second high-ranking official to resign over the blunders Friday, after top defence ministry official Hemasiri Fernando stepped down. Private prayers Sri Lanka's Catholic leader, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the archbishop of Colombo, has said he felt "betrayed" by the government's failure to act on the warnings. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe apologised on Friday. "We take collective responsibility and apologise to our fellow citizens for our failure to protect victims of these tragic events," he wrote on Twitter. Amidst fears of new attacks, the Roman Catholic church has suspended all public services across the country until security is guaranteed by the government. The archbishop, who has appealed to Catholics to stay home and say private prayers, is to hold a special mass at his official residence Sunday which will be broadcast live on television. Some groups were expected to hold public vigils in Colombo and Negombo, where St Sebastian's Church suffered some of the worst casualties in the bombings. The military have poured troops onto the streets to back up police as they search for suspects using newly granted powers under a state of emergency. At least 94 people are in custody, including a man believed to be the father of two of the bombers. Authorities warned the hunt would continue. "We now have info that there are about 140 people in Sri Lanka linked to the Islamic State. We can and we will eradicate all of them very soon," Sirisena said Friday, when he announced the new legislation to tackle extremist groups. Tourism hit Dozens of foreigners died in the attacks and the government has said it expects the number of overseas tourists to fall by 30 per cent this year, at a cost of $1.5 billion in revenues. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the island -- which depends on tourism as a cornerstone of its economy -- could take up to two years to fully recover. The United States, Israel, Australia, India and Britain have all warned their citizens against visiting Sri Lanka.

15 dead as tips lead Sri Lanka forces to Islamist hideout

The wife and a daughter of the suspected mastermind of suicide attacks on churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka were wounded in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-killed-as-sri-lanka-police-raid-suspected-bomber-hideout-on-east-coast-213841">gunbattle that erupted following a raid</a> in the east of the country, police and his sister said on Saturday.

The shootout at a safe house erupted on Friday in Sainthamaruthu in Ampara district on the east coast as police hunted for people linked to Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Zahran, who has been named as the ringleader of the Easter Sunday bombings.

"Yes, the wife and daughter were injured in the attack,” said Mohamed Hashim Mathaniya, sister of Zahran. “I was asked to come to identify them but I am not sure I can go, " she told Reuters from the town of Kattankudy in the east.

Police officials said the injured were believed to be Zahran's relatives.

At least 15 people including six children were killed in the gun battle, a military spokesman said earlier.

The wife and a daughter of the suspected mastermind of suicide attacks on churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka were wounded in a gunbattle that erupted following a raid in the east of the country, police and his sister said on Saturday.

The wife and a daughter of the suspected mastermind of suicide attacks on churches and four hotels in Sri Lanka were wounded in a gunbattle that erupted following a raid in the east of the country, police and his sister said on Saturday. The shootout at a safe house erupted on Friday in Sainthamaruthu in Ampara district on the east coast as police hunted for people linked to Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Zahran, who has been named as the ringleader of the Easter Sunday bombings. "Yes, the wife and daughter were injured in the attack,” said Mohamed Hashim Mathaniya, sister of Zahran. “I was asked to come to identify them but I am not sure I can go, " she told Reuters from the town of Kattankudy in the east. Police officials said the injured were believed to be Zahran's relatives. At least 15 people including six children were killed in the gun battle, a military spokesman said earlier.

Sri Lanka blasts: Wife, daughter of suspected mastermind wounded in gunbattle

The Sri Lankan government on Saturday banned National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) - the groups responsible for last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sri-lanka/15-dead-as-tips-lead-sri-lanka-forces-to-islamist-hideout-213951">Easter Day attacks</a> in the country that killed over 250 people.

Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena's media division in a statement said, "President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, in terms of powers vested in him as the under Emergency Regulations No. 01 of 2019, has taken steps to ban the organizations National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) &amp; Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) in Sri Lanka after Easter blasts".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Breaking: Sri Lanka bans, National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) &amp; Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI), groups responsible for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaAttacks</a> on sunday <a href="https://t.co/laHqhWfs7g">https://t.co/laHqhWfs7g</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1122147449273864192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Sri Lankan government has also approved a compensation package for those impacted by the terror attacks. The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to the next of the kin of those who died or anyone suffering lifetime disability and Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sri Lankan govt's compensation package for those impacted by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankaAttacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankaAttacks</a> 
--Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to next of the kin of those who died 
--Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries <a href="https://t.co/yXcctQJNmD">pic.twitter.com/yXcctQJNmD</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1122154312539336706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Need to work more closely: India

Minister of State, Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in an interview to WION, said, "we have a very good understanding of sharing of information and intelligence. It's a natural course of understanding. Despite that, incidents take place, we need to work more closely." Rijiju was responding to a query on the lapses despite intelligence information being shared with Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Calling the incident "disturbing", he said, if "anything happens in Sri Lanka it will have some kind of ramifications in India too. Same as anything happens in India will have its impact on its neighbours. Naturally, we have to be more aware."

US helps Sri Lanka

The Americans are also helping Sri Lankans in the aftermath of the incident. The US embassy in Sri Lanka in a statement said, "US experts are already working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on fulfilling short term, specific objectives related to the recent attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice."

United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is helping Sri Lankan authorities probe the terror attack.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nationals-are-advised-not-to-undertake-non-essential-travel-to-sri-lanka-ministry-of-external-affairs-issues-advisory-213929">travel advisory for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka</a> and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel".&nbsp;

The MEA, in a release, stated that those who would need to travel to the neighbouring country and are not in a situation to avoid it can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government on Saturday banned National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) - the groups responsible for last week's Easter Day attacks in the country that killed over 250 people.

The Sri Lankan government on Saturday banned National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) and Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) - the groups responsible for last week's Easter Day attacks in the country that killed over 250 people. Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena's media division in a statement said, "President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, in terms of powers vested in him as the under Emergency Regulations No. 01 of 2019, has taken steps to ban the organizations National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) & Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI) in Sri Lanka after Easter blasts". Breaking: Sri Lanka bans, National Thawheed Jammath (NTJ) & Jamathei Millathu Ibraheem (JMI), groups responsible for #SriLankaAttacks on sunday https://t.co/laHqhWfs7g — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2019 × The Sri Lankan government has also approved a compensation package for those impacted by the terror attacks. The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to the next of the kin of those who died or anyone suffering lifetime disability and Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries. Sri Lankan govt's compensation package for those impacted by #SriLankaAttacks --Sri Lankan Rs 1 million to next of the kin of those who died --Sri Lankan Rs 500,000 for those who suffered injuries pic.twitter.com/yXcctQJNmD — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2019 × Need to work more closely: India Minister of State, Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, in an interview to WION, said, "we have a very good understanding of sharing of information and intelligence. It's a natural course of understanding. Despite that, incidents take place, we need to work more closely." Rijiju was responding to a query on the lapses despite intelligence information being shared with Sri Lanka. Calling the incident "disturbing", he said, if "anything happens in Sri Lanka it will have some kind of ramifications in India too. Same as anything happens in India will have its impact on its neighbours. Naturally, we have to be more aware." US helps Sri Lanka The Americans are also helping Sri Lankans in the aftermath of the incident. The US embassy in Sri Lanka in a statement said, "US experts are already working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on fulfilling short term, specific objectives related to the recent attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice." United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is helping Sri Lankan authorities probe the terror attack. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel". The MEA, in a release, stated that those who would need to travel to the neighbouring country and are not in a situation to avoid it can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo.

Sri Lanka blasts: President Sirisena bans groups responsible for ghastly suicide bombings; India says need to work closely

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-us-asks-family-of-diplomats-to-leave-other-missions-issue-warning-213843">travel advisory</a> for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel".&nbsp;

The MEA, in a release, stated that those who would need to travel to the neighbouring country and are not in a situation to avoid it can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo.&nbsp;

"In case of those undertaking essential travels, they can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo or the Assistant HC in Kandy/Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna in case of requirement of any assistance. Helpline nos. of the Indian HC are available on the Mission’s website," the ministry noted.&nbsp;

"In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of terror attacks on 21 April 2019, Indian nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka are advised not to undertake non-essential travel," the release read.&nbsp;

The release explaining the situation in the country said," The Government of Sri Lanka has beefed up the security in the country. A nation-wide emergency including night time curfew is in place at present which may also affect travel within Sri Lanka."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
MEA: In case of those undertaking essential travels,they can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo or the Assistant HC in Kandy/Consulates in Hambantota&amp;Jaffna in case of requirement of any assistance.Helpline no. of the Indian HC are available on the Mission’s website. <a href="https://t.co/ngBCFHse7Z">https://t.co/ngBCFHse7Z</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1122127056559431680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Indian mission in Colombo is making sure that all Indian citizens are safe and is working overtime to make sure of it. The mission has also facilitated Indians, who in the aftermath of the terror attack, wanted to leave the country. Security of the Indian mission has been beefed up as it was also on the target by the terrorist.

Several other countries have issued a travel advisory to Sri Lanka for their nationals.&nbsp;

The United States has asked family members of its diplomats to leave the country, adding that the authorities are working overtime to make sure it happens.&nbsp;

In an official release, the US embassy in Sri Lanka said, "Department of State ordered the departure of all school-age family members of US government employees in Kindergarten through 12th grade."

The US State Department also authorized the "voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members."

Washington warned that terror groups are plotting a possible attack in the Island country. The possible location could be "tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals"

The United Kingdom has already updated its travel advisory to the country.

Australia in its travel advisory to its citizens said, "Terrorists are likely to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka." and these "attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.''

Russia too followed suit and has asked its citizens to refrain from visiting Sri Lanka.

A series of blasts hit Sri Lanka last week on the day of Easter Sunday. Over 250 people were killed in suicide bombings that had targetted churches and hotels across the island nation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/20-killed-as-sri-lanka-police-raid-suspected-bomber-hideout-on-east-coast-213841">bodies of 15 people, including six children, were discovered</a> at the site of a fierce overnight gun battle on the east coast of Sri Lanka, a military spokesman said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The shootout between troops and suspected Islamist militants erupted on Friday evening in Sainthamaruthu in Ampara, to the south of the town of Batticaloa, site of one of the Easter Sunday blasts at three churches and four luxury hotels, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel".

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals to Sri Lanka and directed people "not to undertake non-essential travel". The MEA, in a release, stated that those who would need to travel to the neighbouring country and are not in a situation to avoid it can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo. "In case of those undertaking essential travels, they can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo or the Assistant HC in Kandy/Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna in case of requirement of any assistance. Helpline nos. of the Indian HC are available on the Mission’s website," the ministry noted. "In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of terror attacks on 21 April 2019, Indian nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka are advised not to undertake non-essential travel," the release read. The release explaining the situation in the country said," The Government of Sri Lanka has beefed up the security in the country. A nation-wide emergency including night time curfew is in place at present which may also affect travel within Sri Lanka." MEA: In case of those undertaking essential travels,they can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo or the Assistant HC in Kandy/Consulates in Hambantota&Jaffna in case of requirement of any assistance.Helpline no. of the Indian HC are available on the Mission’s website. https://t.co/ngBCFHse7Z — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2019 × The Indian mission in Colombo is making sure that all Indian citizens are safe and is working overtime to make sure of it. The mission has also facilitated Indians, who in the aftermath of the terror attack, wanted to leave the country. Security of the Indian mission has been beefed up as it was also on the target by the terrorist. Several other countries have issued a travel advisory to Sri Lanka for their nationals. The United States has asked family members of its diplomats to leave the country, adding that the authorities are working overtime to make sure it happens. In an official release, the US embassy in Sri Lanka said, "Department of State ordered the departure of all school-age family members of US government employees in Kindergarten through 12th grade." The US State Department also authorized the "voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members." Washington warned that terror groups are plotting a possible attack in the Island country. The possible location could be "tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals" The United Kingdom has already updated its travel advisory to the country. Australia in its travel advisory to its citizens said, "Terrorists are likely to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka." and these "attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.'' Russia too followed suit and has asked its citizens to refrain from visiting Sri Lanka. A series of blasts hit Sri Lanka last week on the day of Easter Sunday. Over 250 people were killed in suicide bombings that had targetted churches and hotels across the island nation. Meanwhile, the bodies of 15 people, including six children, were discovered at the site of a fierce overnight gun battle on the east coast of Sri Lanka, a military spokesman said on Saturday. The shootout between troops and suspected Islamist militants erupted on Friday evening in Sainthamaruthu in Ampara, to the south of the town of Batticaloa, site of one of the Easter Sunday blasts at three churches and four luxury hotels, news agency Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian nationals are advised not to undertake non-essential travel to Sri Lanka: Ministry of External Affairs

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government.

Sirisena, facing criticism over the failure to thwart the attacks, blamed the inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemesiri Fernando for not sharing advance warnings of the attacks with him.

Fernando resigned earlier in the week, but Jayasundara was holding on, the two officials said.&nbsp;

"He has refused to resign despite the president's request," one of the sources said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, only parliament can remove the police chief through a lengthy process designed to shield officers from political interference.

The attacks in which more than 250 people were killed have exposed the divisions between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with both saying they had not seen warnings given by India's spy service about impending strikes on churches and the Indian embassy including one just hours before the attacks.

Jayasundara, the police chief, was handpicked for the job by Wickremesinghe. The first source at the president`s office said Sirisena was still expecting him to turn in his papers. The second source confirmed the situation. 
Both sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media.

Jayasundara did not answer his phone or email seeking comments. An officer at the police department said the police chief had not resigned but did not come to work on Saturday. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government.

Sri Lanka's police chief has refused a request by President Maithripala Sirisena to step down following suicide bombings on churches and hotels, two sources at the president's office said on Saturday, deepening the rift at top levels of government. Sirisena, facing criticism over the failure to thwart the attacks, blamed the inspector general of police Pujith Jayasundara and defence secretary Hemesiri Fernando for not sharing advance warnings of the attacks with him. Fernando resigned earlier in the week, but Jayasundara was holding on, the two officials said. "He has refused to resign despite the president's request," one of the sources said. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, only parliament can remove the police chief through a lengthy process designed to shield officers from political interference. The attacks in which more than 250 people were killed have exposed the divisions between Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, with both saying they had not seen warnings given by India's spy service about impending strikes on churches and the Indian embassy including one just hours before the attacks. Jayasundara, the police chief, was handpicked for the job by Wickremesinghe. The first source at the president`s office said Sirisena was still expecting him to turn in his papers. The second source confirmed the situation. Both sources declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media. Jayasundara did not answer his phone or email seeking comments. An officer at the police department said the police chief had not resigned but did not come to work on Saturday.

Sri Lanka police chief refusing to quit despite president Sirisena's request: Report

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 26th, 2019

For years, Sri Lanka's Muslim community warned authorities about a firebrand cleric. Now it seems Zahran Hashim may have played a key role in one of the worst attacks in the country's history.

A video released on Tuesday by the Islamic State group, which earlier claimed responsibility for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-releases-photos-of-suspects-of-church-hotel-bombing-that-killed-nearly-250-213584">Easter attacks</a> that killed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lowers-attacks-toll-to-253-as-some-double-counted-213518">over 250 people</a>, appears to prominently feature Hashim.

He appears to be the round-faced cleric in the footage - the only one of the eight figures depicted whose face is uncovered.

Dressed in a black tunic headscarf and carrying a rifle, Hashim is seen leading seven purported attackers in a pledge of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-says-every-indication-islamic-state-inspired-sri-lanka-attacks-cbs-213321">allegiance to IS chief</a> Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.

The other seven people in the video all wear the same black tunics but with their faces obscured by black-and-white checkered scarves.

Watch: Sri Lanka's politicians engage in a bitter blame game

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-country-is-in-crisis-but-sri-lankas-politicians-engage-in-a-bitter-blame-game-213394/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sri Lanka's government had already pointed the finger at Hashim indirectly, calling the little-known Islamist group he was believed to lead - the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/national-thowheeth-jamathntj-police-probe-sri-lanka-local-terror-groups-international-link-212667">National Thowheeth Jama'ath</a> - its prime suspect.

Hashim was identified, albeit with his name misspelled as Hashmi, by police as heading NTJ.

But the video released by IS was the first concrete evidence of the apparently central role played by the Sri Lankan cleric in the Easter attacks.

'A loner'

Hashim was a virtual unknown before the onslaught - even inside Sri Lanka.

He had attracted several thousand followers on several social media sites, including YouTube and Facebook, where he posted incendiary sermons.

In one, the cleric with an unkempt black beard, delivers an extremist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/muslims-flee-christians-grieve-in-sri-lankan-town-torn-by-violence-213347">diatribe against non-Muslims</a> against the crudely photoshopped backdrop of flags in flames.

Hilmy Ahamed, vice-president of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka, said he had gone to local authorities with concerns about Hashim three years ago.

"This person was a loner and he had radicalised young people in the guise of conducting Koran classes," he said.

"But nobody thought these people were capable of carrying out an attack of such magnitude."

Ahamed said Hashim, who has also gone by the names Mohamed Zahran and Moulavi Hashim, was around 40 years old and from the east coast region of Batticaloa.

The only one of the attacks on Sunday to hit outside of the Colombo area was at the Zion Church in Batticaloa.

"Zahran belonged to an average Muslim middle-class family. He was a drop-out," said Ahamed, adding that the cleric had studied at an Islamic college in Kattankudy, a Muslim-majority city in eastern Sri Lanka.

He was considered a menace by the local Muslim community and caused trouble at Kattankudy's Thowheeth mosque.

"The mosque saw continuous conflict with the traditional mosque goers. Once Zahran took a sword out to kill people belonging to the traditional Muslim mosque," Ahamed said.

Local media said Hashim formed the NTJ in Kattankudy in 2014.

Sri Lankan officials are still investigating to what degree IS may have helped the attackers, but Ahamed said Hashim was known by the community to have international ties.

"All his videos have been uploaded from India. He uses boats of smugglers to travel back and forth from southern India," he said.

Watch: CCTV footage shows suspected Sri Lanka bomber pacing in hotel restaurant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cctv-footage-shows-suspected-sri-lanka-bomber-pacing-in-hotel-restaurant-213372/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Today, the Sri Lankan President said Maithripala Sirisena said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leader-of-the-group-committed-suicide-at-shangri-la-hotel-police-213412">Hashim has been killed</a>. "What intelligence agencies have told me is that Zahran was killed during the Shangri-La attack," President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters.

He added that Hashim led the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/days-after-terror-strikes-sri-lanka-remains-on-edge-213482">attack against the high-end hotel</a> and was accompanied by a second bomber, identified only as "Ilham".

For years, Sri Lanka's Muslim community warned authorities about a firebrand cleric. Now it seems Zahran Hashim may have played a key role in one of the worst attacks in the country's history.

For years, Sri Lanka's Muslim community warned authorities about a firebrand cleric. Now it seems Zahran Hashim may have played a key role in one of the worst attacks in the country's history. A video released on Tuesday by the Islamic State group, which earlier claimed responsibility for the Easter attacks that killed over 250 people, appears to prominently feature Hashim. He appears to be the round-faced cleric in the footage - the only one of the eight figures depicted whose face is uncovered. Dressed in a black tunic headscarf and carrying a rifle, Hashim is seen leading seven purported attackers in a pledge of allegiance to IS chief Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. The other seven people in the video all wear the same black tunics but with their faces obscured by black-and-white checkered scarves. Watch: Sri Lanka's politicians engage in a bitter blame game Sri Lanka's government had already pointed the finger at Hashim indirectly, calling the little-known Islamist group he was believed to lead - the National Thowheeth Jama'ath - its prime suspect. Hashim was identified, albeit with his name misspelled as Hashmi, by police as heading NTJ. But the video released by IS was the first concrete evidence of the apparently central role played by the Sri Lankan cleric in the Easter attacks. 'A loner' Hashim was a virtual unknown before the onslaught - even inside Sri Lanka. He had attracted several thousand followers on several social media sites, including YouTube and Facebook, where he posted incendiary sermons. In one, the cleric with an unkempt black beard, delivers an extremist diatribe against non-Muslims against the crudely photoshopped backdrop of flags in flames. Hilmy Ahamed, vice-president of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka, said he had gone to local authorities with concerns about Hashim three years ago. "This person was a loner and he had radicalised young people in the guise of conducting Koran classes," he said. "But nobody thought these people were capable of carrying out an attack of such magnitude." Ahamed said Hashim, who has also gone by the names Mohamed Zahran and Moulavi Hashim, was around 40 years old and from the east coast region of Batticaloa. The only one of the attacks on Sunday to hit outside of the Colombo area was at the Zion Church in Batticaloa. "Zahran belonged to an average Muslim middle-class family. He was a drop-out," said Ahamed, adding that the cleric had studied at an Islamic college in Kattankudy, a Muslim-majority city in eastern Sri Lanka. He was considered a menace by the local Muslim community and caused trouble at Kattankudy's Thowheeth mosque. "The mosque saw continuous conflict with the traditional mosque goers. Once Zahran took a sword out to kill people belonging to the traditional Muslim mosque," Ahamed said. Local media said Hashim formed the NTJ in Kattankudy in 2014. Sri Lankan officials are still investigating to what degree IS may have helped the attackers, but Ahamed said Hashim was known by the community to have international ties. "All his videos have been uploaded from India. He uses boats of smugglers to travel back and forth from southern India," he said. Watch: CCTV footage shows suspected Sri Lanka bomber pacing in hotel restaurant Today, the Sri Lankan President said Maithripala Sirisena said that Hashim has been killed. "What intelligence agencies have told me is that Zahran was killed during the Shangri-La attack," President Maithripala Sirisena told reporters. He added that Hashim led the attack against the high-end hotel and was accompanied by a second bomber, identified only as "Ilham".

Zahran Hashim: Radical Islamist linked to Sri Lanka blasts

Muslims in Sri Lanka were urged to pray at home on Friday and not attend mosques or churches after the State Intelligence Services warned of possible car bomb attacks, amid fears of retaliatory violence for the Easter Sunday bombings.

The US embassy in Sri Lanka also urged its citizens to avoid places of worship over the coming weekend after authorities reported there could be more attacks targeting religious centres.

Sri Lanka remains on edge after suicide bombing attacks on three churches and four hotels that killed 253 people and wounded about 500. The attacks have been claimed by the extremist Islamic State group.

Nearly 10,000 soldiers are being deployed across the Indian Ocean island state to carry out searches and provide security for religious centres, the military said on Friday.

Fears of retaliatory sectarian violence has already caused Muslim communities to flee their homes amid bomb scares, lockdowns and security sweeps.

The All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama, Sri Lanka's main Islamic religious body, urged Muslims to conduct prayers at home on Friday in case "there is a need to protect family and properties".

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith also appealed to priests not to conduct mass at churches until further notice.

"Security is important," he said.

Police have detained at least 76 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt, in their investigations so far.

Islamic State provided no evidence to back its claim that it was behind the attacks. If true, it would be one of the worst attacks carried out by the group outside Iraq and Syria.

Islamic State released a video on Tuesday showing eight men, all but one with their faces covered, standing under a black Islamic State flag and declaring their loyalty to its leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.

The Sri Lankan government said there were nine homegrown, well-educated suicide bombers, eight of whom had been identified. One was a woman.

Authorities have focused their investigations on international links to two domestic Islamist groups - National Thawheed Jama'ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - they believe carried out the attacks.

Government officials have acknowledged a major lapse in not widely sharing an intelligence warning from India before the attacks. Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando resigned over the failure to prevent the attacks.

The Easter Sunday bombings shattered the relative calm that had existed in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka since a civil war against mostly Hindu ethnic Tamil separatists ended 10 years ago.

Sri Lanka's 22 million people include minority Christians, Muslims and Hindus. Until now, Christians had largely managed to avoid the worst of the island's conflict and communal tensions.

Most of the victims were Sri Lankans, although authorities said at least 38 foreigners were also killed, many of them tourists sitting down to breakfast at top-end hotels when the bombers struck.

They included British, US, Australian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals. Britain warned its nationals on Thursday to avoid Sri Lanka unless it was absolutely necessary because there could be more attacks.

Muslims in Sri Lanka were urged to pray at home on Friday and not attend mosques or churches after the State Intelligence Services warned of possible car bomb attacks, amid fears of retaliatory violence for the Easter Sunday bombings.

Muslims in Sri Lanka were urged to pray at home on Friday and not attend mosques or churches after the State Intelligence Services warned of possible car bomb attacks, amid fears of retaliatory violence for the Easter Sunday bombings. The US embassy in Sri Lanka also urged its citizens to avoid places of worship over the coming weekend after authorities reported there could be more attacks targeting religious centres. Sri Lanka remains on edge after suicide bombing attacks on three churches and four hotels that killed 253 people and wounded about 500. The attacks have been claimed by the extremist Islamic State group. Nearly 10,000 soldiers are being deployed across the Indian Ocean island state to carry out searches and provide security for religious centres, the military said on Friday. Fears of retaliatory sectarian violence has already caused Muslim communities to flee their homes amid bomb scares, lockdowns and security sweeps. The All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama, Sri Lanka's main Islamic religious body, urged Muslims to conduct prayers at home on Friday in case "there is a need to protect family and properties". Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith also appealed to priests not to conduct mass at churches until further notice. "Security is important," he said. Police have detained at least 76 people, including foreigners from Syria and Egypt, in their investigations so far. Islamic State provided no evidence to back its claim that it was behind the attacks. If true, it would be one of the worst attacks carried out by the group outside Iraq and Syria. Islamic State released a video on Tuesday showing eight men, all but one with their faces covered, standing under a black Islamic State flag and declaring their loyalty to its leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. The Sri Lankan government said there were nine homegrown, well-educated suicide bombers, eight of whom had been identified. One was a woman. Authorities have focused their investigations on international links to two domestic Islamist groups - National Thawheed Jama'ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - they believe carried out the attacks. Government officials have acknowledged a major lapse in not widely sharing an intelligence warning from India before the attacks. Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando resigned over the failure to prevent the attacks. The Easter Sunday bombings shattered the relative calm that had existed in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka since a civil war against mostly Hindu ethnic Tamil separatists ended 10 years ago. Sri Lanka's 22 million people include minority Christians, Muslims and Hindus. Until now, Christians had largely managed to avoid the worst of the island's conflict and communal tensions. Most of the victims were Sri Lankans, although authorities said at least 38 foreigners were also killed, many of them tourists sitting down to breakfast at top-end hotels when the bombers struck. They included British, US, Australian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals. Britain warned its nationals on Thursday to avoid Sri Lanka unless it was absolutely necessary because there could be more attacks.

Sri Lankans urged to avoid mosques, churches amid fears of more attacks

Britain on Thursday warned against "all but essential travel" to Sri Lanka following the terror attacks on Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-lowers-attacks-toll-to-253-as-some-double-counted-213518">claimed 253 lives according to the latest toll</a>.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to the current evolving security situation following attacks on 21 April 2019," the ministry said on its website.

It added that terrorists "are very likely" to try to carry out further attacks, which "could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners."

"The extent of any continued threat following the 21 April attacks remains unclear," it said.&nbsp;

The Netherlands later also updated its travel advice for Sri Lanka, telling Dutch citizens they should only go there "if necessary".

Eight British nationals and three with Dutch citizenship were among those killed in the deadly Easter bombings that targeted tourists and Christian worshippers.

Over 250,000 Britons visited Sri Lanka in 2018, making it the third-highest source of tourism behind India and China, with the two countries retaining strong links since Sri Lanka became independent of colonial rule in 1948.

The British government told its citizens already in the country to "remain vigilant, keep up to date with developments, follow the advice of local security authorities... keep a low profile and avoid crowded public places."

"All of the attacks on 21 April were carried out either in places of worship or in places where foreign visitors were affected.

"Any further attacks may be targeted against similar locations," it warned.

A small team of specialist officers from Britain's Metropolitan Police have been deployed to Sri Lanka to support families of victims and repatriate their bodies, the force said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The police said they were not helping with the investigation "at this stage", but added that "should any request come... then this will be considered accordingly."

Prime Minister May offered help in the investigation to Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe during a telephone call on Tuesday.

Britain on Thursday warned against "all but essential travel" to Sri Lanka following the terror attacks on Sunday that claimed 253 lives according to the latest toll.

Britain on Thursday warned against "all but essential travel" to Sri Lanka following the terror attacks on Sunday that claimed 253 lives according to the latest toll. "The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to the current evolving security situation following attacks on 21 April 2019," the ministry said on its website. It added that terrorists "are very likely" to try to carry out further attacks, which "could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners." "The extent of any continued threat following the 21 April attacks remains unclear," it said. The Netherlands later also updated its travel advice for Sri Lanka, telling Dutch citizens they should only go there "if necessary". Eight British nationals and three with Dutch citizenship were among those killed in the deadly Easter bombings that targeted tourists and Christian worshippers. Over 250,000 Britons visited Sri Lanka in 2018, making it the third-highest source of tourism behind India and China, with the two countries retaining strong links since Sri Lanka became independent of colonial rule in 1948. The British government told its citizens already in the country to "remain vigilant, keep up to date with developments, follow the advice of local security authorities... keep a low profile and avoid crowded public places." "All of the attacks on 21 April were carried out either in places of worship or in places where foreign visitors were affected. "Any further attacks may be targeted against similar locations," it warned. A small team of specialist officers from Britain's Metropolitan Police have been deployed to Sri Lanka to support families of victims and repatriate their bodies, the force said on Tuesday. The police said they were not helping with the investigation "at this stage", but added that "should any request come... then this will be considered accordingly." Prime Minister May offered help in the investigation to Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe during a telephone call on Tuesday.

Britain warns against 'all but essential travel' to Sri Lanka

The Muslim community in the Sri Lankan city of Negombo said that they are living in fear of reprisals by their Christian neighbours. Watch this video to know more.

Fear of communal tension grips Sri Lanka

Two of the nine suicide bombers involved in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-says-every-indication-islamic-state-inspired-sri-lanka-attacks-cbs-213321">Easter Sunday attacks</a> in Sri Lanka were members of a prominent family in Colombo, sources have told CNN.

The brothers, identified as Imsath Ahmed Ibrahim and Ilham Ahmed Ibrahim, were sons of spice merchant Mohamed Ibrahim. Ibrahim, the founder of Colombo-based Ishana Exports, was among one of the dozen people detained in the wake of the attacks.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government late on Wednesday reimposed a curfew till Thursday morning in the wake of the devastating blasts which have caused multiple casualties in the island nation, a police spokesperson said. The curfew was imposed from 10 pm local time (12.30 pm ET) on Wednesday until 4 am&nbsp;Thursday morning.

Eight explosions rattled various suburbs in the Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikade and Batticaloa as the Christian community celebrated Easter Sunday on April 21.&nbsp;

Over 350 people have lost their lives until now, as more than 560 people have been injured. Out of the deceased, around 39 people have been identified as foreigners, reported CNN. On Wednesday, Sri Lanka's State Defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters that the culprits of the Easter attacks were well educated, belonged to the upper-middle-class families, and financially independent.

"That was a worrying factor," he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, British security sources have identified another bomber as Abdul Lathief Jameel Mohamed, who is said to have been studied in the southeast of England from 2006 to 2007, and was a postgraduate student in Australia before returning to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

In addition, Sri Lankan authorities claim that Shiral Lakthilaka, an adviser to the President, has been identified as one of the accused. Lakthilaka, who blew himself up at the Shangri-La hotel as Inshan Seelavan, has been described as the "mastermind" of the attacks.

Amid intense criticisms raised over the Sri Lankan government for its inaction against curbing the massacre, President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday planned to change his Defence Minister and the Inspector General of Police over allegations of mishandling the prior warnings of the attacks.&nbsp;

Most of those killed and wounded were Sri Lankans, including 39 foreigners and 10 Indian. The others included British, American, Australian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals. The United Nations Children`s Fund noted that there were 45 children among the dead.

Two of the nine suicide bombers involved in the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka were members of a prominent family in Colombo, sources have told CNN. The brothers, identified as Imsath Ahmed Ibrahim and Ilham Ahmed Ibrahim, were sons of spice merchant Mohamed Ibrahim.

Two of the nine suicide bombers involved in the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka were members of a prominent family in Colombo, sources have told CNN. The brothers, identified as Imsath Ahmed Ibrahim and Ilham Ahmed Ibrahim, were sons of spice merchant Mohamed Ibrahim. Ibrahim, the founder of Colombo-based Ishana Exports, was among one of the dozen people detained in the wake of the attacks. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan government late on Wednesday reimposed a curfew till Thursday morning in the wake of the devastating blasts which have caused multiple casualties in the island nation, a police spokesperson said. The curfew was imposed from 10 pm local time (12.30 pm ET) on Wednesday until 4 am Thursday morning. Eight explosions rattled various suburbs in the Sri Lankan cities of Colombo, Negombo, Kochchikade and Batticaloa as the Christian community celebrated Easter Sunday on April 21. Over 350 people have lost their lives until now, as more than 560 people have been injured. Out of the deceased, around 39 people have been identified as foreigners, reported CNN. On Wednesday, Sri Lanka's State Defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters that the culprits of the Easter attacks were well educated, belonged to the upper-middle-class families, and financially independent. "That was a worrying factor," he added. Meanwhile, British security sources have identified another bomber as Abdul Lathief Jameel Mohamed, who is said to have been studied in the southeast of England from 2006 to 2007, and was a postgraduate student in Australia before returning to Sri Lanka. In addition, Sri Lankan authorities claim that Shiral Lakthilaka, an adviser to the President, has been identified as one of the accused. Lakthilaka, who blew himself up at the Shangri-La hotel as Inshan Seelavan, has been described as the "mastermind" of the attacks. Amid intense criticisms raised over the Sri Lankan government for its inaction against curbing the massacre, President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday planned to change his Defence Minister and the Inspector General of Police over allegations of mishandling the prior warnings of the attacks. Most of those killed and wounded were Sri Lankans, including 39 foreigners and 10 Indian. The others included British, American, Australian, Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals. The United Nations Children`s Fund noted that there were 45 children among the dead.

Sri Lanka blasts: Two Colombo suicide bombers identified as millionaire businessman's sons

Fresh details are emerging about SL terror attacks. Perpetrators are educated, wealthy & well-travelled.

Sri Lanka on Easter Massacre: Probe continues

Palki explains why SL's attempt to project the Easter terror attacks as a retaliation for Christchurch Church attacks is on a weak footing. Watch this video to know more.

Gravitas: How credible is Lanka's theory linking Easter attacks to Christchurch attacks

Now Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena says that security officials did not share the intelligence on Easter attacks with him. So who is in charge of Sri Lanka? Why are politicians squabbling with each other when a country is in crisis? Palki raises some crucial questions.

Gravitas: Country is in crisis, but Sri Lanka's politicians engage in a bitter blame game

All of Sri Lanka's Catholic churches have been ordered to stay closed and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-fresh-blast-in-pugoda-town-near-colombo-213341">suspend services</a> until security improves after deadly Easter bombings, a senior priest told on Thursday.

"On the advice of the security forces, we are keeping all churches closed," news agency AFP reported quoting a priest.

"There will be no <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/middle-class-and-foreign-educated-face-of-terror-in-sri-lanka-213241">public mass</a> said until further notice," the priest added.

Meanwhile, residents living near the bombed St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo said on Thursday that they are living in fear after the coordinated series of blasts targeting churches and hotels on Easter Sunday killed 359 people.

Amid continued heavy security, residents go about their daily lives but many shops remained closed near the explosion site.

A shopkeeper, Gavi Sukumar said residents used to live without fear. But that has since changed.

"We are living in fear. We are doing our jobs also in fear. When people come to buy tickets carrying parcels, we are nervous. Even when we see people whom we see every day, we are worried," Sukumar added.

Details have emerged of a group of nine well-educated, home-grown Islamist suicide bombers who carried out the attacks in the Indian Ocean island country.

Sri Lankan and international authorities have also focused their investigations on international links to domestic Islamist groups - National Thawheed Jama'ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - they believed carried out the attacks. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks but offered no firm information to back up its claim.

Earlier, Sri&nbsp;Lankan authorities lifted a security alert at the central bank in the capital Colombo on Thursday after it was locked down following a warning about an impending explosion, two bank sources said.

Workers were allowed to leave the bank, the sources said.

(With inputs from agencies)

All of Sri Lanka's Catholic churches have been ordered to stay closed and suspend services until security improves after deadly Easter bombings, a senior priest told on Thursday.

All of Sri Lanka's Catholic churches have been ordered to stay closed and suspend services until security improves after deadly Easter bombings, a senior priest told on Thursday. "On the advice of the security forces, we are keeping all churches closed," news agency AFP reported quoting a priest. "There will be no public mass said until further notice," the priest added. Meanwhile, residents living near the bombed St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo said on Thursday that they are living in fear after the coordinated series of blasts targeting churches and hotels on Easter Sunday killed 359 people. Amid continued heavy security, residents go about their daily lives but many shops remained closed near the explosion site. A shopkeeper, Gavi Sukumar said residents used to live without fear. But that has since changed. "We are living in fear. We are doing our jobs also in fear. When people come to buy tickets carrying parcels, we are nervous. Even when we see people whom we see every day, we are worried," Sukumar added. Details have emerged of a group of nine well-educated, home-grown Islamist suicide bombers who carried out the attacks in the Indian Ocean island country. Sri Lankan and international authorities have also focused their investigations on international links to domestic Islamist groups - National Thawheed Jama'ut and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - they believed carried out the attacks. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks but offered no firm information to back up its claim. Earlier, Sri Lankan authorities lifted a security alert at the central bank in the capital Colombo on Thursday after it was locked down following a warning about an impending explosion, two bank sources said. Workers were allowed to leave the bank, the sources said. (With inputs from agencies)

All Sri Lanka Catholic church services suspended, says senior priest

As a state of emergency took effect Tuesday giving the Sri Lankan military war-time powers, police arrested 60 suspects, including the driver of a van allegedly used by suicide bombers involved in deadly Easter bombings.

Sri Lanka blasts: 60 suspects arrested, 32 in CID custody

The National Security Council has gone on to impose a conditional State of Emergency with articles on combating terrorism to come into effect at midnight on 22 April. Watch video to know more.

Sri Lanka blasts: Government addressing press conference 3 days after blasts

Death Toll Rises To 321 As Sri Lanka Faces Its Biggest Crisis Since The Civil War. ISIS Claims Responsibility ISIS claims responsibility for the Sri Lanka terror attacks on Sunday. Sri Lankan government believes that the suicide bombings were a retaliation to the New Zealand terror attacks in March. Palki sums up the latest

Gravitas: Sri Lanka Easter massacre; ISIS claims responsibility

The Attacks In Sri Lanka Matter Happened In India's Own Backyard. Besides That, The Presence Of ISIS In The Island Nation Should Ring An Alarm To New Delhi With the presence of ISIS in Sri Lanka, is it time for India to involve itself in the probe to find out the perpetrators of the SL terror attacks? Palki tells us why India cannot afford to ignore the situation in Sri Lanka.

Gravitas: Sri Lanka terror attacks; Why it matters for India?

The body of eight-year-old Zayan Chowdhury, grandson of a cousin of Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, arrived at Dhaka airport Wednesday&nbsp;and was promptly sent over to the house of his grandfather, parliament member Sheikh Salim.

He was among 38 foreign nationals killed when<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-footage-shows-suspected-suicide-bombers-behind-shangri-la-hotel-blasts-213232"> coordinated bomb blasts </a>went off across various churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, leaving 359 dead and more than 500 wounded.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/middle-class-and-foreign-educated-face-of-terror-in-sri-lanka-213241">Middle class and foreign educated: Face of terror in Sri Lanka</a>

The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks on three churches and four hotels, and details have begun to emerge of a band of nine, well-educated suicide bombers, including a woman, from well-to-do families.

Sri Lankan officials have blamed two domestic Islamist groups with suspected ties to Islamic State.

The body of eight-year-old Zayan Chowdhury, grandson of a cousin of Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, arrived at Dhaka airport Wednesday and was promptly sent over to the house of his grandfather, parliament member Sheikh Salim.

The body of eight-year-old Zayan Chowdhury, grandson of a cousin of Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, arrived at Dhaka airport Wednesday and was promptly sent over to the house of his grandfather, parliament member Sheikh Salim. He was among 38 foreign nationals killed when coordinated bomb blasts went off across various churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, leaving 359 dead and more than 500 wounded. Also read: Middle class and foreign educated: Face of terror in Sri Lanka The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks on three churches and four hotels, and details have begun to emerge of a band of nine, well-educated suicide bombers, including a woman, from well-to-do families. Sri Lankan officials have blamed two domestic Islamist groups with suspected ties to Islamic State.

Body of eight-year old blast victim related to Bangladeshi PM arrives home from Sri Lanka

A day after Sri Lankan authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-moments-before-blast-212866">released CCTV footage of suspected suicide</a> bomber behind the St Sebastian's church blast, a local channel aired surveillance footage purportedly showing two suspected suicide bombers walking through the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo as they denoted the bombs.

The CCTV footage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-government-has-been-very-helpful-sri-lankas-deputy-defence-minister-ruwan-wijewardene-to-wion-213175">Shangri-La hotel blast</a> showed in graphic detail of two men wearing caps and carrying backpacks taking a lift to the third floor. One of the alleged &nbsp;attacker walked behind a man as the bombs went off.

Islamic State terror organization has taken responsiblity for the blasts which took place on Easter Sunday in churches and hotels. Lankan authorities said they have arrested 60 people for questioning.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe conceded on Tuesday that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack but it went unheaded. The Lankan prime minister informed that Interpol and FBI have been assisting the government in the probe.

At least ten&nbsp;Indians have been killed the serial blastts with the total death toll climbing to 359 on Wednesday. The blasts wounded 500 others, some are still in critical condiction.

Tuesday was the first day of the emergency in the country. Security has been beefed up across the island&nbsp;especially in hotels since a number of hotels were targetted on Sunday.

The authorities have now issued an advisory, that if anyone parks a car on the road, they must put their mobile number on the windscreen. 
&nbsp;

A day after Sri Lankan authorities released CCTV footage of suspected suicide bomber behind the St Sebastian's church blast, a local channel aired surveillance footage purportedly showing two suspected suicide bombers walking through the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo as they denoted the bombs.

A day after Sri Lankan authorities released CCTV footage of suspected suicide bomber behind the St Sebastian's church blast, a local channel aired surveillance footage purportedly showing two suspected suicide bombers walking through the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo as they denoted the bombs. The CCTV footage of Shangri-La hotel blast showed in graphic detail of two men wearing caps and carrying backpacks taking a lift to the third floor. One of the alleged attacker walked behind a man as the bombs went off. Islamic State terror organization has taken responsiblity for the blasts which took place on Easter Sunday in churches and hotels. Lankan authorities said they have arrested 60 people for questioning. Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe conceded on Tuesday that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack but it went unheaded. The Lankan prime minister informed that Interpol and FBI have been assisting the government in the probe. At least ten Indians have been killed the serial blastts with the total death toll climbing to 359 on Wednesday. The blasts wounded 500 others, some are still in critical condiction. Tuesday was the first day of the emergency in the country. Security has been beefed up across the island especially in hotels since a number of hotels were targetted on Sunday. The authorities have now issued an advisory, that if anyone parks a car on the road, they must put their mobile number on the windscreen.

CCTV footage shows suspected suicide bombers behind Shangri-La hotel blasts

The death toll from series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-show-islamic-state-influence-outlives-caliphate-213101">deadly attacks in Sri Lanka</a> has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday.

One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives&nbsp;was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday.

The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people.

Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">Islamic State has claimed responsibility</a> for the coordinated bombings in the capital.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-pm-says-no-intelligence-linking-sri-lanka-attacks-to-christchurch-213117/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Those that carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters," said a statement released by IS propaganda agency Amaq.

President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also defence and law and order minister, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-on-high-alert-as-mass-burials-take-place-in-st-sebastian-church-212928">Sri Lankans held a mass burials</a> on Tuesday near the St Sebastian Church in Negombo. White flags and ribbons have been put up at shops, roadsides and other places in the country to mourn the loss. The country has marked the national day of morning on Tuesday with flags at half mast and a minute of silence observed at 8:30 am.

The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday. One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday.

The death toll from series of deadly attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 359 after several people died overnight due to injuries, police said on Wednesday. One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives was a woman, deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday. The attacks which targetted churches and hotels wounded around 500 people. Nearly 60 people have been detained since the Sunday blasts. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombings in the capital. "Those that carried out the attack that targeted members of the US-led coalition and Christians in Sri Lanka the day before yesterday are Islamic State group fighters," said a statement released by IS propaganda agency Amaq. President Maithripala Sirisena, who is also defence and law and order minister, said he will carry out a complete reorganisation of the security forces and the police under his control. Meanwhile, Sri Lankans held a mass burials on Tuesday near the St Sebastian Church in Negombo. White flags and ribbons have been put up at shops, roadsides and other places in the country to mourn the loss. The country has marked the national day of morning on Tuesday with flags at half mast and a minute of silence observed at 8:30 am.

Woman among nine suicide bombers, says Sri Lanka minister as death toll rises to 359

The National Security Council has gone on to impose a conditional State of Emergency with articles on combating terrorism to come into effect at midnight on 22 April.

Sri Lanka blasts: Lanka's Deputy Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene talks to WION

Funeral prayers were held at St. Sebastian's Church in Negombo on Tuesday ahead of a mass burial for the victims of Easter Sunday bombings. Mourners and relatives of the victims brought flowers to the funeral service and prayed with the clergy as coffins were being carried in and out of the church.

Sri Lanka Blasts: Hundreds gather in St. Sebastian Church of Negombo, Pray for deceased

National day of mourning in Sri Lanka after 2 days of blasts, Till yet 310 are dead & more than 500 injured. National emergency has been announced in Sri Lanka for high security purposes.

Sri Lanka Blasts: National day of mourning in Sri Lanka, 310 dead & more than 500 injured

A Car bomb blast was recorded in WION's camera as well during ground reporting in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Blasts: Car bomb blast recorded in WION's camera during ground reporting from Colombo

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka which killed 321 people and injured about 500 others, the group's AMAQ news agency said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka blasts: ISIS owns up to attack that killed 321 people

Muslim brothers from a wealthy Sri Lankan family plotted and carried out two of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-had-provided-specific-intelligence-on-attack-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-213001">Easter suicide blasts</a> in Colombo that killed more than 320 people, police sources told AFP Tuesday amid growing questions on whether the attackers received foreign help.

The two sons of a Colombo spice trader were among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-on-high-alert-as-mass-burials-take-place-in-st-sebastian-church-212928">suicide bombers who hit three churches and three luxury hotels</a>, investigators said.&nbsp;

An attack on a fourth hotel failed and helped lead police to the Islamist group now blamed for the assault, they added in comments later confirmed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The brothers, whose names have not been revealed, were in their late twenties and operated their own "family cell", an investigation officer said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sri-lanka-how-british-colonial-footprint-ltte-led-attacks-tormented-the-island-nation-212615">In pics: How British colonial footprint, LTTE-led attacks tormented the island nation</a>

The pair were members of the Islamist National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group which the government has blamed for the attacks.

The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility in an official statement for the attacks on the "infidel holiday".

A Sri Lankan minister said the bombers may have struck in revenge for the killing of 50 worshippers in two New Zealand mosques last month.&nbsp;

"Some of them might have travelled abroad and come back," Wickremesinghe told a press conference.

One brother checked into the Cinnamon Grand hotel and the other the Shangri-La on Saturday.

The next morning, at virtually the same time, they went to the hotels' Easter Sunday breakfast buffets and blew up explosives-laden backpacks, the officer said.

Another bomb tore through a restaurant at the nearby Kingsbury hotel. Similar explosions devastated three churches.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-212861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Fourth attacker

Another would-be suicide bomber was in a fourth hotel in Colombo, an official source told AFP.&nbsp;

"This man had also checked into the hotel the previous day," the source said.

It was not known if his explosives failed or he had a change of heart.

But after the Shangri-la blast, staff became suspicious and the man was tracked to a residence near the capital. He blew himself up when confronted by police, the source said. Two bystanders were also killed.

"What we have seen from the CCTV footage is that all the suicide bombers were carrying very heavy backpacks. These appear to be crude devices made locally," the source said.

With 321 people dead, including at least 39 foreign nationals, and over 500 wounded, Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency and launched a desperate hunt to head off more attacks.

At least 40 people were under arrest Tuesday over one of the worst militant strikes ever staged in Asia.

The whereabouts of the brothers' parents was unknown. But the blasts had a further impact on the family.

One brother gave false identity details when he checked into the hotel, the investigator said. The other gave a real address which led police commandos to their family home in a commercial area of Colombo.

Children killed

"When the Special Task Force went there to investigate, one brother's wife set off explosives killing herself and her two children," the officer said.&nbsp;

"It was a single terror cell operated by one family," the investigator said.

"They had the cash and the motivation. They operated the cell and it is believed they influenced their extended family."&nbsp;

Three police commandos were also killed in the blast, and several extended family members are among those in detention.

The brothers had been involved in their father's lucrative spice export business, investigators said.

It was not known if they were in contact with the other bombers, however.

A focus of the inquiry will be any foreign influence in their radicalisation and how the children of such a wealthy family had become involved, an official source said.

"What we have gathered so far is that they had indicated to their close family what they were going to do," another senior police officer said.

"It looks like they were inspired by foreign terrorist groups, but to what extent they had direct links is still unclear."

Police alert

Sri Lanka police chief Pujith Jayasundara issued an alert on April 11 that the NTJ could launch suicide attacks against churches and other targets.

NTJ leader Zahran Hashmi was linked to the vandalising of Buddha statues on December 26 at the central town of Mawanella. His whereabouts now are unknown.

The local Muslim community had been complaining to authorities about Hashmi since 2017.&nbsp;

Residents of an eastern village where he lived had demanded police action over his radical comments and acts, community leaders told AFP.

"He was a threat to moderate Muslims in the east and we had made several complaints," one Muslim leader told AFP.&nbsp;

The police chief's warnings about the NTJ were not passed to top ministers. A separate investigation is underway into why more was not done to stop the bombers.&nbsp;

Muslim brothers from a wealthy Sri Lankan family plotted and carried out two of the Easter suicide blasts in Colombo that killed more than 320 people, police sources told AFP Tuesday amid growing questions on whether the attackers received foreign help.

Muslim brothers from a wealthy Sri Lankan family plotted and carried out two of the Easter suicide blasts in Colombo that killed more than 320 people, police sources told AFP Tuesday amid growing questions on whether the attackers received foreign help. The two sons of a Colombo spice trader were among suicide bombers who hit three churches and three luxury hotels, investigators said. An attack on a fourth hotel failed and helped lead police to the Islamist group now blamed for the assault, they added in comments later confirmed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The brothers, whose names have not been revealed, were in their late twenties and operated their own "family cell", an investigation officer said. In pics: How British colonial footprint, LTTE-led attacks tormented the island nation The pair were members of the Islamist National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) group which the government has blamed for the attacks. The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility in an official statement for the attacks on the "infidel holiday". A Sri Lankan minister said the bombers may have struck in revenge for the killing of 50 worshippers in two New Zealand mosques last month. "Some of them might have travelled abroad and come back," Wickremesinghe told a press conference. One brother checked into the Cinnamon Grand hotel and the other the Shangri-La on Saturday. The next morning, at virtually the same time, they went to the hotels' Easter Sunday breakfast buffets and blew up explosives-laden backpacks, the officer said. Another bomb tore through a restaurant at the nearby Kingsbury hotel. Similar explosions devastated three churches. × Fourth attacker Another would-be suicide bomber was in a fourth hotel in Colombo, an official source told AFP. "This man had also checked into the hotel the previous day," the source said. It was not known if his explosives failed or he had a change of heart. But after the Shangri-la blast, staff became suspicious and the man was tracked to a residence near the capital. He blew himself up when confronted by police, the source said. Two bystanders were also killed. "What we have seen from the CCTV footage is that all the suicide bombers were carrying very heavy backpacks. These appear to be crude devices made locally," the source said. With 321 people dead, including at least 39 foreign nationals, and over 500 wounded, Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency and launched a desperate hunt to head off more attacks. At least 40 people were under arrest Tuesday over one of the worst militant strikes ever staged in Asia. The whereabouts of the brothers' parents was unknown. But the blasts had a further impact on the family. One brother gave false identity details when he checked into the hotel, the investigator said. The other gave a real address which led police commandos to their family home in a commercial area of Colombo. Children killed "When the Special Task Force went there to investigate, one brother's wife set off explosives killing herself and her two children," the officer said. "It was a single terror cell operated by one family," the investigator said. "They had the cash and the motivation. They operated the cell and it is believed they influenced their extended family." Three police commandos were also killed in the blast, and several extended family members are among those in detention. The brothers had been involved in their father's lucrative spice export business, investigators said. It was not known if they were in contact with the other bombers, however. A focus of the inquiry will be any foreign influence in their radicalisation and how the children of such a wealthy family had become involved, an official source said. "What we have gathered so far is that they had indicated to their close family what they were going to do," another senior police officer said. "It looks like they were inspired by foreign terrorist groups, but to what extent they had direct links is still unclear." Police alert Sri Lanka police chief Pujith Jayasundara issued an alert on April 11 that the NTJ could launch suicide attacks against churches and other targets. NTJ leader Zahran Hashmi was linked to the vandalising of Buddha statues on December 26 at the central town of Mawanella. His whereabouts now are unknown. The local Muslim community had been complaining to authorities about Hashmi since 2017. Residents of an eastern village where he lived had demanded police action over his radical comments and acts, community leaders told AFP. "He was a threat to moderate Muslims in the east and we had made several complaints," one Muslim leader told AFP. The police chief's warnings about the NTJ were not passed to top ministers. A separate investigation is underway into why more was not done to stop the bombers.

Fourth planned Sri Lanka hotel attack failed: Sources

sri-lanka-blasts

Sri Lanka Blasts, News on Sri Lanka Blasts, stories on Sri Lanka Blasts, articles on Sri Lanka Blasts, Sri Lanka Blasts stories at Wion, Sri Lanka Blasts news, Sri Lanka Blasts latest news

sri lanka-blasts