Sri Lanka: Another explosion reported in Dehiwala April 21 /update 4

Event

Police officials reported another explosion at approximately 14:10 (local time) on Sunday, April 21, near the Dehiwala Zoological Garden. According to initial media reports, the blast occurred at a hotel and at least two people have been killed. Security forces have deployed into the area and the Zoological Garden has been temporarily cordoned off. Details are still emerging.

Security measures have been increased throughout the country following a series of six bombing at three churches and three hotels earlier in the day. Additional security personnel have been deployed at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and departing passengers are being advised to arrive at least four hours before the departure time. Visitor lobbies at the departing and arrival terminals have also been closed. Recovery efforts are ongoing at blast sites in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa.

Context

A series of coordinated bombings occurred at approximately 08:45 on Sunday morning. In Colombo, devices detonated at St. Anthony’s Church, the Shangri La Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, and the Kingsbury Hotel. St. Sebestian’s Church in Negombo and the Zion Church in Batticaloa were also targeted in the attacks. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Advice

Individuals in Sri Lanka, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all blast areas as a precaution, report any suspicious objects or behavior to the police, and obey all instructions issued by the authorities.

Travelers flying to or from CMB are advised to anticipate a heightened security presence, anticipate possible delays, and allow additional time to pass through security checkpoints