Sri Lanka: At least 25 people killed in multiple bombings nationwide April 21 /update 2

Event

Local health officials are reporting that at least 25 people have been killed and more than 200 others wounded in a series of bombing across Sri Lanka on the morning (local time) of Sunday, April 21. In Colombo, explosive 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. According to initial reports, the bombings at the churches in Colombo and Negombo occurred at approximately 08:45 during Easter services. Casualty figures are expected to rise as recovery efforts continue. A heightened security presence is expected around all blast sites. Details are still emerging.

Advice

Individuals in Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo, 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.