Sri Lanka: Curfew immediately imposed nationwide April 21 /update 6

Event

A previously announced overnight curfew has come into immediate effect as of 15:50 (local time) on Sunday, April 21. There are reports of another explosion in the Dematagoda area of Colombo after a blast was reported around 14:50. Additional security forces have been deployed into the area. The government has temporarily blocked social media and messaging services to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Security measures have been increased throughout the country in response to the series of bombings that have occurred throughout 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. At least 160 people have been killed and another 370 have been wounded in the attacks. 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