COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has declared a nighttime curfew with immediate effect, local media reports said on Sunday following series of explosions that killed nearly 207 people, mostly targeting churches and hotels.
More than 450 people have been injured, local media reported. Authorities said a curfew will be imposed from 6 pm to 6 am until things settle down.
Likewise, government officials said major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, have been blocked inside the country to prevent misinformation and rumors.
Meanwhile, the death toll from eight bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday has climbed to 207, international media report stated. Sunday’s incident has been seen as one of the worst coordinated bombing attacks to have struck Sri Lanka in several years. Out of the dead, around 39 have been identified as foreign nationals, said Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution, Harsha de Silva.
Over 450 are reported to be injured in explosions in three churches and three luxury hotels in the worst attack the country witnessed after the civil war ended 10 years ago. According to officials, nine foreigners were among the dead. There were no immediate claims of responsibility, reports Reuters.
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called a national security council meeting at his home today.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong,” he said in a Tweet. (Agencies)
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