PAA seventh explosion has been reported in Sri Lanka.
Reports are saying another blast has hit a hotel opposite the Dehiwala Zoo, a suburb of Colombo, on the west coast of Sri Lanka, which is believed to have killed two people.
#BREAKING New blast in Sri Lankan capital, two dead: police spokesman pic.twitter.com/TYu4h6hpHL
— AFP news agency (@AFP) April 21, 2019
Earlier today, April 21, six other explosions were reported to have hit a number of churches and hotels across Sri Lanka.
An explosion reported at a hotel opposite Dehiwala Zoo: Police Spokesman
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) April 21, 2019
So far, the death toll has reached at least 137.
Three churches in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa where all targeted during Easter services, while the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels in Colombo were also hit.
Currently, no group or organisation has said it was responsible for the attacks.
In a statement on Twitter, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, said:
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. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.
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. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019
Authorities in Sri Lanka are holding an emergency meeting, including the secretaries of defence and foreign affairs, the heads of the army, air force and navy.
Heads of Army, Navy, Airforce and IG along with Sec/Def, Sec/For Affairs meeting with @RWijewardene along with a few of us Ministers at MOD. All necessary emergency steps taken by Gov of #SriLanka. Soon official statement will be issued. pic.twitter.com/WkVQdcA5bT
— Harsha de Silva (@HarshadeSilvaMP) April 21, 2019
The UK foreign office has issued advice for British citizens in Sri Lanka at this time, saying:
If you are in Sri Lanka, please follow the advice of local security authorities, hotel security staff or your tour company. You should avoid large gatherings.
If you are in Sri Lanka and you are safe, we advise that you contact family and friends to let them know that you are safe.
If you are worried about a loved one in Sri Lanka and cannot get in contact, the high commission in London has setup an emergency hotline (07917382486) where you can leave their details to check with authorities in Sri Lanka. #SriLanka #srilankaterrorattack
— Patrick Greenfield (@pgreenfielduk) April 21, 2019
A hotline has also been set up by the high commission in London for people concerned for family and friends in Sri Lanka, which can be called on 07917382486.
Charlie Cocksedge is a journalist and sub-editor at UNILAD. He graduated from the University of Manchester with an MA in Creative Writing, where he learnt how to write in the third person, before getting his NCTJ. His work has also appeared in such places as The Guardian, PN Review and the bin.