PAIn the wake of at least eight explosions, Sri Lanka’s minister of defence has announced investigators have identified those believed to be responsible.
Speaking at a press conference, the Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene described the explosions as a ‘terrorist’ incident, suggesting they are the work of religious extremists.
Press Release at MOD https://t.co/eNQB92pk2X
— Ruwan Wijewardene (@RWijewardene) April 21, 2019
He said, via The Guardian:
We have taken all the necessary precautions to keep this country safe and the people safe. We believe that all the culprits who have been involved in this unfortunate terrorist incident, will be taken into custody as soon as possible. They have been identified, and they will be taken into custody as soon as possible.
So far, at least 156 people have been killed, with hundreds more reportedly injured.
Au moins 156 personnes, dont 35 étrangers, ont péri dans la série d'explosions qui ont frappé dimanche trois églises et trois hôtels du Sri Lanka, selon un nouveau bilan (source policière à l'AFP) #AFP pic.twitter.com/3bnW1RLtpL
— Agence France-Presse (@afpfr) April 21, 2019
The Sri Lankan government has imposed a curfew, which was supposed to begin at 6pm this evening, April 21, but has now been put into immediate effect, ending at 6am April 22 (local time), in the wake of at least eight explosions that have hit the country.
The government has also shutdown access to social media and messaging services for the time being.
Minister @RWijewardene addressing the press just now says action will be taken to stop activity of all extremist groups in the country. Social media temporary banned. 12 hour curfew from 6pm. The Dehiwela n Dematagoda blasts seem to be by those in the ring running from the law.
— 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.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, tweeted the following statement:
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
Security officials, including heads of the army, navy and air force, are holding emergency meetings regarding the situation in the country.
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
It is believed a number of British tourists have been caught up in the explosions. The high commission in London has set up an emergency hotline – on 07917382486 – for people to contact if they are concerned for family and friends in Sri Lanka.
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
Our thoughts are with those affected at this difficult time.
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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.