Sri Lanka explosions: More than 200 killed as churches and hotels targeted

A statue of the Virgin Mary, broken in St Anthony’s Shrine. REUTERS photo.

At least 207 people have been killed and 450 hurt in explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, police say.


Eight blasts were reported, including at three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombo’s Kochchikade district during Easter services.

The Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels and one other, all in the capital, were also targeted.

A national curfew has been put in place “until further notice” and social media networks have been temporarily blocked.

A foreign ministry official said 27 foreign nationals were among the dead.

Reports say seven people have been arrested, but it not yet clear who is responsible for the attacks.

Sri Lanka’s defence minister has said the attacks were probably carried out by one group.

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