On Sunday, April 21, 2019, six serial bombs exploded across three churches and three hotels in and around Colombo, Sri Lanka. The horrific attack left hundreds injured, and the death toll reached over 100 and continues to rise.
The serial explosions were followed by two more attacks, and the Sri Lankan government imposed nationwide curfew ‘until further notice’.
The attacks, that took place in sites of peace and worship left people and world leaders across the globe saddened and shocked.
Absolutely horrific news from Sri Lanka. Canada strongly condemns the heinous attacks on Christians at churches and hotels. Our hearts & thoughts are with the families & loved ones of those killed and all those injured.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 21, 2019
“The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) April 21, 2019
“We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear.” – PM @Theresa_May
It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in #SriLanka costing the lives of so many people. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country. We stand ready to support.
— Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) April 21, 2019
Easter is a time of rebirth & joy for Christians – but extremists brought terror & violence to people at churches in #SriLanka today. I am praying for the victims’ families as they mourn. Though we grieve today, terrorists can never take away our faith or love for one another. 🇱🇰
— Malala (@Malala) April 21, 2019
Growing up in a predominantly Sri Lankan community, the people and country have always had a special place in my heart. My heart aches for you. I’m so sorry. This senseless violence needs to stop. ❤️
— Lilly Singh (@IISuperwomanII) April 21, 2019
The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 21, 2019
We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear.
Heartbreaking scenes from #Srilanka. A day of celebration turned into one of tremendous loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to everyone affected by these horrific attacks.
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 21, 2019
As our hearts bleed for #SriLanka 🇱🇰 let our generation show the world that there is no space for violence and hatred in our country anymore.
— UN Youth Envoy (@UNYouthEnvoy) April 21, 2019
No matter how many times our resilience is tested we will never give up on peace!!
We will get through this. Together as one. pic.twitter.com/jLipzh9kwk
Saddened to hear about the terror attacks in various parts of Sri Lanka. Strongly condemn these acts of terror. Hatred and violence will never overpower love, kindness and compassion. 🙏🏻 #SriLanka
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 21, 2019
I condemn the heinous terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a sacred day for Christians. The UN stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka as the global community fights hatred and violent extremism together. Holy sites must be respected.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 21, 2019
While condemning these horrible attacks, designed to cause massive loss of life on a day that was to be celebrated, my prayers for the deceased & injured as also for their loved ones. #SriLankaAttacks
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) April 21, 2019
Prayers and love for the families in Sri Lanka.#SriLanka pic.twitter.com/1wTbI8oQzV
— Faraz Ahmed (@ahmedfaraz741) April 22, 2019
I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) April 21, 2019
On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the beautiful people of Sri Lanka at this terrible time.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 21, 2019
Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019
Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 21, 2019
“World Jewry–in fact all civilized people–denounce this heinous outrage and appeal for zero tolerance of those who use terror to advance their objectives.” WJC President Ronald S. Lauder dennounces ‘heinous outrage’ after attacks in Sri Lanka kill more than 150 people.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) April 21, 2019
On this holy day, let us stand with the people of Sri Lanka in prayer, condolence and solidarity as we reject all violence, all hatred and all division.
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) April 21, 2019
The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers in Sri Lanka are an attack on humanity. On a day devoted to love, redemption, and renewal, we pray for the victims and stand with the people of Sri Lanka.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2019
Profonde tristesse après les attaques terroristes contre des églises et des hôtels au Sri Lanka. Nous condamnons fermement ces actes odieux. Toute notre solidarité avec le peuple sri lankais et nos pensées pour tous les proches des victimes en ce jour de Pâques.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2019
“Es ist schockierend, dass Menschen, die sich versammelt hatten, um gemeinsam das Osterfest zu begehen, ein bewusstes Ziel dieser hinterhältigen Angriffe waren” – Kanzlerin #Merkel im Kondolenztelegramm zu den Anschlägen in #SriLanka. pic.twitter.com/tJxd6jkaYX
— Ulrike Demmer (@UlrikeDemmer) April 21, 2019
Mi más enérgica condena a los terribles atentados de Sri Lanka. Decenas de víctimas que celebraban la Pascua de Resurrección nos hacen llorar. El terror y la barbarie no nos doblegarán nunca.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 21, 2019
Mi apoyo y cariño a todas las víctimas y familiares.https://t.co/jjwZ1WILy6
Even as we pray that the injured make a swift recovery, we hope people realize that such violence is never the answer.
