Almost 300 Killed in Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka

Almost 300 Killed in Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka

Almost 300 people were killed and hundreds more were wounded in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in a series of coordinated attacks that struck three churches and three hotels.

Almost 300 people were killed and hundreds more were wounded in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday in a series of coordinated attacks that struck three churches and three hotels.

On Monday, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said that the death toll had risen to 290, with more than 500 others wounded, the AP reported.

The explosions began as people gathered for Mass on Easter Sunday. In Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, bombings were reported at St. Anthony’s Shrine and three luxury hotels. Explosions were also reported at St. Sebastian’s Church and Zion Church.

Two other explosions were reported later as police searched for suspects in the attacks. An improvised explosive device was discovered and disposed of late Sunday near the country’s main airport, and on Monday, a blast occurred near a church in the capital as police attempted to defuse explosives in a vehicle the attackers used, according to the BBC.

Sri Lanka’s state news agency reported that Easter services scheduled for Sunday evening were canceled, and the government moved to block the use of social media sites in order to stop the spread of misinformation about the attacks. A curfew was put into effect, and armed security forces patrolled the streets in Colombo.

Security forces were installed at religious sites, and the president of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, told defense officials to organize a national operations center for investigations.

According to the Associated Press, Sirisena gave the military “sweeping police powers” beginning Tuesday, including “a wider berth to detain and arrest suspects.”

The AP reported Monday that officials disclosed that intelligence agencies had given warning weeks ago about the possibility of an attack by the radical Muslim group now being blamed for the attack.

Health Minister Riajitha Senaratne said the intelligence agencies began issuing these warnings April 4, the defense ministry contacted the police chief with information including the group’s name, and police wrote to the heads of security of the judiciary and diplomatic security division on April 11.

It was unclear, according to the AP, what action, if any, was taken after officials were made aware of these threats.

The AP reported that no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks but police said 13 suspected connected to the explosions have been arrested.

The attacks are Sri Lanka’s deadliest act of violence since the end of its 26-year civil war in 2009, the BBC said.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.