News

Sri Lanka bombing: Death toll rises to 290

April 23, 2019 6:28 am

The death from the Easter Sunday explosions in Sri Lanka has risen to 290 with almost 500 people wounded.

Aljazeera reports the police says the investigation into the bombings will examine reports that the intelligence community failed to detect or warn of possible suicide attacks before the violence.

Article continues after advertisement

An improvised pipe bomb discovered close to the Capital Colombo’s main airport has been successfully defused, according to police.

The “homemade” pipe bomb was found late on Sunday on a road leading towards the main terminal, which remains open with heavy security.


A series of coordinated bombings struck churches and hotels on Easter Sunday, the worst attacks in Sri Lanka since the end of the civil war 10 years ago.

The island nation was hit by a total of eight explosions that were carried out by suicide bombers.

Most of the victims were killed in three churches where worshippers were attending Easter Sunday services.

Three other bombings struck luxury hotels located in the heart of the capital Colombo, killing at least 35 foreigners.

Police says 13 local suspects have been arrested but investigators will look into whether the attackers had any “overseas links”.

Sri Lanka’s government was “aware of information regarding a possible attack” before a series of deadly bomb blasts.

The Sri Lankan government declared a nationwide curfew with immediate effect.

Government officials also said major social media networks and messaging apps, including Facebook and WhatsApp, were blocked inside the country to prevent misinformation and rumours.