The number of lives lost due to the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka has risen to 310 with over 500 wounded.

As the realities on the crisis unfolds, the island nation has been placed under a state of emergency, with security measures of past dawning on the country.

This all comes after a string of bombings on Sunday targeted three churches and hotels in the capital.

The military has been given sweeping war-time powers to arrest and detain suspects – powers that were used during the civil war, but withdrawn when it ended.

The president’s media unit says the measure would be confined to dealing with “terrorism” and would not impose on freedom of expression.

The violence was the worst the country has witnessed since the 26-year civil war ended in 2009.

Local priest, Father Prasad Harshan says there is fear that the attacks could spark a renewal of communal violence.

At the moment, you know, it’s a terrible situation. We need a lot of reconciliation. On one hand we have people who really suffering with this terrible grief. On the other hand we have people who are living in fear of what can happen next.

Interpol will soon deploy a team of investigators, including experts in disaster victim identification to Sri Lanka to assist local authorities.

A day of national mourning to remember lives that were lost in this heinous act will be held nationwide tomorrow.