Victims of Sri Lanka
NEGOMBO, SRI LANKA – APRIL 21: Sri Lankan officials inspect St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, north of Colombo, after multiple explosions targeting churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019, in Negombo, Sri Lanka. At least 207 people have been killed and hundreds more injured after multiple explosions rocked three churches and three luxury hotels in and around Colombo as well as at Batticaloa in Sri Lanka during Easter Sunday mass. According to reports, at least 400 people were injured and are undergoing treatment as the blasts took place at churches in Colombo city as well as neighboring towns and hotels, including the Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand, during the worst violence in Sri Lanka since the civil war ended a decade ago. Christians worldwide celebrated Easter on Sunday, commemorating the day on which Jesus Christ is believed to have risen from the dead. (Photo by Stringer/Getty Images)
April 24, 2019
On Sunday morning of April 22nd, the island country of Sri Lanka went through a devastating attack. This Easter suicide bombing killed nearly 300 people and ISIS is claiming responsibility.
Security forces in Sri Lanka were warned days before the was an attack. Government officials are stating they never got warned by anyone about the plan of the incident. Before the night was over, the number of wounded grew from 290 to 500 people.
The churches attacked were St. Sebastian’s church in Negombo, Zion church, and St. Anthony’s Shrine. Three luxury hotels were also attacked: The Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury.
Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe believes that the attacks could have been prevented if they had had better communication.
Many people killed in the attack were there for vacation or business. Billionaire Anders Holch Povlsens lost three of his children in the attacks. Their names have not been released, Mr. Povlsens was a father to four kids. Celebrity chef Shantha Mayadunne and her daughter were among the many victims.
With the immediate report of the incident, Sri Lanka received worldwide support. Tributes for the victims in the attack and their families have been held. Some celebrities spoke up about the attack as well as former president Barack Obama. He tweeted,” The attacks on tourists and Easter worshipers 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.”
Dushmantha Chameera and Dhammika Prasad, two members of Sri Lanka cricket’s national team, do not live near St. Sebastian’s church but made a special visit to pay their respects to the victims.
As attacks are still a threat, the world is in fear of what is to come.
We stand with Sri Lanka!
