COLOMBO: World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed more than 150 people on Sunday, including dozens of foreigners — with British, Dutch and American citizens believed to be among them.
Hospital sources also said Japanese citizens were among those injured by the bombs which ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services.
Here is a summary of the reactions:
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia condemns the series of terror attacks in Sri Lanka, an official in the foreign ministry said, Saudi state agency SPA reported.
The country expressed their condolences and sympathies to the victims of the attacks, and wished a quick recovery for the injured, the official added.
The official said it is essential that the international community cooperates against terrorism, which threatens the peace and stability of places all over the world.
United States of America
US President Donald Trump said the US sends its heartfelt condolonces to the people of Sri Lanka, adding his country is ready to help.
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
Pope Francis
Pope Francis condemned the attacks as "such cruel violence" and said he was close to the Christian community, hit while celebrating Easter.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as “truly appalling.”
“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,” she tweeted.
“We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practice their faith in fear.”
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.
We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 21, 2019
Netherlands
“Terrible reports from Sri Lanka about bloody attacks on hotels and churches on this Easter Sunday,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted after the attacks first emerged.
“Thoughts are with the victims and their relatives.”
Vreselijke berichten uit Sri Lanka over bloedige aanslagen op hotels en kerken op deze Eerste Paasdag. @MinBZ volgt situatie op de voet en zoekt uit of er Nederlanders bij betrokken zijn. Gedachten zijn bij de slachtoffers en nabestaanden.
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) April 21, 2019
Australia
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was thinking of those killed in a “horrific terrorist attack.”
“To the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies and our prayers and our support — and our offer to do whatever we can to support you in this terrible time of need,” he said in a statement.
“At this time as Easter Sunday draws to a conclusion here in Australia, our heart goes out to those Christians and all of those other innocents who have been slaughtered today in this horrific terrorist attack.”
I condemn the devastating & horrific Easter terrorist attacks on innocents in churches & hotels in Sri Lanka. I’ve been taking briefings this afternoon on the situation from DFAT. Call 1300 555 135 if you’re seeking information on friends or relatives travelling in Sri Lanka.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 21, 2019
New Zealand
A month after dozens of Muslims were killed in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as “devastating.”
“New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating.
“New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence.”
Catholic Church in Jerusalem
The Catholic Church in Jerusalem said the blasts were particularly sad as they “came while Christians celebrate Easter.”
“We pray for the souls of the victims and ask for speedy recovery of the injured, and ask God to inspire the terrorists to repent of their killing and intimidation,” the statement said.
“We also express our solidarity with Sri Lanka and all its inhabitants in their various religious and ethnic backgrounds.”
India
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed solidarity with the fellow South Asian country, and said “there is no place for barbarism in our region.”
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
Pakistan
Imran Khan also took to Twitter to condemn the attacks, saying: “My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren.”
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
Iran
Iran's foreign minister says he is “terribly saddened” by the Easter Sunday bombings.
Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that “terrorism is a global menace with no religion: it must be condemned & confronted globally.”
Terribly saddened by terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan worshippers during Easter. Condolences to friendly govt & people of Sri Lanka. Our thoughts & prayers with the victims & their families
Terrorism is a global menace with no religion: it must be condemned & confronted globally.— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 21, 2019
Lebanon
Lebanon's prime minister calls the attacks “blind terrorism” and offers solidarity to Sri Lanka's people.
Saad Hariri in a tweet asks for mercy for the “innocent victims” and speedy recovery for the injured.
كل التضامن مع #سريلانكا وشعبها في وجه #الاٍرهاب الأعمى الذي ضرب كنائسها يوم الفصح. ندعو بالرحمة للضحايا الأبرياء والشفاء العاجل للجرحى.
— Saad Hariri (@saadhariri) April 21, 2019
France
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Sunday the “odious” attacks that left 160 dead at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. “We strongly condemn these odious acts,” he wrote on Twitter. “Full solidarity with the Sri Lanka people and our thoughts for all those close to the victims this Easter.”
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
