Two new explosions rock Sri Lanka after series of 6 blasts
After six places across Sri Lanka were rocked by deadly serial blasts, two new explosions hit a hotel in Colombo on Sunday. Two people were reported killed in the new explosion that rocked the country on Easter Sunday.
The seventh blast occurred at a hotel opposite the Zoo, Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Two people have died and the injured are being shifted to the Colombo South Hospital, he said. The Zoo was closed for the public after the blast.
In view of the 8 serial blasts, the Sri Lankan government declared a curfew with immediate effect, is unclear on when it will be lifted.
In one of the deadliest blasts in the country's history, at least 160 people were killed and more than 450 were injured after multiple explosions, a series of six blasts, rocked Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka early on Sunday. The death count also included 35 foreigners, media reports said.
The incident occurred during Easter mass service, while the place was crowded with worshippers, officials and police said.
According to police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera, the blasts occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter and said the situation in Colombo is being monitored closely.
"I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," the EAM wrote on Twitter.
For Indians in distress, EAM Sushma Swaraj also released some helpline numbers -
+94777903082
+94112422788
+94112422789
+94112422789
Later, she also confirmed the places where the explosions had occurred.
"There is an update from Colombo. There were three bomb blasts in Churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. There have been three blasts in Shangrila, Cinnamon Grand Kingsbury hotels in Colombo," the external affairs minister said.
Also Read | Sri Lanka PM, President condemn coordinated bomb attacks, urge countrymen to unite
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter and condemned the serial blasts that rocked parts of Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
"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," Modi wrote on Twitter.
The blasts hit three high-end hotels and one church in Colombo, while two additional churches are targeted outside the capital, police said.
One of the blasts hit St Anthony's Church in Kochchikade of the capital, Colombo.
"A bomb attack to our church, please come and help," read a Facebook post from St Sebasitian's Church at Katuwapitiutya, in the Western coastal town of Negombo.
An image posted on Facebook showed explosion at St. Sebastian's church, where people had gathered in large number to offer prayers on the occasion of Easter.
Explosions hit churches and hotels during Easter service in Colombo 
An eyewitness, Alex Agileson, who was in the vicinity, said buildings in the surrounding area shook with the blast. He said a number of injured were carried in ambulances.
Information available on Twitter said explosions have been reported at Cinnamon, Shangri-La, Kochchikade church.
A total of six blasts were reported at churches and hotels across Sri Lanka, news agency AFP reported.
Sri Lankan security officials said they were checking for details. The churches and hotels were immediately sealed off by the police after they arrived at the areas.
Watch TV Coverage
