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Sri Lanka attacks: government to declare nationwide emergency - live news Sri Lanka attacks: government to declare nationwide emergency - live news
(30 minutes later)
At least five workers from an Indian political party on holiday after working on India’s general election were among some 290 people killed in bomb attacks in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a government official said.
Another two from a seven-member group from the party, the Janata Dal Secular (JDS), were missing. The group was on an outing after voting took place on Thursday in India’s general election in the southern state of Karnataka.
They were staying at the Shangri-La hotel in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. A suicide bomber attacked the hotel as guests sat down to a buffet breakfast.
“They were having breakfast on the second floor when the blast occurred,” Rajath B, a family friend of one of the victims, KG Hanumantharayappa, told Reuters.
Family in India got to know of the blast from the television.” The JDS is part of the ruling coalition in Karnataka state. It is contesting the general election in an alliance with India’s main opposition Congress party. The staggered general election began on April 11 and will end on May 19.
The party’s leader, who is also Karnataka’s chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, said he was deeply pained by the loss. “They were ... committed workers of our party and their death has brought immense sorrow to us,” he said on Twitter.
Thirty-two foreigners were killed in the bomb attacks on churches holding Easter Sunday services and upmarket hotels.
No group has claimed responsibility but suspicion is focusing on Islamist militants. At least seven Indians were killed, Indian officials said.
At least four US nationals were killed in the coordinated suicide attacks across Sri Lanka yesterday, a US official has told CNN. It was unclear if the death toll includes the two US-UK nationals who were among the eight UK citizens that died in the attacks.At least four US nationals were killed in the coordinated suicide attacks across Sri Lanka yesterday, a US official has told CNN. It was unclear if the death toll includes the two US-UK nationals who were among the eight UK citizens that died in the attacks.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have issued a statement following the Easter Sunday attacks.Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have issued a statement following the Easter Sunday attacks.
The 93-year-old monarch said:The 93-year-old monarch said:
Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the attacks in Sri Lanka and send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the attacks in Sri Lanka and send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.
I pay tribute to the medical and emergency services who are providing support to those who have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Sri Lankans at this difficult time.I pay tribute to the medical and emergency services who are providing support to those who have been injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Sri Lankans at this difficult time.
In a separate statement, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said:In a separate statement, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said:
We have been deeply saddened to learn of the devastating attacks in Sri Lanka this Easter Sunday.We have been deeply saddened to learn of the devastating attacks in Sri Lanka this Easter Sunday.
Senseless acts like these in places that people would expect to be at their safest are truly horrifying.Senseless acts like these in places that people would expect to be at their safest are truly horrifying.
Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, to the Christian community, and to the people of Sri Lanka at this tragic time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, to the Christian community, and to the people of Sri Lanka at this tragic time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The education publishing company Pearson said their employee Dieter Kowalski was killed in the terror attacks in Sri Lanka on Sunday, the first US national to be named.The education publishing company Pearson said their employee Dieter Kowalski was killed in the terror attacks in Sri Lanka on Sunday, the first US national to be named.
Kowalski, a senior leader of the company’s operation services team, was killed in an explosion just after he arrived at his hotel in Colombo.Kowalski, a senior leader of the company’s operation services team, was killed in an explosion just after he arrived at his hotel in Colombo.
Pearson CEO John Fallon paid tribute to his “big-hearted and full-spirited” colleague in an open letter to staff.Pearson CEO John Fallon paid tribute to his “big-hearted and full-spirited” colleague in an open letter to staff.
CNN: Dieter Kowalski from Colorado was identified as one of the Americans killed in the attacks in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday, according to Pearson, the education publishing company that Kowalski worked for. RIP pic.twitter.com/IVuNQQss84CNN: Dieter Kowalski from Colorado was identified as one of the Americans killed in the attacks in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday, according to Pearson, the education publishing company that Kowalski worked for. RIP pic.twitter.com/IVuNQQss84
The UK foreign office has confirmed that eight British nationals were killed in the Easter Sunday attacks. The statement comes after the Sri Lankan high commissioner to the UK, Manisha Gunasekera, reported the deaths earlier on Monday.The UK foreign office has confirmed that eight British nationals were killed in the Easter Sunday attacks. The statement comes after the Sri Lankan high commissioner to the UK, Manisha Gunasekera, reported the deaths earlier on Monday.
Sadly, we can now confirm that at least 8 British Nationals were killed in yesterday’s horrific attacks in #Srilanka. Our deepest condolences go to all those who lost loved ones and have been affected by this tragedy.Sadly, we can now confirm that at least 8 British Nationals were killed in yesterday’s horrific attacks in #Srilanka. Our deepest condolences go to all those who lost loved ones and have been affected by this tragedy.
The Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has sent his condolences to the victims of Sunday’s suicide bombings. One Japanese citizen died in the attacks.The Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has sent his condolences to the victims of Sunday’s suicide bombings. One Japanese citizen died in the attacks.
I would like to offer my prayers for the victims of the attacks, as well as my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and my sympathies to the wounded.I would like to offer my prayers for the victims of the attacks, as well as my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and my sympathies to the wounded.
Japan expresses sincere solidarity with Sri Lankan people to overcome this difficult time.Japan expresses sincere solidarity with Sri Lankan people to overcome this difficult time.
Such act of terrorism cannot be justified and Japan firmly condemns it. Japan is firmly committed to combatting terrorism in cooperation with Sri Lanka and the international community.Such act of terrorism cannot be justified and Japan firmly condemns it. Japan is firmly committed to combatting terrorism in cooperation with Sri Lanka and the international community.
An update from our south Asia correspondent, who was near the controlled explosion outside a church in Colombo.An update from our south Asia correspondent, who was near the controlled explosion outside a church in Colombo.
There was chaos outside St Anthony’s Church on Monday afternoon after a suspicious package was discovered inside the dense neighbourhood that surrounds the house of worship that was gutted by a bomb on Easter Sunday.There was chaos outside St Anthony’s Church on Monday afternoon after a suspicious package was discovered inside the dense neighbourhood that surrounds the house of worship that was gutted by a bomb on Easter Sunday.
People ran screaming from their homes carrying their children as police ran the other direction brandishing their rifles. A short time after, police detained a youth in a green T-shirt, stripping him of his watch and searching under his clothes before they tried to haul him towards a police car. But they were blocked by a mob that quickly formed and started beating the man, forcing the police to take shelter with him inside the nearest building. The angry crowd tried to force its way inside the building for several minutes.People ran screaming from their homes carrying their children as police ran the other direction brandishing their rifles. A short time after, police detained a youth in a green T-shirt, stripping him of his watch and searching under his clothes before they tried to haul him towards a police car. But they were blocked by a mob that quickly formed and started beating the man, forcing the police to take shelter with him inside the nearest building. The angry crowd tried to force its way inside the building for several minutes.
“See how we are living?” said one man, as people ran past him screaming and in tears. “How can we manage like this?”“See how we are living?” said one man, as people ran past him screaming and in tears. “How can we manage like this?”
A few minutes later, a sharp explosion was heard from the neighbourhood, sparking new waves of fear. Police said the sound was their bomb disposal units defusing a suspicious package that had been found in a van parked near the church. There was thick smoke in the air afterwards and two ambulances arrived at the scene with screaming sirens.A few minutes later, a sharp explosion was heard from the neighbourhood, sparking new waves of fear. Police said the sound was their bomb disposal units defusing a suspicious package that had been found in a van parked near the church. There was thick smoke in the air afterwards and two ambulances arrived at the scene with screaming sirens.
Police have now clarified it was a controlled explosion of a suspicious package found in a van https://t.co/wWfvpYHmeQPolice have now clarified it was a controlled explosion of a suspicious package found in a van https://t.co/wWfvpYHmeQ
An explosion went off on Monday in a van near a church in Sri Lanka where scores were killed the previous day, when bomb squad officials were trying to defuse it, a Reuters witness said.An explosion went off on Monday in a van near a church in Sri Lanka where scores were killed the previous day, when bomb squad officials were trying to defuse it, a Reuters witness said.
“The van exploded when the bomb defusing unit of the STF (Special Task Force) and air force tried to diffuse the bomb,” the witness said.“The van exploded when the bomb defusing unit of the STF (Special Task Force) and air force tried to diffuse the bomb,” the witness said.
Security force spokesman were not immediately available for comment.Security force spokesman were not immediately available for comment.
The Guardian’s Michael Safi was nearby and posted these videos on Twitter.The Guardian’s Michael Safi was nearby and posted these videos on Twitter.
Huge panic just now outside St Anthony’s church. People fleeing the scene in terror amid reports a suspicious package was discovered pic.twitter.com/1gUuKEEYjkHuge panic just now outside St Anthony’s church. People fleeing the scene in terror amid reports a suspicious package was discovered pic.twitter.com/1gUuKEEYjk
This young man has just been arrested outside St Anthony’s church. As police took him away people formed a mob around him, and police are now sheltering him inside a building. Visceral rage and fear pic.twitter.com/ltarDXFwabThis young man has just been arrested outside St Anthony’s church. As police took him away people formed a mob around him, and police are now sheltering him inside a building. Visceral rage and fear pic.twitter.com/ltarDXFwab
Small explosion outside St Anthony’s church right now. People fleeing the scene pic.twitter.com/GjadgTwoZ5Small explosion outside St Anthony’s church right now. People fleeing the scene pic.twitter.com/GjadgTwoZ5
Pope Francis has condemned the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka once again, describing the suicide bombings as “terrorist acts, inhuman acts” that could never be justified.Pope Francis has condemned the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka once again, describing the suicide bombings as “terrorist acts, inhuman acts” that could never be justified.
It was the second straight day that he spoke out about the attacks from the Vatican, which killed many Christians on Easter Sunday, the most important Christian feast day.It was the second straight day that he spoke out about the attacks from the Vatican, which killed many Christians on Easter Sunday, the most important Christian feast day.
Some analysis from the Guardian’s former south Asia correspondent.Some analysis from the Guardian’s former south Asia correspondent.
Sri Lankan officials on Monday blamed a small local group called National Towheed Jamaat for Sunday’s horrific bomb attacks. It is unclear whether this assertion is based on new information discovered by investigators since the atrocity or on a notice circulated by Sri Lankan police 10 days before the blasts which said the group was planning suicide strikes against churches.Sri Lankan officials on Monday blamed a small local group called National Towheed Jamaat for Sunday’s horrific bomb attacks. It is unclear whether this assertion is based on new information discovered by investigators since the atrocity or on a notice circulated by Sri Lankan police 10 days before the blasts which said the group was planning suicide strikes against churches.
There is a similarly named Islamist organisation active on the island nation – the Sri Lankan Towheed Jamaat (SLTJ). It is unclear if this group is the one referred to by the warning, which was based on information passed to the Sri Lankans by a foreign intelligence service, believed to be either Indian or US.There is a similarly named Islamist organisation active on the island nation – the Sri Lankan Towheed Jamaat (SLTJ). It is unclear if this group is the one referred to by the warning, which was based on information passed to the Sri Lankans by a foreign intelligence service, believed to be either Indian or US.
The SLTJ is small, based in the east of Sri Lanka, has been involved in extremist rhetoric as well as being linked to acts of vandalism against Buddhist religious statues. Its name describes a movement for the unity of God, a favourite label adopted by Islamic militants and a key concept in conservative strands of Islam.The SLTJ is small, based in the east of Sri Lanka, has been involved in extremist rhetoric as well as being linked to acts of vandalism against Buddhist religious statues. Its name describes a movement for the unity of God, a favourite label adopted by Islamic militants and a key concept in conservative strands of Islam.
Analysts point out that multiple suicide bombings of six or possibly more targets requires a significant logistic operation and months of planning. Such attackers may detonate their devices alone, but need careful management by handlers to keep them committed in the days and weeks before. Large quantities of military-grade explosives would also have been necessary, as well as safe houses and bomb-making workshops.Analysts point out that multiple suicide bombings of six or possibly more targets requires a significant logistic operation and months of planning. Such attackers may detonate their devices alone, but need careful management by handlers to keep them committed in the days and weeks before. Large quantities of military-grade explosives would also have been necessary, as well as safe houses and bomb-making workshops.
Sri Lankan police found 87 bomb detonators at the main bus station in the capital, Colombo, on Monday, a spokesman confirmed.Sri Lankan police found 87 bomb detonators at the main bus station in the capital, Colombo, on Monday, a spokesman confirmed.
Security forces are carrying out searches across the island to find those behind the suicide attacks.Security forces are carrying out searches across the island to find those behind the suicide attacks.
Police have recovered 87 low-explosive detonators from the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Station in PettahPolice have recovered 87 low-explosive detonators from the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Station in Pettah
If you are just joining us and want more in-depth reporting on the latest news from Sri Lanka, here’s where you need to go on the Guardian website.If you are just joining us and want more in-depth reporting on the latest news from Sri Lanka, here’s where you need to go on the Guardian website.
A summary of what we know so farA summary of what we know so far
Sri Lanka explosions: what we know so farSri Lanka explosions: what we know so far
The latest news reportThe latest news report
Sri Lankan authorities were warned two weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, and had the names of suspects, a cabinet spokesman has said, as the death toll from the string of bombings rose to 290, with about 500 injured, report Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Michael Safi.Sri Lankan authorities were warned two weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, and had the names of suspects, a cabinet spokesman has said, as the death toll from the string of bombings rose to 290, with about 500 injured, report Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Michael Safi.
Sri Lanka authorities were warned two weeks before attacks, says ministerSri Lanka authorities were warned two weeks before attacks, says minister
The victimsThe victims
A British woman and her two children are feared to be among eight victims from the UK killed in a wave of suicide bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday that left nearly 300 people dead.A British woman and her two children are feared to be among eight victims from the UK killed in a wave of suicide bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday that left nearly 300 people dead.
Sri Lanka: British woman and her two children feared deadSri Lanka: British woman and her two children feared dead
The billionaire fashion tycoon Anders Holch Povlsen behind online clothing retailer Asos lost three of his four children in the suicide attacks.The billionaire fashion tycoon Anders Holch Povlsen behind online clothing retailer Asos lost three of his four children in the suicide attacks.
Asos billionaire loses three children in Sri Lanka attacksAsos billionaire loses three children in Sri Lanka attacks
The survivorsThe survivors
'It was the bomber': survivors recount brush with Sri Lanka church attacker'It was the bomber': survivors recount brush with Sri Lanka church attacker
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will declare a nationwide emergency from midnight on Monday following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb blasts at churches and luxury hotels, his media team have confirmed.Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will declare a nationwide emergency from midnight on Monday following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb blasts at churches and luxury hotels, his media team have confirmed.
The government has decided to gazette the clauses related to prevention of terrorism to emergency regulation and gazette it by midnight.The government has decided to gazette the clauses related to prevention of terrorism to emergency regulation and gazette it by midnight.
President Sirisena also said the island would request foreign assistance to help track international links to National Thowheeth Jama’ath, a newly formed radical islamist group in Sri Lanka who are strong proponents of the global jihadist movement, that have been linked to the attacks.President Sirisena also said the island would request foreign assistance to help track international links to National Thowheeth Jama’ath, a newly formed radical islamist group in Sri Lanka who are strong proponents of the global jihadist movement, that have been linked to the attacks.
The intelligence reports [indicate] that foreign terrorist organisations are behind the local terrorists. Therefore, the president is to seek the assistance of the foreign countries.The intelligence reports [indicate] that foreign terrorist organisations are behind the local terrorists. Therefore, the president is to seek the assistance of the foreign countries.
Authorities in Sri Lanka were warned two weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, the government has confirmed, and had the names of suspects.Authorities in Sri Lanka were warned two weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, the government has confirmed, and had the names of suspects.
More details are starting to emerge about the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka.More details are starting to emerge about the perpetrators of the Easter Sunday bomb attacks in Sri Lanka.
A government spokesman for the island has said the coordinated blasts were carried out with the help of an international network.A government spokesman for the island has said the coordinated blasts were carried out with the help of an international network.
Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said:Cabinet spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said:
We do not believe these attacks were carried out by a group of people who were confined to this country. There was an international network without which these attacks could not have succeeded.We do not believe these attacks were carried out by a group of people who were confined to this country. There was an international network without which these attacks could not have succeeded.
Three children of the Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen died in Sunday’s attacks, according to the clothing company Bestseller, which he owns.Three children of the Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen died in Sunday’s attacks, according to the clothing company Bestseller, which he owns.
In the days before the blasts, Alma, one of their children, shared a picture of her siblings next to a swimming pool in Sri Lanka. It is not known which of the four children died in the bombings.In the days before the blasts, Alma, one of their children, shared a picture of her siblings next to a swimming pool in Sri Lanka. It is not known which of the four children died in the bombings.
The Holch Povlsens are Scotland’s largest largest private landowners and are trying to restore the Highlands in a huge re-wilding program across Sutherland and the Grampian mountains.The Holch Povlsens are Scotland’s largest largest private landowners and are trying to restore the Highlands in a huge re-wilding program across Sutherland and the Grampian mountains.
Sri Lankan authorities were warned two weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, and had the names of suspects, a cabinet spokesman has said, as the death toll from the string of bombings rose to 290, with about 500 injured.Sri Lankan authorities were warned two weeks before the Easter Sunday attacks, and had the names of suspects, a cabinet spokesman has said, as the death toll from the string of bombings rose to 290, with about 500 injured.
“Fourteen days before these incidents occurred, we had been informed about these incidents,” Rajitha Senaratne told a press conference in Colombo on Monday.“Fourteen days before these incidents occurred, we had been informed about these incidents,” Rajitha Senaratne told a press conference in Colombo on Monday.
“On the 9th of April, the chief of national intelligence wrote a letter and in this letter many of the names of the members of the terrorist organisation were written down.”“On the 9th of April, the chief of national intelligence wrote a letter and in this letter many of the names of the members of the terrorist organisation were written down.”
Senaratne said the intelligence memo warning about the attacks had named the radical islamist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath as the perpetrators.Senaratne said the intelligence memo warning about the attacks had named the radical islamist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath as the perpetrators.
National Thowheeth Jama’ath is a newly formed radical islamist group in Sri Lanka who are strong proponents of the global jihadist movement. They are known for being a virulently anti-Buddhist and have been linked to the vandalisation of Buddhist statues, with four of their members arrested in January.National Thowheeth Jama’ath is a newly formed radical islamist group in Sri Lanka who are strong proponents of the global jihadist movement. They are known for being a virulently anti-Buddhist and have been linked to the vandalisation of Buddhist statues, with four of their members arrested in January.
The Sri Lankan high commissioner to the UK, Manisha Gunasekera, said eight British nationals were killed in the attacks. The UK foreign office has not commented so far.The Sri Lankan high commissioner to the UK, Manisha Gunasekera, said eight British nationals were killed in the attacks. The UK foreign office has not commented so far.
Anita Nicholson, a 42-year-old lawyer, and her son, Alex, 11, are thought to have died when a suicide bomber detonated his device in the breakfast queue at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo, according to reports. Her husband Ben, 43, is feared to be the only survivor from the family as the couple’s daughter Annabel has not been accounted for, according to the Daily Telegraph.Anita Nicholson, a 42-year-old lawyer, and her son, Alex, 11, are thought to have died when a suicide bomber detonated his device in the breakfast queue at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo, according to reports. Her husband Ben, 43, is feared to be the only survivor from the family as the couple’s daughter Annabel has not been accounted for, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Sri Lanka: British woman and her two children feared deadSri Lanka: British woman and her two children feared dead
Welcome to our continuing coverage of the Easter Sunday suicide attacks in Sri Lanka, which left nearly 300 people dead and many more injured. I’ll be keeping you updated on developments from the island.Welcome to our continuing coverage of the Easter Sunday suicide attacks in Sri Lanka, which left nearly 300 people dead and many more injured. I’ll be keeping you updated on developments from the island.
Please read The Guardian’s most recent report on the attacks from Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Michael Safi.Please read The Guardian’s most recent report on the attacks from Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Michael Safi.
Sri Lanka attacks: death toll from bombings rises sharply to 290Sri Lanka attacks: death toll from bombings rises sharply to 290
Here’s what we know so far:Here’s what we know so far:
At least 290 people have been killed and 500 injured by a series of eight explosions targeting churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Sunday night.At least 290 people have been killed and 500 injured by a series of eight explosions targeting churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Sunday night.
24 people have been arrested, and the defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene said the culprits were religious extremists, but no group has yet claimed responsibility.24 people have been arrested, and the defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene said the culprits were religious extremists, but no group has yet claimed responsibility.
The prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, said security services had been “aware of information” of a possible attack up to 10 days ago, and said the government “must look into why adequate precautions were not taken”. Sri Lankan cabinet spokesman, Rajitha Senaratne, later said authorities were warned on 4 April.The prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, said security services had been “aware of information” of a possible attack up to 10 days ago, and said the government “must look into why adequate precautions were not taken”. Sri Lankan cabinet spokesman, Rajitha Senaratne, later said authorities were warned on 4 April.
Most of the dead are believed to have been Sri Lankans, but roughly 30 foreign citizen have been confirmed killed, including eight British nationals, three Indians and one Japanese citizen, and others.Most of the dead are believed to have been Sri Lankans, but roughly 30 foreign citizen have been confirmed killed, including eight British nationals, three Indians and one Japanese citizen, and others.
The government has shut down social media and messaging services to prevent the spread of misinformation, which has hammered efforts by friends and family from outside Sri Lanka to make contact with loved ones.The government has shut down social media and messaging services to prevent the spread of misinformation, which has hammered efforts by friends and family from outside Sri Lanka to make contact with loved ones.
The coordinated attacks began with seven initial explosions – at four hotels and three churches – with another explosion later detonated while suspects fled from police.The coordinated attacks began with seven initial explosions – at four hotels and three churches – with another explosion later detonated while suspects fled from police.
Defence minister Wijewardene said suicide bombers were responsible for the majority of the bombings.Defence minister Wijewardene said suicide bombers were responsible for the majority of the bombings.
World leaders including Narendra Modi, Imran Khan, Jacinda Ardern, Theresa May, Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Vladimir Putin condemned the attacks.World leaders including Narendra Modi, Imran Khan, Jacinda Ardern, Theresa May, Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Vladimir Putin condemned the attacks.