World leaders condemn Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka

Press Trust of India  |  London/Colombo 

across the globe, including the US, the UK, Russia, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, expressed shock and condemnation over the deadly blasts in churches and hotels in on Sunday that left nearly 190 people dead.

Dozens of foreign nationals were feared to have been killed in the near simultaneous blasts, which targeted worshippers on Sunday as well as luxury hotels in Colombo.

The blasts targeted St Anthony's Church in Colombo, in the western coastal town of and another church in the eastern town of around 8.45 am (local time) as the Sunday mass were in progress.

Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels - the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Foreigners and locals who were injured in hotel blasts were admitted to the

US on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of

"Heartfelt condolences from the people of the to the people of on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels... We stand ready to help!," Trump tweeted.

British 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.

said was thinking of those killed in a "horrific terrorist attack".

"To the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, 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.

A month after dozens of Muslims were killed in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, described the attack as "devastating".

"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.

Prime Minister also strongly condemned the barbaric attacks.

"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. stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief," he tweeted.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh expressed her deep concerns over the explosions which took place on Sunday morning.

In the message, she prayed for peace and salvation of the departed souls and offered her condolences to the grieving families.

also hoped for a quick recovery of the injured.

European leaders are expressing horror at the attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

German wrote in a message to his Sri Lankan counterpart that he was "stunned and horrified" by the "cowardly terror attacks."

Austrian wrote on that he was "deeply shaken and concerned by (the) devious terrorist attacks."

German said: "Terrorism, religious hatred and intolerance cannot be allowed to win."

"We're horrified by the that Christians in Sri Lanka were attacked and killed during Easter services," wrote Merkel's on "We mourn them and pray for the injured and their family members."

Meanwhile, Turkish called the attacks "an assault on all of humanity".

Bahrain, and the all issued statements via their foreign ministries condemning the attack.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sun, April 21 2019. 16:55 IST