World leaders condemn "horrific" Easter Sunday bombing

by Viruben
Apr 21, 2019

World Leaders have condemned the Easter Sunday bomb attack in Sri Lanka in statements released today.


In a tweet this morning Pakistan's Prime Minister, Imran Khan, said:

"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".

The Australian Prime Minister, Mr Scott Morrison, said on Twitter:

"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".

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

A spokesperson for Merkel said on Twitter:

"We're horrified by the news that Christians in Sri Lanka were attacked and killed during Easter services," 

"We mourn them and pray for the injured and their family members."

The current US President, Donald J. Trump said on Twitter:

"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!"

Former US President, Barack Obama said on Twitter:

"The attacks on tourists and Easter worshippers 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."

Pope Francis told his congregation at St Peter's Square that he "learned with sadness and pain of the news of the grave attacks, that precisely today, Easter, brought mourning and pain to churches and other places where people were gathered in Sri Lanka."

He further stated:
 

"I wish to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence.

"I entrust to the Lord those who have tragically died and I pray for the wounded and for all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the attacks "an assault on all of humanity".

Over 200 people are confirmed to have been killed in the explosions in Batticaloa and Colombo, with the death toll rising.

British, American and Dutch and other foreign citizens are also among those that have so far been confirmed killed.

Scott Morrison has stated, "There are many Australians regularly travelling in Sri Lanka and our commission in Colombo will be following through on the safety of those Australians". He could not confirm if any Australians were caught up in the blasts.

Read more here: Over 200 dead in Batticaloa and Colombo as Easter Sunday bomb blasts rock Sri Lanka

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