Sri Lanka blasts: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assures Indians of assistance; says monitoring situation

Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation. @IndiainSL

Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019

The  Union Minister has also shared the helpline numbers activated by the Indian High Commission in Colombo for Indians who wants to seek any sorts of assistance, help or clarification. The following are the helpline numbers:  +94777902082 +94772234176.

Indians in distress may please contact Indian High Commission in Colombo. We will provide you all assistance. @IndiainSL Our helpline numbers are :
+94777903082,+94112422788,+94112422789, +94112422789.
Pls RT

Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) April 21, 2019

Meanwhile, The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe has promised to keep to take immediate action and have urged people to avoid propagation of unverified reports and speculation.

I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.

Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) April 21, 2019

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister has also called a national security council meeting at his home for later in the day. At least 185 people killed and more than 400 injured after Sri Lanka was rocked by six explosions on Sunday.  Three churches - St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa - were targeted. Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels, the Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury.

The blasts occurred around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches.  The Easter Sunday blasts is said to be one of the biggest attacks since the end of the civil war 10 years ago in Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, cricketer Virat Kohli, and several other leaders and celebrities have condemned serial blasts in Sri Lanka:

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

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

India condemns the terror attacks in Sri Lanka and offers its condolences to the people and government of the country. Such senseless violence, aimed at innocent people, has no place in civilised society. We stand in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka #PresidentKovind

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President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 21, 2019

Im saddened & disturbed by reports of multiple bomb blasts in #Colombo in which over 100 people have died & more than 300 injured.

I strongly condemn this diabolical act of terrorism.

My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery.

Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 21, 2019

I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of innocent lives in multiple bombings on Easter Sunday in Colombo #SriLanka.

My heartfelt condolences to the members of bereaved families and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.#lka #SriLankaBlasts #Blasts

VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) April 21, 2019

Saddened and shocked at the disturbing news coming in from Sri Lanka. All forms of violence are unacceptable. Easter is a Festival of Peace. My thoughts and prayers with the grieving families

Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 21, 2019

My thoughts and prayers with those affected by the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. Stay strong #SriLanka

Jasprit bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) April 21, 2019

Saddened by the terror attacks in #SriLanka. Condolences to those whove lost family members/friends. Hope the injured recover fast. We stand by SriLanka in this hour of grief.

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Chowkidar Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) April 21, 2019

Deeply saddened and shocked by the bombing in Sri Lanka. Hate truly has no boundaries no limits. Heartfelt condolences and prayers for the entire nation. Stay strong #SriLanka

yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 21, 2019

Deeply saddened by the bomb blasts in #Colombo #SriLanka and killing of innocent people there. Such ghastly acts of violence are highly condemnable. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families. Pray for speedy recovery of injured.

Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) April 21, 2019

Shocked to hear the news coming in from Sri Lanka. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. #PrayForSriLanka

Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 21, 2019

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