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From the Den of the Mastermind

10 persons from Zahran’s family missing

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25 April 2019 10:43 am - 47     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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By Hafeel Farisz in Kattankudy

Pix by Chris Weiner

The entire family, 2 brothers, a sister and the parents of Zahran Hashim the suspected mastermind of the Easter Sunday massacre have been missing since April 18, 2019, his sister Mohomed Hashim Madaniya aged 25 told the Daily Mirror exclusively.

“ I went and gave food to my parents and my sisters family on April 18, and haven’t heard from them since” she told us, at her house in Kattankudy located around the mosque of National Thawheed Jamath in Kattankudy.

Providing exclusive access and details of a chilling tail of radicalization of which the sister insists she had been against, and members of the mosque completely dissociating themself with, the Daily Mirror was told that Hashim was a gifted orator and a loving family man until his “sudden disappearance”

The family included five children with Zahran Hashim being the oldest (33) he is married to Mohomed Haadiya (23) a resident of Kekenuwella, Kurunegala and is the father of two children aged a boy aged eight and a girl aged four.

His brother Mohomed Zeyin Hashim (30) is married to Abdul Gafoor Afrin (23) and has two children a boy aged 5 and a girl aged 3. The third was Mohomed Rilwan Hashim (28) Nafha (20) and is the father of two children aged 5 years and the other a six month old boy.

The remaining sister Mohomed Yaseera Hashim (20) was married to Mohomed Rishad (22) and is the mother of a boy aged one year, all of whom have left without a trace.

 

“I don’t know where they are. From the 18th onwards I have had no contact with them” she told us.

Accordingly all the family members including the parents of Zahran, Hayath Mohomed Hashim (55) and Abdul Cader Sameema ( 50) have left no trace of their whereabouts since April 18th.

“ It was early 2017 when he started preaching things that we thought were out of line. They were things like the world was made for Muslims and was against other religions” she said.

“ My husband didn’t like what he was saying so we stopped our connections with him. That didn’t mean we were angry, its just that we stopped following him” the mother of three said.

On March 10, 2017 following an armed fight between moderate Sufi groups and those following the new mosque and denomination propagated by Zahran, he had reportedly “ gone missing”.

“ we didn’t hear from him after. He together with his brother Rilwan completely lost contact with all of us” Moulavi Thawufeek (33) the Head of the National Thawheed Jamath told Daily Mirror.

The National Thawheed Jamath was a denomination originated by Zahran in or around 2011.

Katankudy a small area of land with one of the highest density of population comprises 63 mosques. 8 of the mosques follow the Fundamentalist strand openly and the other barring 3 mosques follow “different degrees of wahabist ideology” H. M Ameer from the Badriya Mosque told the Daily Mirror. “The Jammiyathul Ulama are also supporters of the Wahabi ideology” he and Jaseem told the Daily Mirror.

The incident culminating in violence on March 10, 2017 was a result of rift between the Badriya Mosque followers of the Sufi Ideology and the religious strand that Hashim propogated.

“There was a meeting to be held at the Aliya Junction at which Zahran was to speak when the violence broke out” both parties said, after which differing accounts were narrated as to what took place.

Nine persons from Zahran’s, National Thawheed Jamath were arrested by the Police and Two from the Badriya Mosque. The arrests included Zahran’s brother Zeyin. The suspects had been remanded for over 7 months according to one of the suspects Mohomed Rifaz (32).

Speaking to the Daily Mirror at the two storied mosque of which one storey is yet to be completed, Rifaz said Zahran “went missing” after the Police came after him.

“We didn’t know of his whereabouts till he started posting videos on Facebook around June 2017” the Daily Mirror were told by the members of the NTJ. “We completely disassociated ourselves from him after we saw his videos” they told us after which they showed the Daily Mirror a letter which had been issued by the Mosque expelling Zahran from the mosque.

The fact that the Mosque was a small non sophisticated one with no approval nor accounting books issuing a letter of “expulsion” could not be lost.

“That is a complete lie. We have information that he visited the mosque around six weeks ago,” Ameer from the Badriya mosque insisted. “We had informed authorities of him starting in 2012. We in fact gave dockets to 11 authorities including the Secretary of Defence, the Inspector General and the Attorney General detailing the extremism carried out by Zahran and his ideology,” Ameer told the Daily Mirror. “They all fell on deaf ears,” Mohomed Jaseem a trustee said.

Ameer and Jaseem both showed the Daily Mirror the docket which they provided to the authorities on March 27, 2017. The docket details the hatred espoused by Zahran, and contradicts the version of the NTJ that the radicalisation took place after he fled from the police.

The complaint includes preachings by Zahran to the effect that Islam should be the only religion in the island,and that Muslims should not pledge allegiance to the country.

" We gave this to the authorities in black and white. We told them that these guys were preaching some crazy radicalised fundamentalism and that there is a threat to our lives. We did this from as far back as 2012"  Jaseem told the Daily Mirror.

According to those at the National Thawheed Jamath mosque, Zahran had single handedly originated a new denomination and built a mosque through donations given by those attending “Jumma prayers” an account rubbished by Ameer.

“They opened a new mosque because they got funds from foreign entities. They couldn’t be with the other fundamentalists because the money wasn’t coming in,” Jaseem told us.

The members of the NTJ however,  insist that up until his fleeing from the Police following the clashes on March 10, 2017 Zahran was a peaceful preacher.

 

“We did a lot of charity work and we followed Islam how it should be,” they told us adding that it was following his postings in June 2017 that they realized Zahran had deviated from their path. However, according to the sister Madaniya his radical preaching commenced before.

“He had just stared to preach things against the Government, against courts, and against other religions. He may have had 2 to 3 sermons like that when the clash took place in March,” she told us, refuting the “underground radicalization” claim of the NTJ members.

Zahran had preached from time to time during the Five years commencing 2012 to 2017 at various “junctions”. By all accounts he was a preacher who could hold a crowd. “Around 2000 to 3000 people participated at his public sermons although they didn’t go to his mosque,” we were told.

“I met Zeyin and his Family last around February,” Madaniya told the Daily Mirror. She claims to have had no contact with Rilwan who had also fled together with his brother Zahran following the clashes of March 10, 2017.

Intelligence sources claim that Zahran may not have been one of the bombers as they scramble to make distinct identification of them. Zahran and his family accordingly may still be at large.

“I fear for my safety. We live under a lot of tension,” Madaniya said. “Its unbearable to know what has happened. I don’t want to have anything to do with him and hope he is dead,” she told the Daily Mirror.

When asked as to what she believes is the reason her immediate family have been untraceable she said she assumed the worst.

“ They must have joined him. They never spoke to me about him because they knew my husband didn’t like him. I am the only one who has to take on all of this blame and suffering now. I don’t want to have anything to do with any of them,” she said after being asked of the alternative of the family being alive.

Moulavi Thawufeek insisted that the actions have “got nothing to do with religion”. “ These are despicable acts and have got nothing to do with religon” he said after quoting the Quranic verse stating that the “killing of a single man meant the killing of humanity”.

Thawufeek who succeeded Zahran had known the suspected mastermind since 2002. “I knew him from the time he was reading at the Al- Falah Madrasa. He couldn’t complete his studies and had to leave in 2007”.

Thawufeek together with the rest present in the mosque insisted that they had not watched the vidoes of Hashim following the realization of his radicalization.

“Yes he was an ISIS sympathizer and we were told of it by people. But we didn’t watch his videos” they said.

According to Moulavi Thawfueek, Intelligence Agencies were fully aware of Zahran and his preaching.

" During the past two years they used to visit the mosque at least once a week if not more. They were here a few weeks ago too" he said, sentiments concurred by the rest of the gathering.

When asked as to if he had followers of his doctrine amongst them, he said that they could not be certain.

“What you have in your heart only you would know. Even if people were supporters of ISIS they wouldn’t come out openly and tell us,” he said.

Carrying her 10 month old son, Madaniya said she fears for her safety, sentiments echoed by the members of the NTJ too.

" Im the only one from the family and its alot of heartbreak and suffering" she said.

Moulavi Thawufeek also insisted that they remained fearful.

" The forces walk in and out every other day and we might not be able to practice our religion. We are fearful that this mosque we built with so much hardship will be brought down. We are also living under a lot of tension and we want our side of the story told" he said.

Ameer and Jaseem of the Badriya mosque were also fearful of theirs.

“ We were the only people who stood up against this fundamentalist and we fear for our lives. They will come after us” they said.


 

 

  Comments - 38

 



One of the nine bombers that detonated explosives on Easter Sunday was a woman, State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene has said on Wednesday.

Straits Times said the state minister’s comment came after police confirmed that nine suicide bombers were involved in the blasts and eight have been identified.

It has been revealed that one of the suicide bombers had studied in Britain and Australia, it said.


New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today said that they were not aware of any intelligence suggesting that Easter Sunday attack in Sri Lanka was in retaliation for deadly shootings on a mosques in Christchurch, Reuters reported.

State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene, told parliament on Tuesday that an initial investigation had revealed the bombings on churches and hotels, which killed 321 people, had been carried out in revenge for deadly shootings in two New Zealand mosques on March 15.

Security experts and analysts, however, have questioned whether the coordinated bomb attacks could have been planned in such a short period.

"We haven't received anything officially nor have we received any intelligence reports that corroborate what has been said in Sri Lanka," PM Ardern told reporters at a press conference in Auckland.

"Sri Lanka will be in the very early stages of its investigations. So we are simply stepping back and allowing them to undertake those, but we have nothing at this stage to corroborate what is being said," she added.

Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the Sri Lanka attacks on Tuesday and named what it said were seven attackers who carried them out. It gave no further evidence to support its claim of responsibility.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told a news conference investigators were making progress in identifying the perpetrators and believed there could be some links to IS.


Islamic state has claimed responsibility for coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka which killed 321 people and injured about 500 others, the group’s AMAQ news agency said on Tuesday. (Reuters)



Mass for victims

People carry a casket during a mass for victims, two days after a string of suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels across the island on Easter Sunday, in Negombo (Reuters)



Explosive device disposed at Kochchikade

An improvised explosive device was detected inside a vehicle near the St. Anthony’s Church, Jampettah Road, Kochchikade, and was disposed in controlled explosion at site by the Bomb Disposal Unit today.

23 April 2019 08:25 am
Death toll rises to 310

The death toll from the Easter Sunday terror attacks has increased to 310 by this morning with 500 people have been injured, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said.



22 April 2019 08:42 pm

Controlled explosion

An improvised explosive device was detected inside a vehicle near the St. Anthony’s Church, Jampettah Road, Kochchikade, and was disposed in controlled explosion at site by the Bomb Disposal Unit today.

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22 April 2019 07:03 pm

INTERPOL deploys team to SL to support investigations

INTERPOL is deploying a team to Sri Lanka to assist the national authorities investigating the series of bomb attacks at churches and hotels which left nearly 300 dead and some 500 injured.

Checks are already being made against the Organization’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents and nominal databases in order to identify potential investigative leads and international connections.

Deployed at the request of the Sri Lankan authorities, the Incident Response Team (IRT) will include specialists with expertise in crime scene examination, explosives, counter-terrorism, disaster victim identification and analysis.

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22 April 2019 05:55 pm

Will not allow such a situation to take place again : Prez assures to Cardinal

President Maithripala Sirisena said the Government would not allow such a devastating situation to take place in future and it is taking every step to avert such a situation. He expressed these views when he met with Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the Archbishop house today.

While condoling with the victims who faced the tragedy, the President expressed his deepest sympathies to the Catholics who were injured or lost their loved ones on Easter Sunday.

He also discussed with the Cardinal the steps taken in the face of this tragic situation.



22 April 2019 04:23 pm

Explosive device disposed in Kochchikade

An improvised explosive device was detected inside a van near the St. Anthony’s Church, Jampettah Road, Kochchikade, and was disposed in controlled explosion at the site by the Bomb Disposal Unit a short while ago, reporters said.

The van is reportedly on fire.



22 April 2019 03:42 pm

ISIS fanatics celebrate SL attacks

Islamic State supporters are celebrating the Sri Lanka suicide bombings which killed 290 people on Easter Sunday and left around another 500 injured, Daily Mail Online reported.

The SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist activity online, said ISIS fanatics were praising the terror attacks as revenge for the Christchurch mosques shooting.

No group has officially claimed responsibility for the blasts at five-star hotels and churches but Sri Lankan police say a previously unknown Muslim extremist group were the subject of an intelligence warning ten days before.

More



22 April 2019 03:21 pm

Shangri-La suicide bomber identified

The police today informed Colombo Chef Magistrate’s Court that the suicide bomber of the Shangri-La hotel had been identified as Insan Seelavan and owned a factory in Avissawella- Wellampitiya road.

Nine employees of the said factory were arrested by the Wellampitiya Police and were remanded till May 6 after being produced in the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The Police also informed the court that the suicide bomber was suspected to have links with other suicide killers died in the Dematagoda blast.



22 April 2019 02:29 pm

Tomorrow declared a national day of mourning

The government has declared tomorrow as a national day of mourning, President's Media Division (PMD) said.

In a statement, it said the decision was taken at the national security council which convened under the chair of President Maithripala Sirisena this morning.

“The President announced the declaration of April 23 as the day of national mourning for the victims of ruthless terrorist attacks at churches and hotels in the country on April 21,” it said.



22 April 2019 12:54 pm

Police curfew from 8.00 pm to 4.00 am

The police curfew will be imposed across the island from 8.00 pm tonight to 4.00 am tomorrow, the government announced today.



22 April 2019 12:09 pm

Govt analyst confirms suicide bombers carried out all attacks

The Government Analyst today confirmed that yesterday’s attacks on three churches and three hotels were carried out by suicide bombers.

“All the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers,” Government Analyst A. Welianga told the Daily Mirror.



22 April 2019 10:42 am

Ministry requests JMOs to speed up post-mortems

The Justice Ministry today requested the Judicial Medical Officers (JMO) to visit the hospitals and speed up the post mortem investigations of the people who were killed in suicide bomb attacks yesterday.

In a statement, the ministry said the bodies should be immediately returned to the families who lost their loved ones.

“Therefore, we request the JMOs to visit the hospitals where the bodies have been placed and conduct relevant investigations,” the ministry said.



22 April 2019 04:15 am

President returns

President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in the country last night after concluding his private visit to Singapore and India.

President Sirisena left for India on April 16 and visited the Lord Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala and offer prayers.



22 April 2019 01:16 am

Intelligence failures, soft-peddling envelopes deadliest suicide attacks in SL

Two men checked into the Shangri-La which now takes pride of place in the heart of the city on April 20, 2019. They had provided an address in Dematagoda when checking in. Close to 9 a.m. yesterday (April 21) the duo detonated two bombs. One at the packed restaurant cum cafeteria on the 3rd floor of the super luxurious hotel, at which many families had come to indulge in a scrumptious Easter Breakfast, and the next on the corridor of the same floor close to the elevators- not too far from each other. The two explosions rocked the Hotel, with the death toll yet unconfirmed.

This was after the twin explosions at two revered Churches, in Kochchikade and Katana were reported.

The first explosion was at the revered church of St Anthony’s, just outside the city after which the second at the Katuwapitiya Church.

The bombings at the city hotels took place right after. A few minutes after, a massive explosion was reported from the Zion Church in Batticaloa. Police Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara failed to give specific times.

More



22 April 2019 12:47 am

Jamiyyathul Ulama condemns attacks

The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) yesterday vehemently condemned the terrorist attack on churches and other places while Christian brothers and sisters were celebrating Easter.

Issuing a statement, the President of the ACJU Mufti M.I.M Rizwe said, “this is a shameful and heinous act which no human being can tolerate for any reason. Though the attacks were carried out on a day holy to a particular religious community, it is a very sad day for all Sri Lankans.”

On behalf of all Sri Lankan Muslims, we the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama, extend our arms of solidarity, love and affection towards our Christian brothers and sisters at this moment of grief.

We urge the authorities to assure that all places of worship are adequately protected immediately, and to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice without delay.

We urge all Sri Lankans, especially the Muslim community including trustees of mosques, to do all that is necessary to support the affected communities by facilitating donation of blood, helping the injured, providing psychological support and making them feel safe and secure.

We appeal to all religious and civil leaders to join hands in rightly guiding the people of their respective areas to prevent communal conflicts, and also to the public to refrain from spreading rumours through different forms of media.

At this moment of great tragedy, let us all join together in solidarity and face the challenges with mutual love and respect to move forward as Sri Lankans. We pray to Almighty Allah that He eases the pain of all who were affected and grant His mercy to them.

Let us all be together in this, and help and support each other in this time of grief and pray that we overcome this tragedy as Sri Lankans, ”it added.



22 April 2019 12:08 am

Eiffel Tower goes dark to pay tribute to SL victims

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France is to turn off its lights to pay tribute to the victims of terror attacks in Sri Lanka.

“Tonight, from 12:00 am, I will turn my lights off to pay tribute to the victims of the Sri Lanka attacks,” the official Twitter account of the Eiffel Tower stated.



21 April 2019 11:50 pm

Explosive device disposed at BIA

An improvised explosive device was detected near the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), and was disposed in controlled explosion at site by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) personnel a short while ago.



22 April 2019 12:09 pm

Pope condemns attacks

Pope Francis condemned Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka and said that he would be praying for all those who were suffering from the bloodshed, agency reports which quoted the Vatican said yesterday.   

Pope Francis appealed for prayers for those who were affected by the blasts in Sri Lanka at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing.   

Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said:   

“I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer and all the victims of such cruel violence.”   

“I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event,” he added.     



21 April 2019 10:33 pm

Minute’s silence at the Santiago Bernabéu

The Santiago Bernabéu held a minute's silence before the LaLiga match week 33 fixture between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, for the victims of the attacks in Sri Lanka and in memory of Agustín Herrerín, who was Real Madrid’s pitch delegate for more than 18 seasons and who died last Thursday. 

The Whites’ players wore black armbands and in the stands a banner was displayed which read: "Herrerín, exemplary Madridista, rest in peace". (Realmadrid)



21 April 2019 09:40 pm

Special investigation panel to probe terror attack

President Maithripala Sirisena will appoint a special investigation panel within the next 24 hours to ascertain information on the national tragedy, which claimed so many lives, Presidential Secretariat said.

The panel is expected to file a report within two weeks.

The Presidential Secretariat said in a statement that the panel would be headed by a Supreme Court judge and would investigate matters related to the blasts, the background and other factors connected to the incidents.



21 April 2019 08:21 pm

Outraged by terror attacks: UN Chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is outraged by the terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a sacred day for Christians around the world.

In a statement, his office said the UN Chief recalled the sanctity of all places of worship.

“He hopes the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice. The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the Government of Sri Lanka, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. He commends the leadership demonstrated by the authorities and unity of the people of Sri Lanka in the wake of the attacks,” it said.

The Secretary-General reiterates the support and solidarity of the United Nations with the people and the Government of Sri Lanka in this difficult moment for the nation.

Meanwhile, the United Nations in Sri Lanka said it strongly condemns the attacks against civilians carried out in places of worship and city hotels on Easter Sunday.

“The United Nations in Sri Lanka expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families and victims as well as the Government and people of Sri Lanka and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

Attacks such as these are aimed at undermining the unity of the people of Sri Lanka, the United Nations urges authorities, and all citizens to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, human rights are protected, and security and safety is ensured for all,” the UN office said.



21 April 2019 07:53 pm

Van allegedly used for terror attacks found

A van allegedly used to transport suspects and explosives to Colombo was taken into custody with its driver in Wellawatte this evening, police said.

Meanwhile, the police have also found a house where several suspects alleged to have been staying at Sarikkamulla in Panadura North.



21 April 2019 07:52 pm

Special Operation Centre at police headquarters

A Special Operation Centre has been established at the police headquarters from today (21) to facilitate the people, Police said.

People can contact the centre on:

 

011-3024873

011-3024883

0112-2013039

Fax number: 011-2430912

 


22 April 2019 10:45 am

In pictures

Batticaloa church


 

Kochchikade Church


 

Katuwapitiya Church

Pix by Pradeep Pathirana, Nisal baduge, Nimalsiri Edirisinghe, Waruna Wanniarachchi


 

Dehiwala


 

Dematagoda


 

General hospital - colombo


 

Ragama Basilica church


 

Shangri-la Hotel


 

cinnamon grand Hotel


 

Kingsbury Hotel




The picture shows a statue of the Jesus Christ with blood stains at the Katuwapitiya Church. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

09:49 During a Cordon and Search carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force today, 152 ammunitions and 8 ammo cases had been found at the Kahagolla area.

09:23 The death toll for the Easter Sunday terror attacks has risen to 290 by Monday morning with 500 have been injured, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said. 

He said 24 suspects are currently in the CID custody.

17:30  The death toll for the Easter Sunday terror attacks has risen to 207 with 450 reported to have been injured, police said.

Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said 66 bodies were placed at the National Hospital while 260 injured were receiving treatment there and 104 bodies were placed at the Negombo Hospital and 100 injured were receiving treatment at the Hospital.

Meanwhile, speaking to the Daily Mirror, Director of the National Hospital Dr. Anil Jasinghe said eleven foreign nationals from Poland, Denmark, China, Japan, Pakistan, USA, India, Morocco and Bangladesh are among the dead at the National Hospital.

The Director also said that 30 individuals were admitted to the Colombo North Hospital with injuries, while 69 were admitted to the Batticaloa Hospital, 55 at the Negombo hospital and 14 injured children were admitted to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.

15:10 The government has decided to temporarily block social media sites including Facebook and Instagram. Presidential Secretariat said in a statement that the decision to block social media was taken as false news reports were spreading through social media.

15:03 Another explosion was reported close to a housing complex at Dematogoda a short while ago, police said.

15:00 President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to impose police curfew across the island with effect from 6.00 p.m. today until 6.00 a.m. tomorrow, President’s Secretary Udara R. Seneviratne said.

14:30 All 6 blasts which occurred early this morning were a result of suicide bombers; initial investigations have revealed. The Daily Mirror learns that investigations thus far have revealed that two people had checked into room number 616 of the Shangri-La Hotel on April 20, 2019.

14:21 Another explosion was reported a short while ago near the zoo in Dehiwala, police said. Two people were killed in the explosion.

13:02 Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said it was absolutely barbaric to see violent attacks on such a holy day and that whoever is behind these attacks must be dealt with immediately.

12:57 While condemning the attacks, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called on all Sri Lankans during the tragic time to remain united and strong. “I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today," he said.

12:45 Issuing a special statement over the terror incidents, President Maithripala Sirisena said he has given instructions to take stern action against the people who are responsible for the conspiracy.

12:30 At least 138 people were killed while many others were injured in the six explosions today, National Hospital Director Anil Jasinghe said.

He said 49 people were killed in Colombo, 62 in Negombo and 27 in Batticaloa.

In Colombo, over 200 were injured, while 110 injured in Negombo. Dr. Jasinghe said 67 were injured in Batticaloa.

“The situation is under control at hospitals,” he said.

 

At least six explosions were reported this morning at three churches in Kochchikade, Katana, and Batticaloa and three five-star hotels in Colombo, police said.

Explosions were reported at St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, Kotahena and St.Sebastian's Church in Katuwapitiya, Katana.

Explosions were also reported at three five-star hotels, the Shangri-La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury in Colombo.

Police said another explosion was reported at a church in Batticaloa.

Several casualties including foreign tourists have been reported.

 


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  Comments - 47

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  • athapaththu Ariyadasa Sunday, 21 April 2019 12:03 PM

    colombo seven born politicians are unble.

    Doctor Sunday, 21 April 2019 12:25 PM

    Isis?

    Suri Monday, 22 April 2019 03:24 PM

    Sir Lanka government need to think seriously about Upgrade intelligence system with new technology like AI and IOT and mass criminal records data analysis and activities in social media If you want to prevent such incidents in future.

    Patriot Sunday, 21 April 2019 12:21 PM

    If this is related to Sri Lankan politics, I'll be very saddened. Looks the attacks are well coordinated and beyond the capability of gangsters.

    Shan sriraj Sunday, 21 April 2019 12:46 PM

    I am just waiting how many people are going to say this is the work of LTTE!

    rajah Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:24 PM

    well said

    Sam Sahu Sunday, 21 April 2019 12:55 PM

    My heart goes to our brothers and sisters of Sri Lanka. RIP those who have fallen due to this cowardly act. Let's all join hands in the fight against "Islamic terrorism". Love and prayers from India.

    Lankaputha Sunday, 21 April 2019 12:55 PM

    Very very very sad news .

    Mohammad Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:25 PM

    May God Almighty Bring the Culprits to Justice. Aamin.

    ajay kumar Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:28 PM

    Very sad news. Our condolences from New Delhi. Sri lanka reserves the right to hit back at the terrorists. India should actively assist, militarily or otherwise needed to bring the perpetrators to justice. "Attack on Sri lankan people is a attack on Indians too"

    Abey Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:30 PM

    pawul Paksa needs power again. SO here it is..

    Mano Thursday, 25 April 2019 02:44 PM

    Don't make a fool of yourself in an incidence of this magnitude .

    Wira Thursday, 25 April 2019 08:54 PM

    Shame on you for bring our political views at this time. Why not give power Sarath Fonseka who really played a major role in defeating LTTE.

    Ashwani Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:30 PM

    ॐ Om Shanti... For All srilakan brothers and sisters... India is with you

    zafar Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:53 PM

    my heart bleeds. rascals attacked paradise. lots of love from pakistan dear SL. down with extremism.

    Saiful Hasan Sunday, 21 April 2019 02:12 PM

    Our sincere condolences to those families who lost their nearest and dearests and those who are fighting for life in hospital. We all are praying for Sri Lanka from Bangladesh.

    Milon hossain Sunday, 21 April 2019 02:21 PM

    There is nothing to say, is no word to express the sadness. where is the end of this terrorist attack. when we will get rid of from this terrorism.

    Anja van Harskamp Sunday, 21 April 2019 02:42 PM

    My heart is with the people of Sl. Innocent people killed or injured. For what? I Just Got back from Sl after meeting very Nice warm people. I am sad

    khadagg chaudary Sunday, 21 April 2019 05:31 PM

    very sad news,, felt very bad as I visited sri lanka before and find nice peaceful people. accept our condolences from brotherly country India.

    Ramakrishna Sunday, 21 April 2019 05:38 PM

    To choose a Holy day for their hate filled activity is an abomination

    Kolitha Sunday, 21 April 2019 06:30 PM

    We are lucky people to live in Sri Lanka our country is so unlucky to have bullshit leaders

    Ravinda Sunday, 21 April 2019 06:31 PM

    This is a well-coordinated and planned attack and must have been planned for two years. Only a foreign terrorist organization has this type of capability to strike multiple times on the same day. As it is a coordinated attack, tracing back to the people who are behind it is also easy.

    N Sa Monday, 22 April 2019 07:17 AM

    All three churches filled with mainly Tamil Christians, add to it, fame Hotels to brake the Turism

    Ayasharn Attygalle Monday, 22 April 2019 08:30 AM

    SINCE THAT ALL KNOWS THERE IS A FINANCIAL CRIUES IN OUR CUNTRY.THIS WILL BE MORE EFFECTED AS WELL AFTER A KIND OF TERRORIST ATTACKING YESTERDAY THE 21-04-2019. WHAT WAS HAPPEND IS ALREDAY HAPPEND.

    Sanjeeva Monday, 22 April 2019 01:37 PM

    Sad to hear even the police was asked not to mention any names of people who carried out the attack , but every one knew .. this started few years ago in a very small way... .but our govt did not allow police to carry out the job and when ever there was incident they let them go free.. good example isd Mawanella when they brock buddhist temples ... none of the news news papers or TV stations allowed to carry out this , but know they say the attackers originally from Mawanella area who carried out temple attacks as well. . this is be worse than LTTE.

    Thurai Logan Tuesday, 23 April 2019 07:03 PM

    Same when 10's of thousands were massacred in 2009 by sl forces

    pradeep kumara Monday, 22 April 2019 02:01 PM

    Most of the Muslims should responsible with this attack and giving support to the attackers by providing background support island wide...

    Paul Monday, 22 April 2019 04:45 PM

    Inteligence agencies have failed this time Need to improve inteligence data collection and identify suspected people and observe them in advance. All the best for srilanka to crack down this evil activity from their nation.

    Jayanath Monday, 22 April 2019 05:57 PM

    Pope and has Eiffel Tower is numb when civilians died in Iraq by US air strike! Pope and Eiffel Tower is numb when thousands of civilians was killed in Sri Lanka by LTTE! Is only Christians are human?

    SL Monday, 22 April 2019 09:44 PM

    From digana to kochchikade muslim politicians protected these terrorist. Wanathawilluwa bombs funding had become a joke for those politicians. Now its time to defuse Islamist extremism and give the power to Army .PM shall resign. He can not protect us

    Sl Monday, 22 April 2019 09:45 PM

    Half of int officers are in hail.Int dept is run bay chandrika.rajith and aluth parapura

    P.B.Herat Tuesday, 23 April 2019 11:22 AM

    Where are the foreign funded local, so called, "Human Rights Activists"?? Are they getting ready to go to Geneva on behalf of the "inhuman bombers" when they are taken into custody by the security forces and the Police??? Don't the victims of these terrorists too have Human Rights / Fundamental Rights? A Senior Citizen

    yasmin Ahmed Tuesday, 23 April 2019 02:02 PM

    Hello! I'M a Muslim Arab (Egyptian), and I'm very sad for this to happen. Also, please let me translate to you a photo here that has Arabic in it. Honestly, I don't know why it's being put under ISIS are celebrating this! because this photo has no celebration at all! It's more like newspaper headlines. I will translate to you, it's as follows: 1- Terrorism hits the heart of Sri Lanka. 2- Hundreds killed and wounded in a series of explosions happening at the same time. 3-Terrorist operation that targeted 4-138 killed. 5-400 wounded. 6-A church and 3 hotels north the capital colombo. So, this is the translation for what is written in Arabic on this image. It has nothing to do with ISIS or celebration! The person who put this photo under this title in an evil person who does not want good for SriLanka. May Allah protect innocent lives anywhere in the world.

    HERITER Tuesday, 23 April 2019 02:29 PM

    It is not a religious action encouraging people to kill others. Imagine killing little kids, youths, old people who has never committed any sin against you. May all the souls of the victims Rest in Eternal Peace. We are with you SRI LANKA. LETS SAY NO TO TERROR ATTACKS.

    Mr X Tuesday, 23 April 2019 03:13 PM

    Do not blame the intelligence services. It's purely the negligence and incompetence of the relevant ministers and the police who were warned about this that cost the very lives of our fellow people.

    mehdi mountather Tuesday, 23 April 2019 03:41 PM

    These crimes of the jihadists of satan Daesh Boko Haram in Sri Lanka in Mali in Syria in Iraq in Nigeria and in the world to satisfy satan if the fire of Notre Dame de Paris the death of satan satan these terrorists and worse than these terrorists the franc Masons to hell to avoid hell to humans and jinn to convert to Islam immediately before 26.4.2019. Ces crimes des djihadistes de satan Daech Boko Haram en Sri Lanka en Mali en Syrie en Irak en Nigeria et dans le monde pour satisfaire satan si l'incendie de Notre Dame de Paris la mort de satan satan ces terroristes et pire que ces terroristes les franc maçons a l'enfer pour éviter l'enfer aux êtres humains et aux djinns de se convertir a l'islam immédiatement avant le 26.4.2019.

    Samadran rao Tuesday, 23 April 2019 05:20 PM

    Muslims!! Muslims!! Puff!! Such a pain all over the world! A pest!!

    Fahim Wednesday, 24 April 2019 11:19 AM

    You are talking like a fully illiterate person.

    Concerned citizen Thursday, 25 April 2019 12:49 PM

    How can you generalize the entire muslim community as being a pain. You are very naive and ignorant. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka condemns and condones such acts since it isnt Islam. This was an attack on humanity. Terrorism has no religion. You may choose to like or hate us Muslims ,but,these are facts , and facts don't care about your feelings. So stop spreading senseless hate towards a community , and focus that hate on the terrorists and on the incompetence of certain top officials in our yahapalanaya government who failed to take necessary precautions to prevent such gruesome attacks.

    Charith Senanayake Tuesday, 23 April 2019 06:27 PM

    This is what CNN is reporting to the world and it is a shame we have a president who is incapable. Please see statement: Because of Sri Lankan government dysfunction, it was able to execute this plan with little resistance—and quite successfully. Since Sunday, media accounts have painted an alarming picture of Sri Lankan authorities failing to act on multiple advance intelligence reports that underscored the threat of NJT-patented bombings. A feud between Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe may have contributed to people on high levels -- including Wickremesinghe -- not knowing about this intelligence. And Sirisena, who did know about it, did not act on it.

    Mitr78 Wednesday, 24 April 2019 05:49 PM

    SL faces the real terrorism now. so sad

    Independent Thursday, 25 April 2019 11:13 AM

    Another reporter Mohomad is trying hard to get sympathy for these violent and cruel community. Their puppet also did the same. Had an army. Involved in many killings. So as his followers.

    Rex Thursday, 25 April 2019 02:23 PM

    If Srilanka is to be Srilanka . Act like Myanmar or you will be abolished.

    Rex Thursday, 25 April 2019 02:23 PM

    If Srilanka is to be Srilanka . Act like Myanmar or you will be abolished.

    Rex Thursday, 25 April 2019 02:23 PM

    If Srilanka is to be Srilanka . Act like Myanmar or you will be abolished.

    Raj Thursday, 25 April 2019 03:03 PM

    Sri Lanka it is your first attack and from now be extremely careful. 1) Keep a check on all mosques under check 2) Just follow China's model of Xinxiang province, I bet you will be safe. 3) Have lot of chinese projects and implement this project as well.

    sajith De Silva Thursday, 25 April 2019 03:03 PM

    Responsibility of gathering information and taking appropriate action is the responsibility of law enforcing authorities. Has any one done this? What prevented them taking action? Is it political interference or inefficiency?


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