Sri Lanka Explosions: Nation mourns for victims after bomb attacks

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02:02

A day after the explosions, the agony for the victims' families has doubled as the bodies are being brought home. The government announced compensation for the families and even apologized to the people for what happened. But for some, this was not enough. CGTN's Ravinder Bawa reports from Colombo.

This family of four went to celebrate Easter on Sunday but came back in coffins on Monday. Pratap, his wife Anastee and their daughters were standing outside the St Anthony's church as it was too crowded to enter. Little did they know that this was their last mass. Their bereaved mother refuses to leave the side of the coffins and others are still in disbelief.

VIMAL BROTHER OF THE DECEASED "It seems like we all are dead. It seems like a part of my body is cut. The whole family is dead along with the children. I cannot express the pain. We can never forget this pain."

The number of grieving families is increasing as police identifies bodies of the people who were killed in the explosions. The government has announced compensations for the victims.

RAJITHA SENARATNE SRI LANKAN CABINET SPOKESMAN "For everybody who died as the compensation to the families, one million (rupees). And also that for those who are injured and according to their injuries from 100,000 rupees to 300,000 rupees to be paid. And also all the churches, damage, to be completely repaired and renovated by the government expense."

An explosion went off on Monday in a van near St Anthony's church when bomb squad officials were trying to defuse it. The police also found 87 bomb detonators at the main bus station. This caused panic among people. It will take a few days before life becomes normal in Sri Lanka but those who lost their loved ones are will never forget this pain. Ravinder Bawa, CGTN, Colombo.