World leaders condemn Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka

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World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed over 200 people on Sunday, including dozens of foreigners.

The government has imposed a nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. local time on Monday.

People were injured by the bombs that ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services. World leaders condemned the tragedy of the bombings.

The St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade church after an explosion in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 21, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Britain: 'Stand together'

British Prime Minister Theresa May 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. "We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practice their faith in fear."

The United States: 'Ready to help'

U.S. President Donald Trump sent condolences to Sri Lankan people and offered help.

"The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

The Netherlands: 'Terrible reports'

"Terrible reports from Sri Lanka about bloody attacks on hotels and churches on this Easter Sunday," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted after news of the attacks first emerged. "Thoughts are with the victims and their relatives."

Australia: 'Horrific terrorist attack'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was thinking of those killed in a "horrific terrorist attack."

"To the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, Australia 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.

"At this time as Easter Sunday draws to a conclusion here in Australia, our heart goes out to those Christians and all of those other innocents who have been slaughtered today in this horrific terrorist attack."

Foreign relatives of a victim of the explosion at the police mortuary in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 21, 2019. /Reuters Photo

New Zealand: 'Devastating'

A month after dozens of Muslims were killed in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as "devastating".

"New Zealand 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."

"New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence."

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condemned the blasts on Sunday as "cowardly" and said the government was working to "contain the situation."

"I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today," he said in a tweet from his verified account. "I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong... The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation."

Egypt: 'Wishes the injured a speedy recovery'

"Egypt condoles with families of the victims for their loss and wishes the injured a speedy recovery," the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that Cairo stands by the side of the government and people of Sri Lanka in this crisis, stressing that such brutal crimes against innocent people and places of worship will never achieve their goal.

Crime scene officials inspect the explosion area at Shangri-La hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 21, 2019. /Reuters Photo

"Egypt voices confidence in Sri Lanka's ability to overcome this crisis," the statement added.

France: 'Deep sadness'

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed on Sunday his "deep sadness" and condemned the "heinous acts."

"Deep sadness after the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka," he tweeted.

"We strongly condemn these heinous acts. All our solidarity with the Sri Lankan people and our thoughts for all the loved ones of the victims on this Easter day," Macro wrote on his Twitter account.

Turkey: 'An assault on all of humanity'

"I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in Sri Lanka. This is an assault on all of humanity," Erdogan said on his Twitter.

The Turkish leader called for "a decisive fight against all kinds of terrorism."

Erdogan offered his condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also condemned the deadly attacks "targeting innocent people" during Easter.

(Cover: A shoe of a victim is seen in front of the St. Anthony's Shrine, Kochchikade church after an explosion in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 21, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

Source(s): AFP ,Xinhua News Agency