National day of mourning declared tomorrow

The Government has declared tomorrow, the 23rd of April, a national day of mourning following yesterday's multiple explosions.

At least 290 persons have been confirmed dead following yesterday’s blasts reported in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa.

Police sources informed  that nearly 500 persons are receiving treatment at hospitals island-wide.The attacks were witnessed by churchgoers yesterday as explosions hit the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade, the Katuwapitiya Church in Katana and the Zion Church in Batticaloa.

Three leading hotels, the Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand and Shangri-La Colombo also came under terror attack killing several persons including tourists.

Explosions spilled over to the afternoon as three more blasts were confirmed, one in Dehiwela and another in Dematagoda.

Meanwhile the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo will remain closed until further notice following the suicide attack reported last morning at hotel premises.