Ministry of External Affairs issues an advisory to Indians travelling to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday serial blasts

In the aftermath of the multiple blasts which rocked Sri Lanka last Sunday killing 253 and injuring more than 500 people, Ministry of External Affairs has issued a press release on Saturday advising Indian travelling to Sri Lanka advising them to travel only if essential. The ministry has also shared the emergency agencies to contact in case if help is needed. 

The press release read:

In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of terror attacks on 21 April 2019, Indian nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka are advised not to undertake non-essential travel. In case of those undertaking essential/emergency travels, they can contact the High Commission of India in Colombo or the Assistant High Commission in Kandy / Consulates in Hambantota and Jaffna in case of requirement of any assistance. The helpline numbers of the Indian High Commission are available on the Mission’s website. The Government of Sri Lanka has beefed up the security in the country. A nation-wide emergency including nighttime curfew is in place at present which may also affect travel within Sri Lanka.
 

Another Bomb Blast Reported In The Kalmunai City Of Sri Lanka

Earlier on Friday, three explosions rocked Kalmunai city in east Sri Lanka on Friday, as per sources. The explosion took place when the security forces were carrying out searches as a part of an investigation of Easter Sunday attacks. However, no casualties have been reported till Saturday morning. Sri Lankan police informed that during the raids they recovered Islamic state uniforms, ISIS flags, 150 gelignite sticks, 100,000 ball bearings and a drone camera in Sammanthurai, reported the international media.

This news came just days after The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the string of horrific bombings in Sri Lanka's Colombo on Easter Sunday. Earlier in the day, initial probe reports indicated that the terrorist attack was in retaliation to the gruesome shootings on worshippers in two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch on March 18. The news was further consolidated by Sri Lanka's Deputy Defence Minister.

The bomb blasts on Easter Sunday hit 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, three hotels - the Shangri La, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury and two other places -  Dematagoda and Dehiwala on Sunday killing over 200 people and injuring several hundred more.