Several explosions rocked hotels and churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, causing the deaths of at least 157 people and injuring dozens more.
Sri Lanka’s president, Maithripala Sirisena, said that he was shocked by the explosions and appealed for calm. The prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, wrote on Twitter: “I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.”
The first royals to respond to the attacks in Sri Lanka where the King and Queen of the Netherlands who wrote: “The attacks in Sri Lanka have taken many lives. Among the victims are many people who were peacefully attending church in order to celebrate Easter together.
“We are shocked by this senseless violence.
“Our thoughts go out to all the victims and their loved ones. They are in our prayers, as they are in the prayers of so many people around the world.”
Danish Queen Margrethe II wrote to President Maithripala Sirisena, “Your Excellency, Deeply shocked to learn about the devastating and terrible terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka today. I wish to express my sincere condolences and sympathy to you and the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims. Margrethe R.”
King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden also sent his condolences to the President of Sri Lanka:
“The Queen and I wish to express our deepest and most sincere condolences on the tragic loss of life caused by the devastating attacks on Easter Sunday. We also wish to offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and the people of Sri Lanka.”
This article will be updated as more responses come in.
