World leaders unite to condemn Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka
The United Nations secretary general says he is “outraged by the terrorist attacks” in Sri Lanka.
A statement by the spokesman for Antonio Guterres noted the “sanctity of all places of worship” and hopes the perpetrators will be quickly brought to justice.
I condemn the heinous terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a sacred day for Christians. The UN stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka as the global community fights hatred and violent extremism together. Holy sites must be respected.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 21, 2019
He also commended the unity of the Sri Lankan people after the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels that killed more than 200 people.
Mr Guterres tweeted: “I condemn the heinous terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, a sacred day for Christians. The UN stands in solidarity with Sri Lanka as the global community fights hatred and violent extremism together. Holy sites must be respected.”
Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) April 21, 2019
Pope Francis also mentioned the attacks in his Urbi Et Orbi Easter message at the Vatican.
The pontiff said: “I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence.
“I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event.”
138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2019
President Donald Trump also joined in the condemnation, tweeting: “138 people have been killed in Sri Lanka, with more that 600 badly injured, in a terrorist attack on churches and hotels. The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!”
The US president had earlier erroneously tweeted the figure 138 million.
Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 21, 2019
Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan, a former cricketer well known in Sri Lanka, offered solidarity to “brethren” in the country and remembering the lives lost.
We are deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. We firmly condemn these odious acts. We stand by the people of Sri Lanka and our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the victims on this Easter Sunday. https://t.co/NytqQP9aE7
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 21, 2019
France’s President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “odious acts” of the attackers, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened by the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. We firmly condemn these odious acts. We stand by the people of Sri Lanka and our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the victims on this Easter Sunday.”
Russia’s Vladimir Putin “expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts”.
I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity.
On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) April 21, 2019
Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan also expressed his condolences, tweeting: “I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity. On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.”
Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019
Indian premier Narendra Modi said: “Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.”
Many figures from the world of cricket joined Mr Khan to express their concern for the cricket-loving country.
Thinking of all my friends in Sri Lank at this very sad time. Still can’t believe people would do such horrific and cowardly acts to so many innocent people – sending lots of love & praying for everyone ! https://t.co/KuRu2dcfMz
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) April 21, 2019
Awful to hear what’s happened in Sri Lanka! A wonderful country! lots of love and thoughts go out to all affected.
— Joe Root (@root66) April 21, 2019
From the world of sport, Australian spin bowling great Shane Warne expressed his sadness at the unfolding events as did England cricket skipper Joe Root.