Sri Lanka Blasts: Sushma Swaraj in Touch With the Indian Embassy

Sri Lankan soldiers secure the area around St. Anthony’s Shrine after a blast in Colombo.

(Photo: AP)

Two fresh explosions were reported in Colombo after six simultaneous explosions in three churches and three hotels killed at least 160 people and injured around 400 others.

According to a police spokesperson cited by AFP, a new blast in the Sri Lankan capital has left two people dead. Shortly after, another explosion was reported in the capital.

While three high-end hotels and one church were earlier targeted in the capital Colombo, two other churches were attacked in Negombo and Batticaloa.

Soon after the blast, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted saying, “I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation.”

Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka has tweeted helpline numbers for the Indian citizens in need of assistance and clarification due to the attack.

The churches targeted include St Anthony’s Church in Colombo, St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo and another church in Batticaloa. The Shangrila, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury are the hotels attacked.