The sudden spate of attacks on churches and hotels across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday has taken the world by surprise and the authorities have launched a massive security operation. There were as many as eight bombs detonated by suicide bombers that left at least 290 dead with another 500 injured (updated figures). The intention was to inflict maximum casualties among worshippers who had come to attend Easter services. The authorities have imposed a curfew as a precautionary measure.

The Guardian reports that apart from the churches and luxury hotels targeted, there were also explosions at a couple of other locations like a guesthouse.

The initial observation is that most of the targets were located either in or close to the capital. One of the locations in the sights of the suicide bombers was a luxury hotel popular with politicians. It is obvious that the perpetrators of the crimes were knowledgeable about the layout of the land. Hospitals had a tough time trying to cope with the huge number of casualties.

Authorities have launched investigations into church attacks

The sudden unprovoked attacks in Sri Lanka, the tiny island nation, comes after a decade of the end of a civil war.

Hours after the bombings, security forces have made some arrests but no group has come forward to claim responsibility for the attacks. Ruwan Wijewardena, the minister of defense, informed that preliminary investigations indicate the involvement of suicide bombers. The minister also said, “The wave of attacks was the work of a single group.”

The Guardian recounts some of the attacks and the picture that emerges is one of helplessness with hospitals forced to work overtime to meet the crisis.

Hospitals are seldom equipped to handle situations of this nature and when the arrival of the sick and injured are in dozens, there is panic. However, they responded suitably to keep things under control. At least three police officers lost their lives during the operation in Dematagoda. The country is a popular Travel destination and some foreigners were among the casualties.

Sri Lanka is home to multiple faiths and it has been facing intercommunal tension for several years, especially against Christians.

There was possibly prior warning Sri Lanka.

According to CNN, the gruesome bombings in Sri Lankan churches and hotels on Easter Sunday left at least 290 dead. The identity of those who carried out the massacre in places of worship is yet to be ascertained but they had targeted Christians. Manisha Gunasekera, high commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK, said they are "certainly acts of terror." It seems there was advance information of a possible attack and timely action could have prevented the deaths and loss of properties. Foreigners who lost their lives came from India, Turkey, China, and Britain and the violence has tarnished the image of Sri Lanka as a popular tourist destination.
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