How world leaders reacted to shocking attacks in Sri Lanka
Leaders across the world have expressed shock at and condemned the deadly series of bomb blasts in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka that have left more than 150 people dead and many more injured.
At least 20 foreigners are among the dead in Colombo, according to reports by the international media.
According to AFP news agency, American, British and Dutch citizens are among those killed in the six blasts.
UHURU’S MESSAGE
President Uhuru Kenyatta is among the world leaders who have condemned the attacks and sent their messages of sympathies to the people of Sri Lanka.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest condolences and sympathies to you, your esteemed Government, the families of the victims and the people of Sri Lanka,” President Kenyatta said in a message to the President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena.
President Kenyatta also pledged Kenya’s total support to the government of Sri Lanka in working together to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Here is how other world leaders reacted to the shocking series of attack:
Pope Francis: “I learned with sadness and pain of the news of the grave attacks, that precisely today, Easter, brought mourning and pain to churches and other places where people were gathered in Sri Lanka. I wish to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi: “I 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. Terrorism, religious hatred, and intolerance cannot be allowed to win.”
Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan: “Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost and hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.”
Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif: “Terribly saddened by terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan worshippers during Easter. Condolences to friendly govt and people of Sri Lanka. Our thoughts and prayers with the victims and their families. Terrorism is a global menace with no religion: it must be condemned & confronted globally.”
New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern: “New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating. New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence.”
President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ashraf Ghani: “Attacking churches and hotels and targeting worshipers is appalling, and Afghanistan strongly condemns this heinous act of terror. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families, and we stand in solidarity with Sri Lanka on this dark day.”