Sri Lanka observes nationwide silence

Sri Lanka observes nationwide silence

Colombo, April 22, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Soldiers stand guard at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 22, 2019. The death toll from the multiple blasts that ripped through Sri Lanka on Sunday rose to 228 while 450 others were injured, local media quoting hospital sources said. (Xinhua/Wang Shen/IANS)

Colombo, April 23 (IANS) Sri Lankans observed a nationwide three-minute silence on Tuesday to remember the victims of the deadly blasts which rocked the island nation on Easter Sunday.

Services across the country came to a halt as all citizens observed the silence from 8.30 a.m. to 8.33 a.m., Xinhua news agency reported.

A series of explosions hit churches and hotels in three Sri Lankan cities on the Easter day killing 310 people and injuring over 500.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tweeted that Sri Lanka mourned the senseless loss of innocent lives and he thanked the military and police forces, medical personnel and all those who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The government requested the public to raise a white flag outside their homes and institutions as the country marked a national day of mourning.

--IANS

mr/pg

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