Calling for swift action from authorities and appealing for peace, celebrities from around the world, including Mindy Kaling, Shekhar Kapur, Jacqueline Fernandez, Anushka Sharma and Ali Zafar condemned the series of blasts in Sri Lanka that targeted people in churches, luxury hotels and a housing complex on Easter Sunday.
The eight blasts killed nearly 160 people, including many British, Dutch and American citizens.
The nature of the blasts was not immediately clear and there were no immediate claims of responsibility.
Indian-origin American actor-writer Kaling said it is “sickening” how people celebrating Easter were attacked on “one of the holiest of days”.
“This news from Sri Lanka is horrifying. My heart goes out to all victims and their families. So many were people attending church on one of the holiest of days, I am absolutely sickened,” she tweeted.
American pop star Mariah Carey said her heart goes out to the country.
“Sri Lanka, my heart is with you. I’m praying for everyone affected by this horrible tragedy. Stay strong,” she wrote on Twitter.
Bollywood actress and former Miss Universe Sri Lanka, Fernandez took to social media to speak against the violence.
“Extremely sad at the news of bombings in Sri Lanka. It’s unfortunate that one is not able to see that violence is like a chain reaction. This has to stop!”Jacqueline Fernandez
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur said nobody is safe from terrorism.
Pakistani actor-singer Zafar urged people to stay united in this hour of need.
South superstar and politician Kamal Haasan said violence can never be the solution to human disagreements.
“Ironic that the island that spawned the word serendipity is not able to find it. My deepest sympathies to those affected by the bombs in Sri Lanka. The government should be impartial and swift in rendering justice,” Haasan tweeted.
Actor-turned-politician Urmila Matondkar also took to Twitter to condemn the attacks.
“Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the church bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday... My prayers for those who lost their lives and condolences to their families... We condemn the terror attack,” Matondkar, who recently joined the Congress party, said.
Actor-politician Prakash Raj said in the light of the attacks, it is important to “beware of and condemn all bigots who are sowing hatred”.
“Blasts in Sri Lanka as people are praying... This hate... These ugly acts of majoritarianism will consume us. Humanity one day... dear citizens this is why we need to be aware and be careful and condemn all the bigots who are sowing hatred. And dividing us in our society today," Raj tweeted.
Vicky Kaushal wrote, “Prayers for Sri Lanka.”
Anushka Sharma said, “We are praying for you.”
Arjun Kapoor said he was “disturbed to hear about the monstrous attack in Sri Lanka on such an auspicious day”.
Parineeti Chopra tweeted, "Could never have thought a quiet country like #Srilanka could be attacked like this. What is the world coming to? Thinking of all the families affected. All my love and prayers always."
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