Expressing dismay and shock at the multiple bomb blasts that killed and injured hundreds of people in Sri Lanka, the country's former and current crop of cricketers, said the need of the hour is to stay strong and united.
Sri Lankan authorities arrested 24 people in connection with the multiple blasts targeting churches and luxury hotels in the island nation on Easter Sunday, killing over 290 people and injuring around 500 others.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Chaminda Vaas, who was in Mumbai recently, said he never thought these kind of things will happen in Sri Lanka.
“So sad to see. We never thought these kind of things will happen in Sri Lanka. It is a lovely country and hospitable. People are very friendly. It is so tragic to see such things happen,” Vaas told reporters.
Vaas stressed on the fact that the Sri Lankan people need to stand united this time.
"We need to rebuild. We can rebuild churches or hotels but we can't bring lives back. I am sure the Sri Lankan government and the people will be very united this time and make sure that we stick together," said the former left arm pacer.
Vaas expressed confidence that the situation would be normal again in Sri Lanka.
“This attack can happen anywhere in the world. We saw in New Zealand recently as well. These people don’t have simply one place (and) they can attack anywhere in the world. I am pretty sure that things will go back to normal,” Vaas remarked.
Herath, who was also in Mumbai along with Herath, said his country needs to stay strong during such times.
“We need to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences. As Chaminda said, we are a united country. We kind of have a panic situation but (we are sure that) we (will) become a strong country,” he added.
Earlier, Dimuth Karunaratne, who will be leading Sri Lanka in the World Cup, had asked the Sri Lankan citizens to be patient, safe and peaceful.
“Dear Sri Lankan’s, I am deeply disturbed with the untimely and unfortunate happenings of this am in Sri Lanka. Sad I am ! Please be patient - We must be strong but calm we are a country of great resilience. Stay Safe and Stay Peaceful,” Karunaratne wrote on Twitter.
Former captain Angelo Mathews also took to Twitter to request the Sri Lankan people to come together during such hard times.
“We as a county need to put away differences and get together at this crucial time to look after one another or we will not have this beautiful country for us or for our children.please don’t spread rumors on social media. We surely don’t need another war,” Mathews requested on Twitter.
Another former captain and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara despised the ‘acts of barbarism’.
“My heart breaks for the victims and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to extend my love and condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and I wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery,” Sangakkara wrote on Instagram.
Sangakkara asked his countrymen to stand united and grieve in unison.
“... While we all grieve in unison, we need to find the strength to stand together as Sri Lankans; shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart. Together we can get through,” said Sangakkara.
The southpaw appealed to the masses to not fall prey to conspiracy theories and asked them not to politicise the matter.
“Do not buy into the spin or conjecture or the conspiracy theories. This is not a game. Eschew the efforts of those who shamefully try to politicise this tragedy. Let the authorities investigate. Let the authorities bring these cowardly terrorists to justice,” Sangakkara wrote.
Another Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardena, who is currently coaching the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2019, also condemned the dastardly act of terrorism and asked the nation to stay strong.
“Very sad day for all of us in SL.. After 10 years of peace we see inhumane attaks on inocent again. While condeming and praying for the lost its time for us to stay calm and unite. Proud nation has to be strong!!” wrote Mahela on Instagram.
Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga appealed to everyone to stay strong.
“Thoughts and prayers are with all victims and their families affected by these horrific acts of terror. Times like these all Sri Lankans should stand together and support one another to lift everyone up. Stay Strong Sri Lanka. Rise above hate and violence!!,” Tharanga wrote on Twitter.
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