World reacts to horror of Sri Lanka bombings

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Cillian O'Brien CTVNews.ca writer

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has joined the chorus of world leaders in condemning the suspected terrorist bombings in Sri Lanka which killed at least 207 and injured hundreds more.

At least three churches, three luxury hotels and a guesthouse were among the targets of the attacks, which occurred in the area of capital city Colombo on Easter Sunday.

The country’s foreign minister says that at least 27 foreigners were among those killed and that two police officers were killed during an operation to capture suspects from a safehouse in Dematagoda, the area outside Colombo where the eighth blast occurred.

“Absolutely horrific news from Sri Lanka,” Trudeau tweeted Sunday morning.

“Canada strongly condemns the heinous attacks on Christians at churches and hotels. Our hearts and thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those killed and all those injured.”

Sri Lanka’s Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardena described the attacks as a terrorist incident, and blamed religious extremists

He added that seven suspects linked to the blasts have been arrested.

Countries around the world condemned the attacks and Pope Francis added an appeal at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing to address the massacre.

Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis said, "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence."

"I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event," the pope added.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern condemned the "devastating" attacks, and referred to the March 15 shootings at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch in which 50 died.

"New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil," Ardern said. "New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the blasts "an assault on all of humanity," while Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced them as "cruel and cynical."

British Prime Minister Teresa May said on Twitter, "We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear."

Since the end of Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, in which the Tamil Tigers, a rebel insurgency from the ethnic Tamil minority, sought independence from ethnic Sinhala Buddhist majority Sri Lanka, there has been sporadic ethnic and religious violence.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's blasts.

--- With files from The Associated Press

Please wait while your tweet loads — CTVNews (@ctvnews) An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.

Growing up in a predominantly Sri Lankan community, the people and country have always had a special place in my heart. My heart aches for you. I’m so sorry. This senseless violence needs to stop. ❤️ — Lilly Singh (@IISuperwomanII) April 21, 2019

I condemn in the strongest terms possible the Easter terror attacks in #SriLanka. This is an assault on all of humanity.



On behalf of the Turkish people, I offer my condolences to the families of the victims and the people of #SriLanka, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. — Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) April 21, 2019

The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time.



We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) April 21, 2019

RELATED IMAGES 1 / 3 Relatives of a blast victim grieve outside a morgue in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, April 21, 2019. More than hundred were killed and hundreds more hospitalized with injuries from eight blasts that rocked churches and hotels in and just outside of Sri Lanka's capital on Easter Sunday, officials said, the worst violence to hit the South Asian country since its civil war ended a decade ago. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Sri Lankan Army soldiers secure the area around St. Anthony Shrine after a blast in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, April 21, 2019. More than hundred were killed and hundreds more hospitalized with injuries from eight blasts that rocked churches and hotels in and just outside of Sri Lanka's capital on Easter Sunday, officials said, the worst violence to hit the South Asian country since its civil war ended a decade ago. (AP Photo/Chamila Karunarathne) A Sri Lankan Police officer inspects a blast spot at the Shangri-la hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, April 21, 2019. More than hundred were killed and hundreds more hospitalized with injuries from eight blasts that rocked churches and hotels in and just outside of Sri Lanka's capital on Easter Sunday, officials said, the worst violence to hit the South Asian country since its civil war ended a decade ago. (AP Photo/Chamila Karunarathne)