The death toll from the April 21 Easter Sunday terror attacks increased to 321 with 500 persons were injured, reports Colombo Page on April 24.
At least 45 children were among the 321 persons killed in the suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, the United Nations (UN) said on April 23, reports Daily Mirror. “The total now is 45 children who died,” UNICEF spokesman Christophe Boulierac told reporters in Geneva, stressing that others “are wounded and are now fighting for their lives,” meaning the toll among minors from the Sunday attacks could rise.
Meanwhile, another explosion took place on April 22 inside a vehicle parked in the vicinity of the Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church, but no casualties were reported, the Police said, reports Colombo Page. The explosion took place a day after a spate of bomb blasts at nine locations killing 321 persons and injuring nearly 500 others. Kochchikade St. Anthony’s Church was one of the targets. Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said the police that detected a suspicious vehicle carried out a controlled explosion on suspicious devises inside the vehicle.
Also, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in parliament on April 23 said it is possible the Easter Sunday suicide attacks were retaliation for the Christchurch attacks, reports Colombo Page. He said investigators have made good progress identifying suspects, adding that some of the bombers had travelled abroad and then returned home.
Police media spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara on April 23 said the Police have arrested 40 suspects in connection with the bomb attacks, reports Colombo Page. All of the individuals arrested are Sri Lankans.
However, Daily Mirror reports that Sri Lankan Police have detained a Syrian among 40 persons who are being questioned about the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels.