Sri Lanka declares curfew after eighth blast

Sunday, 21 April 2019 13:27

The Sri Lankan government has declared a curfew with immediate effect, and shut down all major social media and messaging services.

"A curfew will be imposed until things settle down," junior defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters in Colombo.

Government officials said Facebook and WhatsApp have been blocked to prevent misinformation and rumours.

Nearly 140 people have been killed and more than 400 people wounded after eight bomb blasts ripped through churches and hotels in the island nation on Sunday.

More from International News

India inspects spice makers over alleged contamination

India is inspecting facilities of spice makers MDH and Everest for compliance with quality standards after sales of some of their products were halted in Hong Kong and Singapore for allegedly containing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.
Israeli media predict offensive in Gaza's Rafah soon

Israel is poised to send troops into Rafah, the Gazan city it sees as the last bastion of Hamas, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, saying preparations were under way to evacuate war-displaced Palestinian civilians who have been sheltering there.
Russia detains ally of Defence Minister Shoigu for corruption

A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.
Trump meets with Japan's former prime minister Aso

Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, a senior figure in the country's ruling party, met with Donald Trump on Tuesday, becoming the latest US ally seeking to establish ties with the Republican presidential candidate.