PH, world express sympathy, outrage over Sri Lanka blasts
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2019 12:42:46 +0000
THE Philippines joined the rest of the world in expressing its sympathy for the victims of a series of explosions in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, as well as “outrage over these latest senseless acts of terror and violence.”
Reports said that 156 people were killed while hundreds more were injured after three churches and four luxury hotels were bombed by yet unidentified attackers.
READ: 156 dead as blasts rip through hotels, churches in Sri Lanka
“As we recall our recent commitment to boost ties with Sri Lanka and the warm relations between the leaders our of countries, we express our sincere solidarity and offer our heartfelt prayers to the citizens of Sri Lanka, as well as to the other people who have been affected by this horrific attack,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
“We likewise offer our deep condolences to the grieving families of those who perished as we wish the safe recovery of those injured,” he said.
“Humanity must stand as one in putting an end to hatred, bigotry and poverty and promote growth and development among nations as well as work for world peace,” he said.
Panelo said that the Philippines would support Sri Lanka in this time of turmoil.
“As Sri Lanka currently sifts through the rubble and tries to find sense in this period of confusion and terror, we reiterate our expressions of support for our Asian neighbor, as well as to other countries who are dealing with the same evil deeds,” he said.
A report quoted Sri Lanka’s Defense Ministry as saying that seven suspects had been arrested.
Below is a summary of other reactions worldwide:
Britain: ‘Stand together’
British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as “truly appalling.”
“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,” she tweeted.
“We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear.”
The Netherlands: ‘Terrible reports’
“Terrible reports from Sri Lanka about bloody attacks on hotels and churches on this Easter Sunday,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted after the attacks first emerged.
“Thoughts are with the victims and their relatives.”
Pope: ‘Cruel violence’
Pope Francis expressed his sadness over the attacks during his traditional Easter address at the Vatican.
“I want to express my affectionate closeness with the Christian community, attacked while it was at prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence,” he said.
The Catholic Church in Jerusalem had said in an earlier statement: “We pray for the souls of the victims and ask for speedy recovery of the injured, and ask God to inspire the terrorists to repent of their killing and intimidation.”
Australia: ‘Terrorist attack’
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in a statement: “To the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies and our prayers and our support — and our offer to do whatever we can to support you in this terrible time of need.
“At this time as Easter Sunday draws to a conclusion here in Australia, our heart goes out to those Christians and all of those other innocents who have been slaughtered today in this horrific terrorist attack.”
New Zealand: ‘Devastating’
A month after dozens of Muslims were killed in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as “devastating”.
“New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating.
“New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence.”
Pakistan: ‘Horrific’
Pakistan’s leader Imran Khan offered his “profound condolences” to Sri Lanka.
“Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost & hundreds injured,” he tweeted.
“My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief.”
India: ‘We stand with you’
Narendra Modi, the leader of neighbouring India, said his thoughts are with the bereaved families.
“There is no place for such barbarism in our region,” he tweeted. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.”
EU: ‘Sad day for the world’
EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker expressed his “horror and sadness” at the blasts, while EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the attacks marked “a truly sad day for the country and for the world”.
“Such acts of violence on this holy day are acts of violence against all beliefs and denominations, and against all those who value the freedom of religion and the choice to worship,” she added in a statement.
US: ‘Senseless attacks’
The US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alaina Teplitz, tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the senseless attacks in Sri Lanka today. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with Sri Lanka’s people at this terrible moment.” RALPH VILLANUEVA, AFP
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