The death toll in serial blasts in Sri Lanka has risen to 290. In the blast, carried out by local Islamic terrorist group National Tawheed Jamaath, more than 500 people were also injured. Among those killed are as many as 32 foreign nationals, including five Indians.
Addressing a press conference, Cabinet Minister and Government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said the international support behind the attacks is being investigated and they are trying to ascertain how suicide bombers were prepared as such a small local group cannot organise attacks at such a level.
The minister said there were inputs from international intelligence agencies earlier warning of such suicide attacks and expressed regret that it could not be avoided. He said that there was a circular issued by DIG police on 11th of this month advising security agencies to be vigilant. The minister also added that detailed security checks out is being carried out at all sensitive places across the country as there are inputs of more such attacks.
Following the serial blasts during Easter Day celebrations, Indian Coast Guard has been put on high alert along the maritime boundary with Sri Lanka. Maritime surveillance aircraft Dornier and ships have been deployed on the maritime border, Coast Guard sources told media.
