Palace condemns Sri Lanka blasts

Sri Lankan security personnel walk past debris outside Zion Church following an explosion in Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka on April 21, 2019. – A series of eight devastating bomb blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on April 21, killing nearly 160 people, including dozens of foreigners. (Photo by LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Sunday expressed support for Sri Lanka following a series of bomb explosions that killed nearly 160 people there.

The blasts ripped through hotels and churches and are now deemed as the worst act of violence since the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo offered condolences to the families of the victims, underscoring the warm relationship between the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

READ: Blasts at Sri Lanka hotels and churches kill nearly 160

“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 on the churches and hotels in the said South Asian country on what should have been a day for solemn prayer and thoughtful introspection,” 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 added.

Panelo also slammed the “senseless acts of terror and violence” in the South Asian country.

“Terrorism, as we often said, has no place in society and our nation, together with the rest of the world, is outraged by these latest senseless acts of terror and violence. 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,” Panelo said.  

“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 added.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government is currently working to “contain the situation.”

At the time of the explosion, churches were busy with services in celebration of Easter Sunday. /je