Five Indians were among the 290 killed in the multiple explosions that ripped through Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj quoted the Indian High Commission as saying that it had been informed by the National Hospital in Colombo about the death of three Indian nationals – Lakshmi, Narayan Chandrashekhar, Ramesh. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said on Monday morning that two more individuals, KG Hanumantharayappa and M Rangappa, had died in the attacks.
also read: Sri Lanka Blasts: death toll rises over 290, 7 arrested
In a series of tweets, Ms Swaraj said, "Indian High Commission in Colombo has conveyed that National Hospital has informed them about the death of three Indian nationals. Their names are Lakshmi, Narayan Chandrashekhar and Ramesh. We are ascertaining further details."
Another woman from Kerala, PS Razeena, 58, who had settled in Dubai, also died in the blasts. Kerala government has stated that PS Razeena, hailing from Kerala, has also died in the blasts, the same has not been confirmed by the Indian government yet. Sushma Swaraj added in a tweet, “I conveyed to the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka that India is ready to provide all humanitarian assistance. In case required, we are ready to despatch our medical teams as well.”
Though no group has accepted responsibility for the blasts, the Sri Lankan Police have arrested 24 people in connection with the explosions in several churches and hotels in the island country, according to ANI. Of those arrested, at least 10 have been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation, adaderana.lk reported. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities discovered an Improvised Explosive Device near the departure area of Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo late on Sunday.
also read: PM Modi condemns Sri Lanka bomb blasts, says No Place For Such Barbarism In Our Region