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Some 138 people killed, 402 injured as massive blasts target churches, hotels in Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI, 21 (KUNA) -- At least 138 people were killed and 402 others injured Sunday morning as several blasts targeting churches and luxury hotels took place in Sri Lankan capital Colombo.
Other cities were also hit during the Easter Mass, Sri Lanka's Daily News said quoting official police sources.
It added that the blasts targeted six places, including three churches and three hotels resulting in the killing of 138 people and injury of 402 others. The first two blasts occurred at St. Anthony's Church in Colombo and St. Sebastian's Church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo town, while the third church in the town of Batticaloa was also targeted. The blasts took place at around 8:45 local time when the believers have gathered for Mass.
Three hotels located in Colombo; Cinnamon Grand Hotel, the Shangri-La and the Kingsbury were also targeted. The authorities have tightened security at the Bandaranaike International Airport while the government called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and take necessary steps. Sri Lanka's Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution, Harsha de Silva, said in a tweet: "Emergency meeting called in a few minutes. Rescue operations underway". (end) atk.hb