"Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers: +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

The blasts occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches. Three churches - St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa - were targeted. Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels, the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury.

At least 156 people were killed and more than 500 other injured after six near simultaneous blasts hit.

"Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers: +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

The blasts occurred at around 8.45 a.m. (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches. Three churches - St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa - were targeted. Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels, the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury.

At least 156 people were killed and more than 500 other injured after six near simultaneous blasts hit.