Before being named prime suspects in Sri Lanka's Easter bomb suicide attacks, National Thowheeth Jama'ath's main claim to fame was being linked to vandalising of Buddhist statues. After long wrangling with radical Buddhist leaders, suicide bomb attacks against churches and hotels would be a spectacular departure for the little-known Islamic extremist group. Cabinet minister and government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne on Monday said authorities believed the NTJ was behind Sunday's attacks on three churches and three luxury hotels in which 290 people died. Authorities said 24 people have been arrested and that they were hunting for links between the group and foreign backers. "We don't see that only a small organisation in this country can do all that," Senaratne said. The Sri Lankan presidency said in a statement that "intelligence sections have reported that there are international terror groups which are behind local terrorists." Whoever staged Sunday's attacks organised an … [Read more...] about Little-known Islamist group NTJ accused in Sri Lanka blasts
Foreign minister of sri lanka
Vietnamese leaders convey condolences over bombing series in Sri Lanka
The same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc conveyed his sympathies to his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe. Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan also cabled a message of condolences to Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Karu Jayasuriya. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh sent his condolences to Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Janak Marapana. … [Read more...] about Vietnamese leaders convey condolences over bombing series in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka lifts curfew as death toll from attacks rises sharply
There was no claim of responsibility for the Easter Sunday attacks on two churches and four hotels in and around Colombo, the capital of predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka, and a third church on the South Asian nation's northeast coast. Four of the bombs went off at roughly the same time, at 8.45 a.m., with the other two coming within 20 minutes. Sri Lankans accounted for the bulk of the dead and wounded although government officials said 32 foreigners were killed, including British, U.S., Turkish, Indian, Chinese, Danish, Dutch and Portuguese nationals. President Maithripala Sirisena, who was abroad when the attacks happened, had called a meeting of the National Security Council early on April 22, a government source said. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would attend the meeting, the source said. The Sri Lankan military, who were clearing the route from Colombo airport late on April 21 in preparation for Sirisena's return, found a crude bomb near the departure gate, an air force … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka lifts curfew as death toll from attacks rises sharply
Vietnamese leaders send condolences after bomb attacks in Sri Lanka
On the same day, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also sent their deep condolences to the Sri Lankan counterparts about the deadly bomb attacks. After the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka contacted with the local authorities under the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no Vietnamese citizen was reported among victims of the explosions until this time. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs still asked the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka to continue following this incident, keeping in touch with local authorities to update information as well as take protection measures in the necessary. At least 207 dead and 450 injured were reported in the eight bomb explosions at three churches, four luxury hotels and a house in Colombo and the neighboring areas across Sri Lanka on April 21. BY THANH NAM- Translated by Huyen Huong … [Read more...] about Vietnamese leaders send condolences after bomb attacks in Sri Lanka
2019 Sri Lanka: where all roads lead to!
Viet Nam News By Sri Lankan Ambassador Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake Sri Lanka is the essence of a people renowned for their hospitality, stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity and a wealth of incredible, immersive experiences on offer for travellers. Within a mere area of 65,610sq.km lie eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330km of coastline - much of its pristine beach, 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 202,343ha of lush tea plantations, 101,171 of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, and a culture that extends back over 2,500 years, with well-preserved archaeological monuments, mostly from the country’s Buddhist heritage, one of the world’s most scenic rail routes. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the year 2019 is marked with many remarkable milestones for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with Lonely Planet naming Sri Lanka as the top country for travel and recognising Colombo City, the commercial capital … [Read more...] about 2019 Sri Lanka: where all roads lead to!