Asia Sri Lanka World News

Sri Lanka Blasts Death Toll rises to 290, more than 500 injured

The death toll in Sri Lanka has soared to 290 after a wave of blasts hit churches and luxury hotels across the country on Easter Sunday.

Police said that 24 arrests have now been made, but the government has not yet identified who carried out the attacks. 

About 500 people are injured and dozens of foreigners are among the dead.

The country is in shock after the bombings, the deadliest violence since the end of the civil war in 2009.

There are reports of social media networks being temporarily restricted to try and stop misinformation spreading. 

Popular messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook are said to be unavailable to many.

Meanwhile a curfew which was imposed from yesterday was lifted this morning at 6am local time with trains and buses set to be made available.

Schools and universities remain closed until tomorrow.