Search icon

News

21st Apr 2019

Michael D. Higgins pays tribute to those who died in Sri Lanka explosions

Rudi Kinsella

President Michael D Higgins Covid 19 statement

The death toll has risen to over 200 people, following a number of attacks in Sri Lanka.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, bomb blasts in three Sri Lankan churches and three hotels have killed at least 200 people, with another 400 people reportedly wounded.

In one church alone, just north of the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, over 50 people were killed.

At least eight attacks took place across the Asian country, and President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has paid his respects.

Higgins’ statement read:

“As President of Ireland I am sure that people in Ireland will have heard with great concern of the heavy loss of life that has happened at places of worship in Sri Lanka, at a time of religious significance.

“The right to the freedom of worship is a fundamental right.

“To the families of those who died and those who have been injured I send the sympathies and solidarity of the people of Ireland.”

Tánaiste Simon Coveney also expressed his sympathies, saying there can be no justification for the attacks.

He said: “I am shocked at the appalling attacks on innocent civilians this morning in Sri Lanka.”

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge