On April 21, 2019, Easter Sunday, a series of explosions in Sri Lanka kill 359 people and injure 500 more. 8 explosions were reported in total, targeting churches and hotels. The Sri Lankan government declares a state of emergency, increases the presence of armed forces, imposes curfews and bans social media. There is also an increase in Anti-muslim violence. 2,4

Targeted Hotels: Shangri-La, Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand and one other; all in Colombo.

Targeted Churches:  Catholic Shrine of St.Anthony (Kotahena, Colombo), Catholic Church of St. Sebastian (Negombo), and Zion Church (Batticaloa). 1