Bombings retaliation for mosque massacre

THE Sri Lanka Easter massacre was carried out in retaliation for the Christchurch mosque shootings, the country’s defence minister says.

Sri Lanka’s state minister of defence Ruwan Wijewardene told parliament the early findings of the ongoing probe found that the suicide bombings were committed in revenge for the Christchurch shootings at two mosques, allegedly carried out by accused Australian gunman Brenton Tarrant.

The death toll from the Sri Lanka terror attacks on churches and luxury hotels has risen to 321, with 500 injured. Islamic State is believed to be behind a video claiming responsibility for the deadly massacre.

It comes as Australian Federal Police join Sri Lanka’s investigation effort.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday: “AFP and our people are now joining the investigation efforts.”

Earlier, a state of emergency was imposed on the country at midnight (9am Tuesday AEST), which gives police and the military special powers to counter militant strikes. It also means suspects can be detained without a court order.

The Asia Times reports the video emerged on an ISIS channel, and follows comment from cabinet minister and government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne that local militant group named National Thowfeek Jamaath (NTJ) was responsible.

There has been no official confirmation as to whether the video is genuine.

So far, 40 people have been arrested over the Easter Sunday attacks on three churches and three hotels in the capital Colombo and elsewhere, authorities said.

As the death toll rose, another bomb detonated as police prepared to defuse it, and others near one of the targeted churches. Although there was a powerful blast, no injuries were reported.