People in Sri Lanka are allowed to use social networks again. The ban on the attacks was lifted. In addition, the Catholic Church wants to hold services again next Sunday.
Eight days after the terrorist attacks, residents of Sri Lanka can reuse numerous Internet services. President Maithripala Sirisena lifted the ban on Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media and apps, the government said. She called on the population to behave responsibly on social media. The government had justified the blockage of the services that they wanted to prevent the spread of false information after the attacks on churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday.
In addition, the Catholic Church will be holding Masses again next Sunday – but under strict security. „On May 5, we will start with a small number of masses,“ said Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. Depending on the location, there will gradually be more worship services. The church closely follows the authorities‘ investigation into the suicide bombings on Easter Sunday and wants to understand the security situation before worship services are held daily, Ranjith said.
German Ambassador gives no all-clear
The cardinal has been protected by armed security personnel since the coordinated attacks on Easter Sunday. However, he refused a bullet-proof vehicle. „I’m not afraid, but I want security for my people and the country,“ said the Cardinal.
The German Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Jörn Rohde, however, gives no all-clear. In principle, there is a danger of further attacks, he wrote in a message that tweeted the message. „The security forces seem to work effectively according to my findings.“ Nonetheless, he urged that „continue to be vigilant.“
42 foreign deaths
253 people were killed in the attacks. Among them are 42 foreigners. The previous 40 foreign fatalities have been revised upwards, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Most of them – eleven in all – come from India. But also the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland have fatalities. Six victims were reported to have more than one nationality, including a German-Americans.
According to the ministry, the number of foreign fatalities may increase even further. Because there are still bodies that could not be identified yet.
US fear further attacks
Meanwhile, the US fears further attacks in Sri Lanka. It may still be members of the extremist group on the run, responsible for the attacks on Easter Sunday, said US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz. „We have reason to believe that the active attack grouping has not been completely disabled and we believe that the plans are currently underway.“
The government blames the Islamist group National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ) for the attacks, but believes that it had support from overseas – meanwhile, the jihadist militia „Islamic State“ claimed the deed for themselves.
