Today is a national day of mourning

The government has declared to gazette the clauses under section 12 of the Emergency Regulations from midnight on the clauses pertaining to the suppression of terrorism. It has taken steps to provide power to the police and the armed forces to ensure security of the country and the people.

In a statement, it said the decision was taken at the national security council which convened under the chair of President Maithripala Sirisena this morning.

Discussions were held at the meeting to take actions against the organizations involved in the terrorist activities carried out , the terrorists who were arrested and the other forces that encouraged the destruction. The President instructed the police and the three forces to take further actions.

The President also calls on all foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Sri Lanka to clarify the current situation in the country and request international support for Sri Lanka.

Since the intelligence agencies have reported that there are international terrorist organizations behind these incidents, this is expected to seek international assistance in order to suppress them.

President Maithripala Sirisena has advised the security forces to arrange a formal security program for all Catholic churches and security.

The President has instructed the police and the armed forces and the Ministry of Defense to take immediate action on the situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to impose a curfew from 8.00 pm tomorrow to 4.00 am tomorrow