After the extremely unfortunate terror attack in Pulwama on Valentine's Day this year, the wounds of the loss of our CRPF jawans had not even healed yet and the heart-breaking news of bombings in the neighbouring land of Sri Lanka has left South Asia along with the rest of the world praying for those who lost their lives in the attack and their families who will never get to reunite with their loved ones. 

What has been described as the “river of blood”, the attacks in churches across Negombo, Batticaloa and the national capital of Colombo on Easter sunday included a total of eight blasts at the hands of suicide bombers that led to the loss of more than 200 individuals with more than 500 severly injured.

Unlike the attack in Jammu & Kashmir's district of Pulwama, which was instantly claimed by the notorious terror group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, yesterday's attacks weren't accepted by any group or organisation. The country, however, has been home to a decade-long civil war and an attack as big as this has to have some negative impact on the already tense environment. 

Realising the political scenario of his state, former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara took to social media to request his people to not jump to conclusions and let the process of detecting the speculators of such a horrendous act unveiling with time and complete rationality: 

“I am shocked and saddened by these despicable acts of barbarism,” said Sangakkara in an Instagram post.

“My heart breaks for the victims and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to extend my love and condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and I wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery. I also wish more strength to the hearts and hands of the first responders and the medical personnel who are attending to the injured and to the security personnel who are trying to bring the situation under control."

“While we struggle to comprehend the depths of depravity people can descend to, and while we all grieve in unison, we need to find the strength to stand together as Sri Lankans; shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart. Together we can get through. Divided we have but little hope. 

Even though our hearts are overwhelmed with emotion, it is vital that we force our minds to be rational and intelligent. Do not rush to judgement or conclusions. Let's give ourselves time to grieve. Let's give ourselves the space to try and understand the ground reality.  Loved ones have died. Fellow Sri Lankans have died. Guests visiting our country have died." 

“Do not buy into the spin or conjecture or the conspiracy theories. This is not a game. Eschew the efforts of those who shamefully try to politicise this tragedy.  Let the authorities investigate. Let the authorities bring these cowardly terrorists to justice." 

“For us, our focus should be to love and support those who have been affected. To continue to have compassion and empathy for our neighbours. To keep each other safe. To try and ensure our thoughts, words and deeds enable and empower us to lift each other out of this tragedy. To join together and try our hardest to ensure that no such tragedy can ever occur again.”

Love and care for one another know no boundaries and will always prevail wherever a conflict against fear takes place. Keeping that in mind, the sports fraternity of India showed their remorse towards our neighbours, praying for the lives of the victims and their families and extended their wishes towards the nation. 

Shocked to hear the news coming in from Sri Lanka. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. #PrayForSriLanka

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) April 21, 2019

Saddened to hear about the terror attacks in various parts of Sri Lanka.  Strongly condemn these acts of terror. Hatred and violence will never overpower love, kindness and compassion. ðð» #SriLanka

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 21, 2019

Deeply saddened by the terrible attacks in #SriLanka .My sincere prayers with the people of Sri Lanka in this very difficult time.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) April 21, 2019

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by the blasts in #SriLanka. We stand as one with our neighbours in this hour of trouble ðð» pic.twitter.com/lqTp8Xo9NY

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 21, 2019

Shocked to hear about the terror attacks in #SriLanka. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected! Stay strong! ð

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 21, 2019

Deeply saddened to hear the news from Sri Lanka on Easter! Thoughts and prayers with the victims and their families. May they be given more strength! ð

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 21, 2019