Mass funerals held on Sri Lanka's day of national mourning

Colombo: Mass funerals are being held in Sri Lanka as the country officially mourned those killed in the Easter Sunday attacks.

State media confirmed that the death toll had risen to 321 as some of the wounded succumbed to their injuries. The victims included worshippers, foreign tourists, and other Sri Lankans.

A three minute silence starting at 8:30AM (local time) was observed island-wide.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that they had arrested 40 people in connection to the attacks. All those detained are local Sri Lankans believed to be members of a domestic terror group, although authorities believe the attacks may have been part of an international plot.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe said in a statement, "Today as a nation we mourn the senseless loss of innocent lives this past Easter Sunday.

"I would like to thank the military and police forces, the medical personnel and all those who have worked bravely and tirelessly without concern for their own safety, to ensure the safety and security of our citizens. It is imperative that we remain unified as Sri Lankans in the face of this unspeakable tragedy."

In remarks to the press, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "It’s heartbreaking that a country which has strived so hard for peace in recent years has been targeted by these terrorists. We mourn the loved ones of the victims, some of whom, we can confirm, were indeed US citizens. This is America’s fight too.

"We urge that any evildoers be brought to justice expeditiously, and America is prepared to support that.

"We also stand with the millions of Sri Lankans who support the freedom of their fellow citizens to worship as they please. We take confidence in knowing that not even atrocities like this one will deter them from respecting religious freedom. Today our nation grieves with the people of Sri Lanka, and we stand committed, resolved to confront terrorism together."