Australian injured in Sri Lankan bombings as death toll continues to rise
One Australian has been injured in the bomb blasts that ripped through three churches, three luxury hotels and a guesthouse in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
Senior cabinet minister Simon Birmingham says no Australians are among the 290 people killed, but there were reports one had been injured, which were later confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
"We are not aware of any Australian loss of life. I understand there may be an Australian injured but I'm awaiting further details on that," he told ABC Radio National on Monday.
A DFAT spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that the injured Australian was receiving consular assistance.
“DFAT has offered consular assistance to one Australian injured in the attacks. Owing to our privacy obligations we will not provide further comment,” the spokesperson said.
The severity of the Australian’s injuries is unclear.
The Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka has been working to determine the whereabouts of Australians and monitor the situation.
Senator Birmingham said there was no indication about who was responsible for the atrocity, with no group yet to claim responsibility.
"The government is not seeking to move ahead of investigations that rightly will be led by the Sri Lankan authorities," the trade minister said.
Up to 35 foreigners are believed to be among the dead after blasts at churches and hotels on Easter Sunday.
China Global Television Network (CGTN) are reporting that the death toll has risen to 215.
Senator Birmingham said Australia's thoughts were with those killed.
"These are terrible, distressing and tragic circumstances," he said.
"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the beautiful people of Sri Lanka for this terrible, terrible incident."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday said the government would be following through on the safety of Australians in Sri Lanka.
"The devastating nature of this horrific attack on innocent lives, simply going about their day, going to worship on the holiest of days of the Christian calendar, is just absolutely devastating," Mr Morrison told reporters at Kirribilli House.
Labor leader Bill Shorten described the attacks as devastating.
"We think also of Australia's beloved Sri Lankan community who will carry an immense sense of shock and sadness today," he tweeted on Sunday.
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