Colombo: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena would be declaring a nationwide emergency from midnight on Monday following Easter Day blasts, reported Reuters. (Also read: Three Indians Among Those Dead, Confirms Sushma Swaraj) Also Read - Govt Permits Pakistan PM Imran Khan to Use Indian Airspace For His Maiden Visit To Sri Lanka

ANI reported that the Indian Coast Guard was also on high alert along the maritime boundary with Sri Lanka. Ships and maritime surveillance aircraft Dornier had been deployed on the maritime border to prevent any attempts by suicide bombing perpetrators to escape from the island nation. Also Read - Coronavirus: Sri Lanka To Vaccinate 225 Parliamentarians From Tuesday

Meanwhile, the death toll in the blasts has risen to 290. Eight powerful blasts, including suicide attacks, struck churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. More than 500 people were reported wounded. According to ANI, at least 24 suspects have been arrested so far. Also Read - This Country Will Resume International Flights After Christmas

However, the details of those in the custody had not been disclosed yet. On Monday, the island nation also lifted the curfew which was imposed with immediate effect in the wake of the dastardly attack.

Sunday’s attacks were carried out at St Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade in Colombo, St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, the Zion Church in Batticaloa and Kingsbury Hotel, the Shangri-La and the Cinnamon Grand.

No one claimed responsibility for the bloodbath but AFP had reported that Sri Lankan Police chief Pujuth Jayasundara had issued a nationwide alert ten days ago, warning that suicide bombers planned to hit prominent Catholic churches.

In a special message that was read out on local channels, President Sirisena had urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities for investigations into the blasts, reported Xinhua news agency. “I am shocked and saddened by the situation that has occurred. Investigations have been launched to look into what conspiracy is behind these heinous acts. Please remain calm and do not be fooled by rumours,” he said.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tweeted, “Strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Please avoid propagating unverified reports and speculation. The government is taking immediate steps to contain this situation.”