Sri Lanka blasts: Death toll climbs to 359

The death toll from a string of explosions that rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday has risen to 359. Police spokesman Ruwan Guansekera said that extensive search operations were carried out and several people were arrested in connection with the attacks on Tuesday.

Colombo: The death toll from Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings rose to 359, police said on Wednesday.

Police spokesman Ruwan Guansekera said that extensive search operations were carried out and several people were arrested in connection with the attacks on Tuesday.

"The number of death now is 359," Guansekera said.

A total of eight blasts rocked Sri Lanka, out of which three blasts targeted three churches, St Anthony's church in Kochchikande, St Sebastian church in Negombo and Zion church in Batticaloa.

The other three blasts targeted three five star hotels - Shangri-La, Kingsburry and Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo.

The seventh blast was reported near a hotel opposite the zoo in Dehiwela region of Colombo. The eighth explosion was reported at a housing scheme in Dematagoda, Colombo.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks and identified the suicide bombers involved.