25 unidentified bodies of foreign nationals at JMO; hotline opened to assist families : Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Foreign Affairs Ministry issuing a statement regarding the death toll of foreign nationals following the explosions that took place in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa, earlier today, said  nine foreign nationals are reported missing, while 25 unidentified bodies believed to be those of foreign nationals are currently at the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer’s mortuary.

The number of foreign nationals who have been identified as deceased at the National Hospital in Colombo stands at eleven.  The fatalities are: three (03) from India, one (01) from Portugal, two (02) from Turkey, three (03) from the UK, and two (02) holding US and UK passports.

Further the Ministry said as at 6pm this evening, 19 foreign nationals injured in the attacks were receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.

Directors of Negombo and Batticaloa General Hospitals and the Colombo North Teaching Hospital have informed the Foreign Ministry that no foreigners have been admitted with injuries or declared dead at their respective hospitals.

Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and Tourism, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Secretary S. Hettiarachchi visited the Colombo National Hospital this afternoon where victims were receiving treatment and also the mortuary to express condolences to the bereaved families.

The respective Colombo-based Heads of Mission of the countries of the deceased as well as Sri Lanka Missions overseas have been informed of the casualties.  

The Foreign Ministry is in close contact with the relevant hospital authorities on the identification of the remaining victims. The Ministry will continue to monitor the welfare of the foreign nationals receiving treatment.

An emergency hotline to assist families of foreign nationals will be operational 24 hours at +94 112323015.