Japan to send emergency response team in wake of terror attacks

The Japanese government is sending an emergency response team to Sri Lanka to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals in the country following a series of suicide bombings that left over 300 people dead.

According to Japanese media Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced the move to send a Foreign Affairs Ministry team, including doctors and workers from related government ministries and agencies, during a news conference yesterday (April 22).

In addition to efforts to protect Japanese nationals, the government intends to call on other countries to boost counterterrorism measures.

The Easter attacks, which struck three churches and three hotels, killed one Japanese person and injured four other Japanese nationals, the government said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed condolences to the victims on the morning of April 22.

"I feel deep sorrow and at the same time, strong anger," Abe said. "Acts of terror like these are never forgivable. I strongly condemn these acts. Japan will join hands with Sri Lanka and international society, and steadfastly fight terrorism."