Sri Lanka legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara offer condolences after Easter Sunday terror attacks

Over 200 people have died after a series of explosions at church and hotels across the country

Former Sri Lanka captains Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara have offered their sympathy to the victims of the terror attacks in their homeland on Easter Sunday.

Over 200 people are confirmed to have died and hundreds of others injured after eight separate explosions at churches and hotels across the country.

Three places of worship in Negombo, Batticaloa and Kochchikade were targeted during Easter services.

Blasts also took place at a number of hotels including at the Shangri-La, Kingsbury, Cinnamon Grand.

Prior to the government imposing a block on major social media websites, several players offered their condolences to those affected by the tragic events.

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Very sad day for all of us in SL.. After 10 years of peace we see inhumane attaks on inocent again. While condeming and praying for the lost its time for us to stay calm and unite. Proud nation has to be strong!! #srilanka 🙏🏻🙏🏻

A post shared by Mahela Jayawardena (@mahela27) on Apr 21, 2019 at 12:41am PDT

Jayawardena, who played a record 149 Tests for Sri Lanka, wrote on Instagram: "Very sad day for all of us in SL. After 10 years of peace we see inhumane attacks on innocent again. 

"While condemning and praying for the lost it's time for us to stay calm and unite. Proud nation has to be strong!!"

Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's highest run-scorer in Test and one-day history, added: "I am shocked and saddened by these despicable acts of barbarism.

"My heart breaks for the victims and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

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I am shocked and saddened by these despicable acts of barbarism. My heart breaks for the victims and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to extend my love and condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and I wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery. I also wish more strength to the hearts and hands of the first responders and the medical personnel who are attending to the injured and to the security personnel who are trying to bring the situation under control. While we struggle to comprehend the depths of depravity people can descend to, and while we all grieve in unison, we need to find the strength to stand together as Sri Lankans; shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart. Together we can get through. Divided we have but little hope. Even though our hearts are overwhelmed with emotion, it is vital that we force our minds to be rational and intelligent. Do not rush to judgement or conclusions. Let’s give ourselves time to grieve. Let’s give ourselves the space to try and understand the ground reality.  Loved ones have died. Fellow Sri Lankans have died. Guests visiting our country have died. Do not buy into the spin or conjecture or the conspiracy theories. This is not a game. Eschew the efforts of those who shamefully try to politicise this tragedy.  Let the authorities investigate. Let the authorities bring these cowardly terrorists to justice. For us, our focus should be to love and support those who have been affected. To continue to have compassion and empathy for our neighbours. To keep each other safe. To try and ensure our thoughts, words and deeds enable and empower us to lift each other out of this tragedy. To join together and try our hardest to ensure that no such tragedy can ever occur again.

A post shared by Kumar Sangakkara Personal Page (@sangalefthander) on Apr 21, 2019 at 2:35am PDT

"I would like to extend my love and condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and I wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.

"I also wish more strength to the hearts and hands of the first responders and the medical personnel who are attending to the injured and to the security personnel who are trying to bring the situation under control."

Ex-seamer Chaminda Vaas, who took 355 Test wickets, joined the pair in urging his followers to keep his homeland in their prayers.

"Such a sad & dreadful day for our Mother Lankan," said the 45-year-old. "My Thoughts & heartfelt prayers to all affected victims.

"Let’s stay strong and stand against terrorism during this tragic time. Pray for Lanka."

Such a sad & dreadful day for our Mother Lankan. My Thoughts & heartfelt prayers to all effected victims. Let’s stay strong and stand against terrorism during this tragic time. Pray for Lanka 🇱🇰

— Chaminda Vaas (@chaminda_vaas) April 21, 2019