Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said.
Acting police chief C.D. Wickramaratne also said in a statement late Monday that explosives the Islamic State-linked group stocked for use in more attacks have been seized.
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Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said.
Police have detained 73 suspects for investigation since the bombings and have seized stocks of explosives, improvised explosive devices and hundreds of swords. They also found $140,000 in cash in bank accounts connected to the group and another $40 million worth of assets in land, houses, vehicles and jewelry, police said.
But on Tuesday, one of the churches targeted in the attacks, St. Anthony's Shrine in Colombo, opened part of the building to the public for the first time since the bombing, enabling devotees to pray in the church as was customary every Tuesday.
Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake on Monday urged the public to resume normal activities and trust in the security forces.
Sri Lankan Catholics seek blessings from priests outside the St. Anthony's church after it was partially opened for the first time since Easter Sunday attacks, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena)
The bombings killed 257 people and wounded hundreds at three churches and three hotels. Seven suicide bombers died at their targets while another exploded his device later at a guesthouse after it failed to detonate at a leading tourist hotel. A ninth killed herself to avoid capture by police at her home.
Sri Lankan Catholic priests walk outside the St. Anthony's church after it was partially opened for the first time since Easter Sunday attacks, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena)
Police have detained 73 suspects for investigation since the bombings and have seized stocks of explosives, improvised explosive devices and hundreds of swords. They also found $140,000 in cash in bank accounts connected to the group and another $40 million worth of assets in land, houses, vehicles and jewelry, police said.
Authorities have repeatedly said another attack from the extremist group was possible.
Sri Lanka's Catholic church hierarchy closed churches for a second weekend on Sunday as the faithful celebrated Mass from home watching live on television.
A Sri Lankan Catholic devotee prays outside the St. Anthony's church after it was partially opened for the first time since Easter Sunday attacks, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena)
But on Tuesday, one of the churches targeted in the attacks, St. Anthony's Shrine in Colombo, opened part of the building to the public for the first time since the bombing, enabling devotees to pray in the church as was customary every Tuesday.
Catholic schools remain closed after reports said two of their locations were to be attacked last weekend.
Government-run schools reopened for students in higher classes Monday but fewer students attended out of fear.
Sri Lankan Catholic devotees light candles outside the St. Anthony's church after it was partially opened for the first time since Easter Sunday attacks, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena)
Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake on Monday urged the public to resume normal activities and trust in the security forces.
"I ask the people not to fear unnecessarily, not to believe rumors ... believe in the tri-forces and police that defeated one of deadliest terrorist organizations in the world," he said, referring to ethnic Tamil separatists who fought a 26-year civil war. The conflict ended 10 years ago.
The air force warned Tuesday that it will shoot down drones in the country's airspace if necessary, saying they are a threat to national security. Authorities banned drones after last month's attacks, but some have been operated in some parts of the country, air force spokesman Gihan Seneviratne said.
Catholic devotees pray at the St. Anthony's church after it was partially opened for the first time since Easter Sunday attacks, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lankan Catholics seek blessings from priests outside the St. Anthony's church after it was partially opened for the first time since Easter Sunday attacks, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. Two bomb experts were among the suicide attackers who struck churches and hotels on Easter in Sri Lanka and all those directly involved in the bombings are either dead or under arrest, police said. (AP PhotoEranga Jayawardena)