Before reading the article:
What have you heard or read about the attacks that occurred on Sunday in Sri Lanka? What is known and not known about the incidents?
Now, read the article, “Sri Lanka Suicide Bombings Targeting Christians Kill Hundreds,” and answer the following questions:
1. How many people were killed in Sri Lanka on Sunday? How many were injured? Where did the attacks occur?
2. How many people have been arrested in connection with the bombings?
3. Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe? What remarks that he made, according to the article, suggest recent frictions within the government hierarchy?
4. What elements, according to the article, have created a “combustible atmosphere” in South Asia?
5. How has the government of Sri Lanka responded following the attacks?
6. How did word about the attacks spread?
Finally, tell us more about what you think:
1. What is the predominant religion in Sri Lanka? What percentage is Hindu, Muslim and Catholic, according to government figures?
2. When did Sri Lanka experience a civil war? What groups participated in that conflict?
3. Why did Sri Lanka block several social media networks in the wake of the terrorist attacks? Do you think the government was justified in making this decision? Why or why not?
