World leaders condemn series of blasts in Sri Lanka

World leaders have condemned a series of blasts in Sri Lanka that killed more than 200 people on Sunday, including dozens of foreigners - with British, Dutch and American citizens believed to be among them.

According to several reports, at least 207 people were killed and hundreds more hospitalised from injuries in near simultaneous blasts that rocked three churches and three luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.

Here is a summary of the reactions from world leaders after the biggest violence in the South Asian country since its civil war ended a decade ago.

Bangladesh President and PM

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday strongly condemned the series blasts at three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka that left at least 207 people dead and hundreds more injured.

In a message, President Abdul Hamid expressed deep shock at the loss of lives in the blasts and prayed for the early recovery of the injured ones, according to officials at Bangabhaban.

He conveyed deep sympathy to the government and the people of Sri Lanka.

In another message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock and sorrow at the loss of lives in the blasts, according to a message sent to media by the press wing of the Prime Minister's Office.

She prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

She also prayed for quick recovery of the injured persons.

UN chief: 'Outraged by the terror attacks'

UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday said he was "outraged by the terror attacks" and called for the perpetrators to be "swiftly brought to justice".

The Secretary-General said in a statement that on what was "a sacred day for Christians around the world", he recalled "the sanctity of all places of worship".

The statement issued by his Spokesperson said the UN chief "expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and Government of Sri Lanka, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured".

He also commended "the leadership demonstrated by the authorities and unity of the people in Sri Lanka in the wake of the attacks."

Pope Francis: Easter attacks 'such cruel violence'

Pope Francis denounced the "cruel violence" of the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka and is praying for all those who are suffering from the bloodshed.

The Pope added an appeal at the end of his traditional Easter Sunday blessing to address the massacre which killed more than 130 people.

Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope said: "I want to express my loving closeness to the Christian community, targeted while they were gathered in prayer, and all the victims of such cruel violence."

He added: "I entrust to the Lord all those who were tragically killed and pray for the injured and all those who are suffering as a result of this dramatic event."

Britain: 'Stand together'

British Prime Minister Theresa May described the attacks as "truly appalling".

"The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time," she tweeted.

"We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear."

Merkel condemns 'religious hate and intolerance'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned the wave of bombings against Sri Lankan churches and tourist spots, urging that the "religious hate and intolerance that have showed themselves in such a terrible way today must not win".

"It is shocking that people who gathered to celebrate Easter together were consciously targeted in this malicious attack," Merkel said in a condolence telegram published by a spokesman on Twitter.

Donald Trump: 'We stand ready to help!'

"Heartfelt condolences from the people of the United States to the people of Sri Lanka on the horrible terrorist attacks on churches and hotels," he tweeted. "...We stand ready to help!"

The Netherlands: 'Terrible reports'

"Terrible reports from Sri Lanka about bloody attacks on hotels and churches on this Easter Sunday," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte tweeted after the attacks first emerged.

"Thoughts are with the victims and their relatives."

EU's Jean-Claude Juncker: 'Horror and sadness'

EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker expressed his "horror and sadness" at the attacks.

"It was with horror and sadness that I heard of the bombings in Sri Lanka costing the lives of so many people," Juncker said on Twitter, adding that the European Union stood ready to help.

"I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who had gathered to worship peacefully or come to visit this beautiful country," Juncker said.

Australia: 'Terrorist attack'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was thinking of those killed in a "horrific terrorist attack".

"To the beautiful people of Sri Lanka, Australia sends its heartfelt sympathies and our prayers and our support - and our offer to do whatever we can to support you in this terrible time of need," he said in a statement.

"At this time as Easter Sunday draws to a conclusion here in Australia, our heart goes out to those Christians and all of those other innocents who have been slaughtered today in this horrific terrorist attack."

New Zealand: 'Devastating'

A month after dozens of Muslims were killed in a shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described the attack as "devastating".

"New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating.

"New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence."

Catholic Church in Holy Land: 'Solidarity'

The Catholic Church in Jerusalem said the blasts were particularly sad as they "came while Christians celebrate Easter".

"We pray for the souls of the victims and ask for speedy recovery of the injured, and ask God to inspire the terrorists to repent of their killing and intimidation," the statement said.

"We also express our solidarity with Sri Lanka and all its inhabitants in their various religious and ethnic backgrounds."