US Official Succumbs After Sri Lanka Easter Bombings
Tragedy struck again as a United States ambassador, originally wounded in the April 21 attacks on Colombo’s Shangri‑La luxury hotel, has passed away in a hospital. The toll of the worst single‑day civilian bombing in the Indian Ocean nation now sits at 258 deaths, 45 of which were foreigners.
Tribute From Washington
Ms. Alaina Teplitz, the U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, offered a heartfelt homage to our colleague Chelsea Decaminada:
“We pay tribute to Chelsea – and all those lost and injured – by partnering with Sri Lanka and nations worldwide to bring unity in the face of terrorism.”
Ms. Decaminada was a Duke University alumna who had been serving with the U.S. Commerce Department at the time of the blast. Though air‑lifted to Singapore for treatment, she unfortunately laid down over the weekend.
What Went Down
- Three high‑end hotels and three Christian churches were hit.
- Nearly 500 people were wounded.
- The attack was blamed on ISIS, but a local radical group, the National Thowheeth Jama‘ath, was also implicated.
Official Response
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross emphasized the need to keep pushing against global terror:
“As we mourn Chelsea’s loss, we must continue to fight terrorism around the world.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities have reportedly neutralized or arrested all the Islamists behind April 21’s bombs. Yet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warns that “global terrorism” remains a looming threat.
