Tributes paid to victims of Sri Lanka blasts

FAMILY members have been paying tributes to the British nationals who lost their lives in the Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday.

At least 359 people, including eight Britons, were killed in the attacks that targeted luxury hotels and churches.

Among those who died were two teenagers who were on the final day of their holiday.

Daniel, 19, and his 15-year-old sister Amelie were having breakfast with their father in the Shagri-La Hotel when they tragically lost their lives in an explosion.

Their older brother David told Sky News: "I think they were killed instantly... my sister looked unharmed and was taken to hospital. My father stayed with my brother... by the time they got to the hospital, he had passed away."

Another victim was Lorraine, who has been described by her husband as a real "tour de force." Lorraine was staying at the Cinnamon Grand hotel when the blasts went off.

"I've lost my best friend in the world for all the adventures we shared and planned for the future," her husband said in a statement. "Lorraine was a real tour de force, she epitomised the qualities she lived by, and was a conduit for bringing people together to both make things happen, and make them better."

World leaders have condemned Sunday's attacks, with British prime minister Theresa May calling the acts of violence truly "appalling."

She wrote on Twitter: "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.

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

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt also condemned the Sir Lanka blasts.

He tweeted: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the horrifying attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

"To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked."

The bombing victims include at least 31 foreigners from at least 12 countries.